How to Care For Your Pets’ Skin, Coat, and Paws
Your pet’s skin is much thinner than ours and therefore requires a healthy coat to protect it. The skin is also a highly sensitive organ that contains your pet’s allergy receptors. Intact, healthy skin is essential in warding off infections that can arise from scratching due to allergies. Your pet’s paws are also susceptible to environmental conditions such as hot pavement in the summer and salt on sidewalks in the winter, which can cause damage and lead to infection.
An unhealthy coat can lead to matting, which can cause your pet to lick excessively. This can lead to the development of hot spots, skin infections, and lesions.
Signs that your pet has a skin and/or coat condition include:
- Dry, flaky skin
- Matting of the hair coat
- Irritated or red skin
- Limping from dry or cracked paws
You Can Help
Regular grooming and maintenance of your pet’s skin and coat greatly reduce the chances of hair matting and infections and keep your pet looking and feeling his or her best. Should your pet experience any signs of damaged or infected skin or tender paws, contact your veterinarian. Soothing products may help ease the discomfort.
