The role of the skin

17 May 2023

Do you know of a garment that is waterproof, elastic, wrinkle-free, self-regenerating, adapts to the external temperature, and is particularly durable? This garment exists: it is the skin.

How is the skin structured ? Let’s take a closer look:

The outer layer: the epidermis

What is the structure of the epidermis ? The epidermis is made up of cells and lipids. The majority of the cells present are keratinocytes, which are constantly renewing themselves and migrating towards the surface. During this progression, the keratinocytes progressively lose their nucleus and die. When they reach the surface, the keratinocytes are eliminated: this is desquamation.
What is the role of the epidermis ? The organisation of the cells into lamellae associated with lipids forms a skin barrier which protects against aggression and trauma. When the skin barrier is damaged, bacteria and germs of all kinds can penetrate and find a favorable environment for their development.

Caution: The skin of our dogs and cats is thinner and less acidic than that of humans. To respect their skin, it is essential to use only suitable shampoos, creams and sprays.

The middle layer: the dermis

What is the structure of the dermis ? Made up of connective tissue, cells, and proteins, this is where the sebaceous glands and hair follicles are located, as well as nerves and numerous blood vessels.
What does the dermis do ? The structures in the dermis enable the skin to perform many functions such as maintaining water and electrolyte balance, healing, immunity and vitamin D synthesis. It is in the dermis that certain proteins such as collagen and elastin are manufactured, which give the skin its elasticity and suppleness.

Did you know that ? It is the sensory receptors and nerve endings in the dermis that allow the skin to be sensitive to its environment (touch, pressure, temperature, pain).

The deep layer: the hypodermis

What is the structure of the hypodermis ? It contains connective tissue, blood vessels and nerves, and subcutaneous fat.
What is the role of the hypodermis ? The hypodermis is the interface with the underlying structures (muscles). It is mainly a storage place for fat that can be used as an energy reserve or to keep out the cold. This fatty layer is also a mechanical protection that absorbs shocks.

In conclusion, the skin is a complex organ with multiple vital roles and deserves special attention (skin changes: when to worry) from us to maintain the health and well-being of our four-legged companions.

Bibliography :

DermaVet – Dermatologie Vétérinaire : This website provides information on the dermatology of dogs and cats.

DermaVeto — dermatoveto.fr : Website created by a veterinarian specialized in dermatology

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The importance of diet for skin and coat quality in dogs and cats

The skin is the body's largest organ, representing between 12% and 24% of the animal's weight, and its surface area in a dog weighing around thirty kilograms is close to one square meter. It's hardly surprising, then, that the quality and quantity of the dog's diet can have an impact on this organ, and in the event of a deficiency can lead to problems that go far beyond a simple visual appearance.

Key nutrients for healthy skin and coat

Among the macro-nutrients, proteins play a crucial role. They provide amino acids, including sulphur amino acids, which are essential for the structure of the skin and coat. These are the main components of collagen, which gives the skin its suppleness and resistance, and of keratin, which plays a part in the effectiveness of the skin barrier. Lipids are also important; they make up the bulk of cell membranes and, in the skin, contribute significantly to the effectiveness of the cutaneous barrier. Among lipids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help maintain healthy skin, modulate inflammatory mechanisms and promote a shiny, soft coat. Vitamins and minerals are also involved. Vitamin A is necessary for cell renewal, as is vitamin D, which also plays a part in the skin's natural defences. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, while B vitamins and biotin are essential co-factors in the synthesis of various skin elements such as ceramides, keratin and collagen. Among the minerals, zinc is involved in synthesis, protection against free radicals and immune defence mechanisms.

Disorders linked to inadequate nutrition

Inadequate or poor-quality food can lead to skin problems in our pets. A deficiency in essential fatty acids leads to dry, flaky skin, a dull coat and brittle hair. When it's the vitamins and minerals that are in short supply, synthesis is affected, the skin barrier can be less effective and the breeding ground for infections and inflammations that can lead to itching. On the other hand, these nutritional benefits can be used to compensate for individual sensitivities and improve the quality of the skin and coat in the event of dermatological disorders or diseases.

Conclusion

The quality of a dog's skin and the beauty of its coat are directly influenced by the quality of its diet. However, some dogs and cats have increased needs, and it is therefore necessary to provide them with greater quantities of useful nutrients. This is particularly true in the case of certain dermatological disorders, to help compensate for imbalances and accompany the medical treatments prescribed by your vet.