Skin and Coat Problems in Dogs and
Cats
Author:
Elyse Grau
The skin, your pet's largest organ, acts as a barrier
against harmful invasions from the environment. As an organ of
elimination, symptoms of disease often show up in the skin and
the body rids itself of toxins
Skin problems are probably the most common ailments seen in
dogs. Usually they are not a disease in themselves, but a
symptom of another underlying problem.
The most common reason for skin problems in both dogs and cats
is an allergy. Foods, pollens, dust or medications may cause
signs of allergy. Problems can also show up due to dietary
deficiency or poor diet in general. Symptoms include such as
itching, redness, and poor coat quality.
If no other reason for the problem can be found, it is time to
look for food allergies. Changing to a premium or home-made dog
food can usually make a big difference in a short time. Often
simply adding raw meat to the diet is enough to see an
improvement.
If the problem persists, or the pet is already on a healthy
diet, then you must look at the specific ingredients in the
food. Beef, chicken, corn and soy are the most common
allergens, but cats and dogs, like people, can be allergic to
anything. Try eliminating the above four things first, if that
doesn't work a more drastic "elimination diet" may be
necessary. This usually takes at least 6-8 weeks to get a good
reading.
If no food allergy can be identified, or if eliminating an
offending food has not solved the problem, then you must look
to the environment - inside as well as outside. Once an
allergic reaction has been allowed to continue for some time,
the immune system is taxed and the body may become sensitive to
other irritants.
Play detective! Ask yourself if anything has changed in the
house recently; new carpeting, new cabinetry, fresh paint?
These things can all give off chemicals which may cause
illness. Are the symptoms seasonal? Pollens are a common
allergen, and difficult to avoid, especially for a dog. Did the
symptoms start suddenly? What happened just before they
appeared - vaccinations? Other illness? Emotional upset?
Finding and eliminating the cause can be a long and difficult
process.
Essential Fatty Acids, also known as Omega-3 and Omega-6 are
important nutrients for the skin and coat of dogs and cats. You
might also consider certain herbs, such as Milk Thistle or
Dandelion, which support the liver and help the body detoxify.
There are many natural topical products that can be used to
calm the symptoms.
Bathing is not always the answer. If the dog's coat is dry,
bathing may just make matters worse. If you must bathe, use a
gentle shampoo. For dogs or cats with itchy skin, look for
oatmeal as one of the ingredients in a pet shampoo.
Another common cause of itching and redness for dogs and cats
is flea bite dermatitis. Not all animals are allergic, but
fleas will at least cause scratching or biting in all pets
simply because they are annoying! Flea allergies however, cause
the pests to be more than just an annoyance. Symptoms of flea
allergy include hair loss, redness, and sometimes sores kown as
"hot spots".
If you suspect your pet has fleas but you haven't actually seen
any, look for the tell-tale black "specks" at the base of the
hairs. Fleas particularly love the areas at the base of the
tail, ears and hind legs (where they meet the belly). To
determine if the specks are flea dirt (dried blood) and not
just dirt, put some on a white paper or cloth and wet them. If
they turn red, you've got fleas.
Some diseases cause symptoms of the skin and coat. Thyroid
imbalances may cause dull, flaky or greasy coat and sometimes
hair loss. Skin and ear infections are common with Cushing's
Disease.
There are some specific skin diseases as well. Mange is caused
by a mite and causes lesions and hair loss, usually around the
mouth and eyes. This most often clears up on its own, but some
dogs and cats cannot rid themselves of the mites and have a
more severe case. Ringworm is a highly contagious fungus
affecting cats, dogs and people (especially children). It shows
up as circular lesions that are raw, hairless and scaly. The
disease spreads rapidly.
Boredom or anxiety can cause a dog to lick its paws repeatedly
and constantly, resulting in "lick granulomas". These are
raised nodules, often rough and scaly. There is also a group of
autoimmune diseases called Pemphigus which cause scaly skin,
scabs and pustules. Some breeds are particularly susceptible to
the disease.
About the Author:
Elyse Grau has written many articles on pet health and care.
They are based on her own experience and knowledge, as well as
extensive research and interviews.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com -
Skin and Coat Problems in Dogs and
Cats
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