In winter, area veterinarians see an increase in pets with dry and itchy skin, loss of natural skin oils and protective barriers, static electricity when touching animals, and cracked noses and pads.
We have officially gotten into the post-holiday, wintry weather in western Pennsylvania, which means the decorations are packed up and many homes’ windows will remain closed until spring. Most homes get little outside air ventilation in order to maintain comfortable temperatures from forced air heat, wood burners or fireplaces, which creates drier air with low humidity.
For veterinarians in our area, we see an increase in pets with dry and itchy skin, loss of natural skin oils and protective barriers, static electricity when touching animals, and cracked noses and pads.
Dogs and cats suffer from skin and ear health concerns. Sometimes this shows up as dandruff with flakes, an oily or greasy feel to skin (the skin’s reaction to loss of moisture), a strong odor or rancid smell, peeling skin, red patches, pustules or papules (red bumps), scratching, licking or biting anywhere on the body, and rubbing on the carpet or furniture.
Dry patches often appear on the back, while abdominal and flank skin (which is thinner) often has more peeling.
In cats, overgrooming is often not noticed by owners, unless they check their feline companion’s underside. Be certain to give your kitty a belly rub at least once a week to check for missing hair. Check the backs of the rear legs, as well.
When checking your dog for dry skin, check the belly, between back legs, under armpits, areas where a collar rubs the underside of the neck, and pay attention to dandruff in your pet’s grooming tools.
If your pet has a skin odor or keeps you up with licking, scratching and rubbing, take him to the vet for an exam, before trying home remedies that can worsen the situation.
To prevent dry skin or restore your pet’s comfort, try these tips:
1. Increase oils in the diet with organic, cold-pressed oils like olive or coconut oil, deep-water, wild-caught fish oils (be sure heavy metals have been extracted), and cultured raw goat milk.
2. Feed a naturally moist diet, rather than dry, processed foods. Raw and good-quality, canned diets can help produce a better coat. Nutrients, like Omega-3, fatty acids are best absorbed when enzymes with probiotics are added to the food; this improves skin health and moisture.
3. Encourage water consumption by topping the bowl off frequently or providing a free-flowing water dispenser, and avoid winter tap water (higher in chlorine and chloramine in winter), and filtered water in plastic bottles. Reverse osmosis water is preferred. Provide water bowls in several areas of the home.
4. Add a whole home humidifier to your heating system, or a humidifier in rooms in which you and your pet spend most time relaxing. If your budget doesn’t allow for this, try misting water daily or putting a low tray of water near heat outflow vents.
5. Decrease processed snacks with glycerin, salt, molasses, soy, corn wheat and grains, smoked bones and rawhide chews.
6. Bathe and moisturize weekly with therapeutic shampoos (your vet can make a recommendation), but be certain to use detergent-free shampoos, not dish soap or inexpensive dog shampoo with high lather. Do not use human shampoos.
7. After shampooing, lock in moisture with a good pet coat conditioner or essential oil-based moisturizer. Some coat conditioners can be diluted and used as a spray to decrease static and improve coat quality.
8. Help prevent and treat cracked pads and noses with high-quality paw balm. Apply these products before going out for a walk. Be certain to wipe pads to remove snow-melt products and ice before coming back into the home.
9. Control household allergens, including harsh cleaners on bedding and litter boxes.
10. Keep up with grooming and flea and tick products. Parasites don’t take a break in winter, and having skin parasites can create cracked and irritated skin, which is more vulnerable to infection.
Remember, skin health can be a reflection of internal health problems. If these tips don’t do the trick to restore a healthy coat, a trip to the vet can help you determine if there is a more serious condition. Some pets with skin and coat dryness may be in the early stages of diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid disorders, Cushing’s disease, or even cancer.
In older pets, or those showing any behavior or appetite changes, be sure not to delay a vet visit. If your pet’s doctor recommends blood and urine testing, follow through. Early diagnosis can help keep your pet healthy, and if blood work is normal, you can feel more confident about using a shampoo and diet change to improve your pet’s health.
Dr. Cynthia Maro is a veterinarian at the Ellwood Animal Hospital in Ellwood City and the Chippewa Animal Hospital in Chippewa Township. She writes a biweekly column on pet care and health issues. If you have a topic you’d like to have addressed, please email ellwoodvet@msn.com.
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January 13, 2020 at 03:18PM
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Address dry skin and itching in pets - News - Waynesboro Record Herald - Waynesboro, PA - Waynesboro, PA - Waynesboro Record Herald
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