Are you seeing a lot of dry, flaky scales on your cat or dog? Now is the time to make your pet healthier and happier with special MEDICATED SHAMPOOS and FREE FATTY ACID SUPPLEMENTS.
"So Doctor, if I buy some flea and tick shampoo and add a little "vegetable oil" to the food or bacon strips (low cal) or an egg, my pets hair coat will be beautiful and shiny?"
Well, something along those lines.
First, flea and tick shampoos rarely do anything to improve the hair coat. These shampoos only kill fleas and ticks and can be very drying to skin. Dissatisfaction after shampooing is really do to unrealistic owner and veterinary expectations. The old thinking that one shouldn't bath a dog or cat too much should be modified. Give baths at correct intervals and use the appropriate shampoo for the skin condition.
Bathing is important for cleaning, degreasing, and moisturizing skin, as well as treating specific parasites. A bath may be needed weekly or even every other day. Shampoo selection is critical. You don't want a degreasing shampoo that drys out skin if your pet has dry skin. Likewise, you may need a shampoo with antibacterial or antifungal properties if your dog or cat has an infection. Method of bathing is also important if you want to make the best use of the active ingredients.
When dry scale is present select shampoos that soften and remove dead skin while promoting normal healthy growth. Medicated shampoos should have skin contact time of at least 10 minutes. Adequate rinsing is important after shampooing. A creme rinse or moisturizer may also be indicated. Ask your veterinary technician how to give a bath if you're rusty.
"So what about these fatty acids? What are they? Why can't I use bacon grease?"
Many types of fatty acids are present in diets. They are classified based on their chemical structure. Saturated fats are found in hard fats like lard, bacon drippings, and vegetable oils (coconut and palm oil). Unfortunately and in contrast to popular belief, saturated fats have little or no coat care benefits for dogs or cats. These fats cannot be incorporated into cell layers. They do add calories to the pet. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are unsaturated. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in marine oils and cold-water fresh fish. Omega-6 fatty acids are present in seed oils like primrose, borage, and black currant. We have had great success using these fatty acids in management of several diseases in dogs and cats. Research has shown that the triggering mechanism for certain types of inflammation is governed in part by the quantity and/or ratios Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids in the diet. Inhalant allergies, arthritis, heart disease, increased cholesterol in blood, and skin disorders have responded to Omega-3 and Omega-6 supplements in the diet.
So what is the answer for seasonal, dull, dry winter coats? First, make sure that your companion has plenty of fresh, clean water and high quality food. If there is a skin problem, be sure that there is not an internal medical reason for the problem. Bathe or have a bath done with the correct medicated shampoo (not necessarily flea and tick shampoo). Supplement the diet with free fatty acids if needed.
Mark W. Richards, MS, PhD, DVM