Skin and Coat Problems in Dogs and Cats
The skin is a body’s largest organ. It acts as a barrier
against harmful invasions from the environment. It also is
one of the methods by which the body eliminates toxins.

Skin problems are probably the most common ailments seen in
dogs. Usually they are not a disease in themselves, but a
symptom of another underlying problem.

The most common reason for skin problems in both dogs and
cats is an allergy. It may be dietary, environmental,
chemical or drug related. Problems can also show up due to
dietary deficiency or poor diet in general. Symptoms
include such as itching, redness, and poor coat quality.

If no other reason for the problem can be found, it is time
to look for food allergies. Changing to a premium or
home-made dog food can usually make a big difference in a
short time. Often simply adding raw meat to the diet is
enough to see an improvement.

If the problem persists, or the pet is already on a healthy
diet, then you must look at the specific ingredients in the
food. Beef, chicken, corn and soy are the most common
allergens, but cats and dogs, like people, can be allergic
to anything. Try eliminating the above four things first,
if that doesn’t work a more drastic “elimination diet” may
be necessary. This usually takes at least 6-8 weeks to get
a good reading.

If no food allergy can be identified, or if eliminating an
offending food has not solved the problem, then you must
look to the environment – inside as well as outside. Once
an allergic reaction has been allowed to continue for some
time, the immune system is taxed and the body may become
sensitive to other irritants.

Play detective! Ask yourself if anything has changed in
the house recently; new carpeting, new cabinetry, fresh
paint? These things can all give off chemicals which may
cause illness. Are the symptoms seasonal? Pollens are a
common allergen, and difficult to avoid, especially for a
dog. Did the symptoms start suddenly? What happened just
before they appeared – vaccinations? Other illness?
Emotional upset? Finding and eliminating the cause can be a
long and difficult process.

Elyse Grau is an herbalist and a long-time pet owner,
well-versed in pet nutrition and feeding. She is the author
of Pet Health Resource, your web guide to a healthy, happy
dog or cat. See her website for
http://www.pethealthresource.com
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