A happy pet is a healthy pet! One indicator of your cat or dog’s well being is their fur or hair. Your pet’s coat should be strong and shiny. It’s beneficial to get to know the ideal coat qualities of your pet’s breed and to follow breed specific advice to maintain their fur or hair. Contact your veterinarian for more information.
Fur or Hair?
Fur Hair
| Definition | The thick coat of soft hair covering the skin of a non-human mammals, such as a fox or beaver. | A growth of such filaments, as that forming the coat of a human. |
| Growth pattern | Tends to grow in more synchronized manner and stops at a certain length. | Tends to grow independently and does not stop growing. |
| Composition | Includes double composition. | Single composition or texture. |
| Nature | Coarse, short. | Soft, long. |
You are what you eat
One of the best things you can do for your pet is to feed them a nutritious and well-balanced diet.Fatty acids (like DHA and EPA)??have beneficial effects on the skin, support the immune system and have anti-inflammatory effects and may be useful in the diet. Try Dr. Bruce’s Vet’s All Natural Skin & Coat Formula.??Please ask your veterinarian before changing your dog or cat’s diet.
It is important to make sure your pet gets a balance of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Please monitor your pet’s consumption level has high doses are dangerous.
Coat Invaders
Be aware of external parasites like mites, fleas and ticks which can be very bad for your pet’s health and in some cases infestation can cause death. Grooming your pet regularly will allow you to keep and eye on any creepy crawlies that are trying to make a home on your furry friend’s back.
Mites??are microscopic members of the arachnid family. They burrow under your dog’s skin and lay their eggs, the result can be inflamed, reddened patches of skin and incessant scratching.
Fleas can cause hair loss and itchiness and many pets actually suffer an allergy to them. Preventing fleas is a very important part of keeping your pet’s skin healthy.
Ticks??are parasites that feed on the animal and human blood. Tick borne diseases, tick paralysis and severe allergic reactions can pose serious health threat.??Read our blog about the Dangers of Tick Bites.
??Grooming is the Key
Keeping your dog or cat’s coat clean??and free of matted hair can will promote healthy skin for your pet.
- Bathing can remove any allergy-causing substances from the skin.
- Try using a natural shampoo like Dr. Bruce’s Vet’s All Natural Shampoo.
- Brushing can help distribute natural oils through the skin and hair coat.
Grooming also is a great opportunity to bond with your pet. Before you use any new products or practice any new grooming techniques please check with your veterinarian.
This Blog was written by the furry family at Petplan Australasia. Petplan Pet Insurance specialises in animal and animal industry insurance. Our practices keep the role that pet insurance plays in responsible pet ownership and the health of the pet at the forefront. For tips to keep your pet healthy, make sure you follow us on Facebook.
