Our furry friends, just like us, can experience sensitive skin. While we can decide what to do when that happens, our pets must rely on us to take action. Make sure you are aware of your pet’s skin, and be prepared to help.
Sensitive Skin Happens
Ever wonder why your dog deals with sensitive skin in the first place? The changing of the seasons can make a difference. As we head into fall, the furnaces are going to come on in most areas. That means dryness. The weather will also be changing–more reasons sensitive skin can happen.
Think about what you do when you get sensitive skin, you itch. And you’re not walking around with a fur coat 24/7! A dog’s skin is an important attribute of their overall health. A part of the immune system, it’s a natural barrier to germs. When your dog is dealing with sensitive skin, they aren’t experiencing optimal health.
- Dry, flaky skin (like a dandruff)
- Itchy ears or other areas
- Unpleasant odor
- Increased hair loss
- Lots of scratching (Make sure fleas aren’t an issue)
- Reactions because of occasional or seasonal allergies
What to watch out for:
Harsh grooming products. Get a shampoo that is pH balanced for dogs and free from all those things you should avoid in your own shampoo like parabens and sulphates. Don’t use human shampoo, a dog’s skin is different and needs an appropriate shampoo.
Frequent baths. Is your dog getting bathed enough? It’s important to give your dog an adequate amount of bathing. Once a month is a standard unless they are smelly or dirty. Don’t over-bathe. A certain amount of oil is needed to maintain healthy skin. Work with your groomer and vet to determine the right amount of bathing for your dog’s type of coat. Do the huggable test: what do you smell when giving a hug?
Where you go outside: Grass, leaves, dust, pollen, dust mites, there’s no end of things that can irritate sensitive skin. Be aware of where you are walking your dog or allowing outside play. After a walk, take a damp towel and rub down your dog, especially the paws and feet.
Food: Work with your vet to make sure your dog is not eating food that is causing skin sensitivities.
Help Maintain Normal Moisture Content in Skin
Omega SkinCare from Terry Naturally Animal Health is a sound solution to support canine sensitive skin. It’s a specially formulated blend of fatty acids that combines organic flax, pumpkin, sunflower, and sesame oils with cod liver oil for the synergistic strength of omega-3, -6, and -9 plus EPA and DHA. In a clinical research study, dogs receiving supplemental omega fatty acids saw significant support for healthy skin, confirming the importance of these nutrients for optimal skin health. And Omega Skincare comes in a protective package to preserve the delicate oils and ensure their full potency for the best results.Give Omega SkinCare to your dog daily for an easy way to support canine skin health in every season, including the fall. A happy, healthy pup is a great addition to a beautiful Autumn.