Category: Itching & scratching

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Dog with dry skin

dog with dry skin

If you have a dog with dry skin, there could be many reasons for this. As a pet owner it’s never nice to see your dog suffering.

Dry skin can be easier to spot on dogs with short hair compared to longer coated dogs. If you part the coat you may be able to see flakes of skin. Dry skin can lead to an itchy dog and can become worse at certain times of the year.

A dog with dry skin may scratch, lick or bite themselves – sometimes to the point of causing injury. Other symptoms can include hair loss from excessive scratching or skin that appears dry, flaky, scaly or otherwise irritated.

Why do dogs get dry skin?

Dehydration
If your dog has mild dehydration, this can show as dry skin. If you feed your dog dry food, this automatically absorbs lots of moisture from the body and may lead to your dog drinking more water.

Allergies
Allergies are a common reason for dry skin on dogs. These can be more apparent in springtime, and the allergic response by the body can cause sensitivity in the skin and itching.

Poor diet
A low-quality diet means that your dog may not be receiving the essential nutrients that make for healthy skin and a shiny coat.

Weather
Cold or windy weather – especially when combined with the dryness caused by indoor heating systems – can really take its toll on your dog’s skin. As seasons change you may also seem other symptoms such as itching and flaking.

Defective moisture barrier
The skin has a moisture barrier (made up of skin cells, proteins and fats) that helps to retain moisture in the skin. Sometimes this becomes compromised or is just not as good in some dogs as others and can cause dry skin.

How to support your dog’s dry skin

Plenty of water
To help replenish the moisture in your dog’s dry skin, be sure to provide plenty of fresh, clean water daily.

Diet
Giving your dog a high-quality diet is essential to support their skin health. Often pets are unwittingly fed an unnatural diet, which is too high in Omega-6 fatty acids derived from high levels of cereals and vegetable proteins. Supplementing their diet with Omega-3 for dogs can help to counteract the Omega-6 imbalance and will help to support their skin and coat health.

Grooming
Regularly brushing your dog’s coat will help to distribute natural skin oils and keep their coat shiny. Try not to groom them more often than once a week as this could lead to irritation on the skin.

Protect from cold weather
Limit the amount of time your dog spends out in cold weather and use a moisturising shampoo to help relieve their dry skin. Don’t over bathe your dog as this could worsen their dry skin. Be sure to only use animal specific shampoos.

Omega-3s
Supplement your dog’s diet with Omega-3s. As well as supporting healthy skin and coat, Omega-3s appear to improve skin barrier function, sealing the moisture and keeping out irritants.

If you have a dog with dry skin, ask your vet about Nutramega which contains highly refined Omega-3 fish oil from ocean sardines.

Nutramega has been specially formulated to support an animal’s natural systems that control inflammation. The high-strength formula of Omega-3s (EPA and DHA) fatty acids combined with d-biotin and Vitamin E work synergistically to aid and sooth the skin.

 

 

 

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Common signs of sensitive skin in pets

Sensitive skin in pets

Sensitive skin in pets is one of the most common reasons a pet owner will take their dog or cat to visit the vet.

In dogs, there are certain breeds that may need more support for their skin and coat than others, we share some common signs your pet has sensitive skin to help recognise the symptoms.

In dogs, it is particularly common for Terriers, Setters, Retrievers, Spaniels and Dalmatians to visit the vet with a need to support a healthy skin and coat.

Your pet’s skin has a multitude of jobs to do, so it’s important to understand the common signs of sensitive skin and keep it in good condition. Your pet may need skin and coat support for a number of reasons, including things such as fleas, food allergies and an acute fatty balance.

Common signs of sensitive skin in pets could include:

  • Thin or balding patches
  • A dull or greasy coat
  • Persistent itching and scratching
  • Dry or flaky skin
  • Hair loss or moulting
  • Constant grooming or licking
  • Redness and inflammation
  • Scabs and crusts on the skin

Your pet may have all year round symptoms, which could mean that they are allergic to something in your home, however there are allergic reactions that are seasonal. Outdoor seasonal allergens can include, ragweed, grasses and pollens.

Speak to your vet about any of the above and ask them for more information on additional ways to maintain the health of your pet. Your vet is best placed to monitor your pet’s health and can offer advice depending on your pet’s health needs.

Nutramega has a unique formula specifically designed to soothe, calm and reduce itching and scratching naturally. Ask your vet for more information on ways to help your pet with their skin and coat and how Nutramega can help to maintain healthy skin and coat in dogs or cats.

 

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Omega-3 for dogs and cats

Omega-3 for dogs and cats

Omega-3 for dogs and cats can provide pets with itchy skin relief.

If you have an itchy pet, natural supplements with Omega-3 for dogs and cats can calm sensitive skin and help to reduce the itching and scratching.

Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid that the body needs but cannot produce naturally. Supplementing your pet’s diet with Omega-3 can not only support their skin and coat health, but also maintain healthy brain function and joint health.

Often cats and dogs unwittingly receive an unnatural diet, which is too high in Omega-6 fatty acids derived from high levels of cereals and vegetable proteins. Special Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) from refined fish oil are particularly important to counteract the Omega 6 imbalance.

Sources of animal Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA include, fish, fish oils, eggs from chickens fed EPA and DHA, squid oils and krill oil. Nutravet uses highly refined Omega-3 fish oil from ocean sardines. The fish oil is put through an exclusive 6-step manufacturing process to extract the beneficial Omega-3s EPA and DHA from the oil and refining to the highest quality strength. Refining the oil also removes heavy metals and other undesirable pollutants to ensure maximum purity.

Feeding additional Omega-6 fatty acids can worsen the condition of your pet’s skin, therefore, it’s important to consider the ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3. Pets need both, but in the correct proportions.

Introducing your pet to Omega-3 supplements, such as Nutramega, which contains highly refined Omega-3 fish oil from ocean sardines, are particularly important to counteract the Omega-6 imbalance and do not include any added Omega-6 fatty acids.

Nutramega provides high strength nutritional support for itchy dogs and also includes d-biotin, which synthesises fatty acids and is important for maintaining healthy skin, coat and nails. If you are looking for Omega-3 for dogs and cats then Nutramega is recommended by vets throughout the UK as a high strength nutritional support for healthy skin and glossy coat.