As the weather gets warmer many pet owners will be spending more time outdoors with their four-legged friends.
This could be in their garden or on country walks and with pollen counts rising and pets running on the grass and rummaging around flower beds, they are more susceptible to situations that cause itchy, sensitive skin.
Itchy pets with sensitive skin can be a common reason for pet owners to visit the vets, with many looking for a solution to help soothe their pet.
Korina Stephens RVN from Nutravet comments: “Just like humans, our pets can develop allergies at this time of year and suffer due to the amount of pollen around. Outdoor seasonal allergens can include ragweed, grasses, and pollens.
“Maintaining a pet’s skin and coat health is an important part of animal health. When observing your pet, a healthy coat should be shiny but not greasy and will be soft and quite smooth. An unhealthy coat on a dog will be dry and brittle and could also be greasy with a dusty appearance. There could also be a few bald spots and an unpleasant smell.”
To help to maintain your pet’s skin and coat health, Nutravet share some positive actions you can take:
Regular grooming
This will help to remove loose hairs, keep your pet’s coat free from dirt and distribute natural skin oils, which help to make their coat shiny. Try not to over-groom them, as this could lead to irritation on the skin.
Hydration
Provide your pet with a constant supply of fresh and clean water to keep your pet cool and hydrated. Like us, your cat or dog requires water to maintain healthy skin.
Food
Feed your pet a healthy nutritional diet all year round. Foods rich in fatty acids, oils and vitamins can support healthy skin. Often pets can receive an unnatural diet, which is too high in Omega-6 fatty acids derived from high levels of cereals and vegetable proteins. Special Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA from refined fish oil are important to counteract the Omega-6 imbalance. Pet supplements can help to ensure you pet receives a supply of Omega-3.
Protect your pet from the sun
Like humans, overexposure to the sun is bad for your pet’s skin. Pets with light skin and short or thin hair, such as white cats are more susceptible to sensitive skin caused from the sun. Try to limit the amount of time your pet spends in the sun and watch for signs of burning.
Parasite control
One of the most common causes of skin complaints for pets is parasites and fleas. Prevention is always the best treatment for flea control. Be sure to treat all pets, indoor and outdoor, as outdoor pets can carry fleas to indoor pets. Consult your vet for the best product to treat your pet. Remember to also treat anywhere in the home where your pet goes – beds and furniture etc.
Keep bedding clean
Regularly clean, provide fresh bedding and reduce dust in your home. Vacuum on a regular basis, which will help to get rid of any excess dust. This will include rugs, curtains and any other material that gathers dust.
Reduce stress for your pet
Stress can lead to over grooming. Cats use behaviours such as grooming to make themselves feel better during stressful situations. Try to understand what it causing your pet to be anxious and eliminate the cause.
Consider using natural supplements
Nutracoat contains high strength Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E, which naturally calm sensitive skin, soothe dry, flaky skin and reduce itching and scratching.
If you are worried about your dog or cat, contact your vet, they are in the best position to offer advice.
For more information and tips visit www.nutravet.co.uk
