Skin Conditions

Natural treatments for cats and dogs to promote healthy skin and relieve common skin conditions.

    treatments for cats and dogs to help relieve common skin conditions

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    1. Why are Skin Conditions Important?
    2. What Causes Unhealthy Skin Condition?
    3. Diagnosing Skin Condition Problems
    4. Help for Skin Condition
    5. More Information on Skin Condition

    Why are Skin Conditions Important?

    A pet’s skin and coat are one of the most visible signs of vitality and health. An animal’s skin is very sensitive – especially for dogs and cats. Although their skin secretes natural oil that helps to keep coats shiny and skin moisturized, an animal’s skin is in contact with the environment, and they lack the protection that clothes give us. Although they have extensive hair coats, fleas, allergies and parasites can wreak havoc on the skin.

    What Causes Unhealthy Skin Condition?

    Good nutrition is essential for normal, healthy skin. This relies greatly on giving your pet an adequate supply of nutrients, including protein, fatty acids, zinc, copper, vitamin A and B vitamins. Certain animals may have genetic or metabolic differences that may lead to skin and coat condition. Unhealthy treats and poor quality pet food may also result in skin problems and an unhealthy, uneven coat.

    Help for Skin Condition

    There are many lotions and sprays on the market to help keep an animal’s coat and skin in healthy and in good condition (keep in mind that many lotions and sprays contain synthetic chemicals). Dietary supplements are also available – however, these should be sourced from a reputable company.

    Natural Remedies

    There are many safe and natural herbal and homeopathic remedies for animals suffering from skin problems. Althaea officinalis root (marshmallow) is an excellent and well-known remedy for soothing the skin – while Melaleuca alternifolia can be used externally for promoting skin health and keeping the skin clean. Homeopathic remedies such as Ledum and Apis have excellent soothing properties and are particularly useful in soothing inflamed and irritated skin, helping to keep the condition of the skin healthy.

    More Information on Skin Condition

    Tips for healthy skin condition
    • If you know your pet has allergies to certain food ingredients, read the food label carefully to avoid those ingredients.
    • Control your pet’s fleas regularly! This is key in the battle against irritated skin.
    • If you bath your pets – do not bath them too often. Make sure you use a natural, gentle shampoo – and always dry them off properly. Never use human perfumes, moisturizers or talc on your pet’s skin.
    • Treat other rashes, especially fungal infections, even though they may not seem related and watch out for infection.
    • Avoid dressing your pet in clothing: the skin needs to ‘breathe’ and in the case of dermatitis related to allergies or triggers, some detergents may be at fault for your pet’s irritated skin.
    • Keep your pet’s nails short to avoid scratching or rubbing the itchy area
    • In warm weather seasons, speak to your vet about possibly shaving your pet’s fur (especially dog breeds with long hair). This can provide relief from eczema and other skin conditions.

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