Your veterinarian may recommend tests to identify the exact reason for your `pet's skin condition. Common causes include:
| Allergies |
Your pet may be allergic to either food or environmental factors like dust, pollen or mold. |
| Parasites |
Fleas, lice and mites can all cause mild to severe skin irritation. |
Hormonal
Imbalances |
Pets with too much or too little of certain hormones are prone to skin problems. |
| Infections |
Bacterial infections can cause skin problems. |
The Importance of Nutrition
The food your pet eats plays an important role in his or her overall health and well-being. Balanced nutrition is an essential part of an active, healthy lifestyle. When your pet has a skin condition, it's even more important to feed the right food.
How can the right food help?
Some skin conditions can be cleared up quickly, while others need lifelong management. The good news is, most pets with skin conditions can be helped if you feed the right food, even if the cause of the condition is not dietary. Some important nutrients that can help heal protect your pet's skin include:
Protein
High-quality protein provides the building blocks for natural cell repair. Feeding unique protein sources, such as venison or duck, can also help reduce reaction in pets with a food allergy or intolerances to more common ingredients.
Essential Fatty Acids
A food containing high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, found naturally in fish oil, will help nourish and protect your pet's skin to prevent dryness.
Antioxidants
Vitamin E and other antioxidants are vital in helping to maintain your pet's healthy immune system, and protect it from cellular oxidation caused by free radicals.
Combining these nutrients in a single pet food provides a convenient way to manage your pet's skin condition.
Does my pet have a skin condition?
Your pet's skin should be smooth and soft with no flaking, redness or signs of irritation. It should be neither too dry nor too oily and have no areas of hair loss. For an accurate diagnosis and treatment options, always consult your veterinarian.
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