Skin and Coat Care

Brush up on skin and coat care.

Your pet’s skin and hair are good indicators of their overall health. Unfortunately, these parts of the body are prone to a variety of ailments and conditions. Skin and coat issues are common in pets and are a leading cause of veterinary appointments.

While some licking and scratching are normal, prolonged itching can be a sign of ongoing dermatological problems. Special care should be made to regularly check your pet’s coat for redness and inflammation, scabs, dry irritated skin, rashes, lesions, abnormal hair loss and discoloration. These symptoms are signs of underlying medical complications that may be afflicting your cat or dog.

A broad range of skin and coat problems can affect your pet, common disorders include:

• Bacterial/Fungal Infections
• Autoimmune Skin Diseases
• Atopy
• Mange
• Ringworm
• Food Allergies
• Metabolic or Hormonal Problems

Practicing proper hygiene can prevent many skin problems. Regularly washing your pet with hypoallergenic shampoo will keep their coat healthy and periodic brushing helps keep the hair from matting. Anti-parasite medicine should be applied as directed to prevent ticks and fleas. Finally, a balanced diet can prevent future complications by providing optimal nutrition for skin and hair health.

Because of the many causes of skin abnormalities, diagnosing the problem is particularly complicated. If you suspect your pet may be experiencing dermatological issues it’s important that you schedule an appointment with your Village Vet veterinarian immediately.