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The skin care routine for dogs and cats

18 June 2024

Taking care of your dog or cat’s skin is essential for their well-being and overall health. Here are a few tips for an effective skin care routine. 

 

Brushing

Brushing helps to remove dead hairs, reduce tangles and stimulate blood circulation. It also helps to distribute the natural oils in the coat and check for parasites. Dogs with long or thick hair may need daily brushing, while those with short hair can be brushed once or twice a week. For cats, weekly brushing is generally sufficient, although long-haired breeds such as Persians should be brushed daily.  

 

Skin inspection

When brushing, take the opportunity to inspect your pet’s skin. Look for signs of redness, pimples or parasites. If you spot any abnormalities, consult your vet, who will be able to diagnose and treat your pet appropriately.  

 

Shampoos

Using a special shampoo for animals is essential for cleaning your pet’s coat and caring for its skin. Human shampoos can be too aggressive for your pet’s skin. If your pet’s skin and coat are healthy, a physiological shampoo is perfectly suitable. On the other hand, if your pet has skin problems, there are solutions, such as moisturising shampoos or shampoos that regulate sebum production. These should be used in addition to the treatments prescribed by your vet.  

 

Hydration and nutrition

A balanced diet is essential for healthy skin. Make sure your pet’s diet contains essential fatty acids, such as omega 3 and omega 6, which promote supple skin and a shiny coat.  

For dry skin, using a spray or balm can help. These products help to restore the skin’s natural moisture.  

 

Veterinary care

Regular veterinary check-ups are important for maintaining the skin health of your dog and cat. These visits enable skin problems to be detected at an early stage and appropriate treatment to be put in place quickly. 

 

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

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. 

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