Whether you like to groom your pets yourself or you take your pets to a professional, a grooming session can reveal a lot about your pet’s health. While you’re doing something as simple as brushing your dog or cat, you can check them for a lot of problems you may not notice otherwise.
A normal, healthy coat will have soft, pliable hair. Yes, even in wire-haired breeds, you will be able to detect a certain softness and flexibility. You should be able to see a certain shine or luster to the coat. It will look full, not patchy or thin. The skin below the hair will look clean, and be free of scales or scabs.
On the other hand, you may see that your dog or cat’s coat is dull or coarse. The hairs may be brittle and broken off. The skin below the hair may be greasy, flaky, or dry. Maybe they have excessive dandruff.
So what do you do about your pet’s not-quite-perfect skin and coat?
Skin and coat problems may be the result of improper nutrition. Check to see that you are feeding your dog or cat food that is high in protein. You want the first thing on the label to be meat, fish, or fowl.
Adding a little oil to your pet’s food can ease dry, itchy skin. Your vet or groomer may suggest Vitamin E capsules. An oatmeal shampoo can also ease an extreme case of the itchies.
Scaly skin flakes can also be an indicator of something you think might not be related! My brother’s dog Kuma always had scaly gray flakes on her black coat. I used to call it “Kuma Dust”. At a recent check-up, the vet noticed her excessive dandruff and weight gain and suggested that she may have a thyroid problem. Testing showed that it was indeed a thyroid problem. I can’t think of many people who aren’t vets that would have made the scaly flake – thyroid connection!
When in doubt, ask your vet. A dull coat and flaky skin may be an indicator of something more serious than a need for a bath!