Cuddly Carnivores

A pet’s fur is a good sign of their overall health. Shiny, smooth fur usually means a pet is healthy, while dull or patchy fur can be a sign of problems. Some pets have health issues that affect their coats, but there are still ways to help any cat or dog have healthier skin, fur, and overall well-being.

Grooming habits

Changing how you groom your pet is an easy way to help them stay healthy. Try to brush your pet at least once a week, even if they have short hair, to remove loose fur. Pay extra attention to spots where collars or harnesses rest, as well as the armpits and belly, to look for irritation, parasites, or tangles.

Most healthy dogs do not need frequent baths. However, poodle mixes and dogs with complex coats may need to be bathed more often to maintain skin and coat health. Dogs with very short hair or face folds might also need extra baths because they tend to have more skin irritation, allergies, or yeast infections.

When you bathe your pet, choose a shampoo that is unscented or only lightly scented. Strong smells that seem nice to us can bother your pet’s sensitive nose and skin. For healthy pets, you can also try other options like sanitary trims, waterless baths, and grooming wipes instead of bathing often.

Considerations for Cats

Most cats can keep themselves clean and usually do not need baths. Still, it helps to get your cat used to baths when they are young if you can. This makes things easier if you ever need to bathe them later and can help avoid stress or injury. Cats with health issues like obesity, IBS, old age, and hairless breeds may need more baths. Ask your vet or a professional groomer what is best for your cat.

Collars

Take off training tools like prong collars and harnesses when you are not walking or training your pet. This helps prevent matting and other problems where the tools sit. Leaving them on too long can hurt your pet’s fur, hide skin and coat health problems such as hotspots, and even affect your relationship with them.

Bacteria and bowls

Using stainless steel or ceramic bowls instead of plastic, and washing them every day, can help your pet’s skin around their face. Problems like tear stains, cat acne, and redness near the mouth can come from bacteria that stick to plastic bowls, even if you wash them often. Plastic bowls hold onto bacteria and other things that can harm your pet’s skin and coat.

Some pets do better with filtered water, either in their bowl or from a fountain. Good filters can take out extra particles and organic matter, which may help reduce tear stains in pets that are prone to them.

Hydration

Fountains can help keep your pet hydrated, which is important for their health and for their skin and coat. Pets that do not get enough water may have dry, dull, or brittle fur that breaks easily. Hydration is especially important for cats, since they often do not drink enough water and need moisture from their food. Fountains can encourage cats to drink more because they notice running water more easily.

Omega Fatty Acids

Many commercial pet foods do not have the right balance of omega fatty acids. Omegas are fats that our cells need to work well. Essential fatty acids are ones that pets can only get from food or supplements. Pets can make some omega-9s, but they need to get omega-3s and omega-6s from their diet.

There are three main types of omega-3 fatty acids: EPA, DHA, and ALA. Dogs and cats are not good at using ALA, which comes from plants. EPA and DHA, found mostly in fish oils, are a better choice for most pets. Giving your pet more omega fatty acids can help their skin, coat, brain, heart health, and joints.

Diet

Feeding your pet more protein can make their skin and coat healthier. Hair is mostly made of a protein called keratin. Dogs with long or thick hair may need more protein to keep their coats healthy than dogs with short hair.

Keeping common allergens and irritants out of your pet’s food and environment can help prevent dry skin and irritation. Finding out what your pet is allergic to can take time, but it is worth it for their health. Common home irritants include scented candles, oil diffusers, and pesticides. Dietary irritants can include corn, wheat, soy, and some proteins.

Feeding your pet a diet that is easy to digest and includes whole foods and fresh meat can improve their gut health, which often shows in their skin and coat. A diet with the right vitamins and minerals helps your pet look healthy. For some pets, eating the right foods can also reduce dander and shedding.

Conclusion

There are many simple changes you can make to improve your pet’s skin and coat health. Adding just a few of these tips to your routine can make a big difference. Even if your pet has skin issues from ongoing health problems, boosting their overall health can help their body condition and well-being, leading to a happier, healthier life.