Spring and Summer are so much fun for our pets, but it's party time for fleas, ticks, bacteria and fungi too!
As the weather heats up, we need to be more conscious of our pets' skincare needs to help them stay healthy and safe. Here are some things to keep in mind...
Just like us, pet skin is affected by bacterial infections, allergies, bites, dryness, flaking, yeast and fungal infections. All of these are more prominent in warmer weather.
Unlike us, our pets are covered in fur! We’re less likely to notice if they’re affected by a skin condition and as a result, sometimes our poor pets put up with it for a long time, or it's out of hand before we can provide help.
So let’s have a quick run-through of signs your pet’s skin might not be up to scratch…so to speak!
· Scratching more frequently and more vigorously is a sign
· Doggy dandruff
· Excessive shedding
· Dull, patchy coat
· Brittle fur
· Odour
· You might feel lumps and bumps when patting or grooming your pet
· You might see rashes, redness, bites and scratches on non-fur covered areas
Your pet’s fur serves many purposes, from helping with heat retention, barrier protection, sun protection and blocking bacteria, dirt, foreign objects and fungi.
Poor quality coat is a double whammy because it’s a sign the skin beneath is not doing so great, resulting in poor hair growth, resulting in even less barrier protection.
We need to help out mates from the base up.
It doesn’t matter how much you put on their skin or what soaps and shampoos you choose, if your pet's diet is not healthy, it will be harder for them to resist infections, allergies and inflammation. Talk to your vet about the best diet for your pet, because every pet has different needs.
Groom your pets often. This helps remove debris, including flaking skin and fur. It reduces parasite attachment and allows you to notice any visible lumps bumps and irritations which you can then address or investigate further.
Some animals are more prone to skin issues, especially as the weather warms up.
Pets with lots of fur or skin folds are more prone to infections, especially from bacteria or yeast growth. This is due to moisture build up that creates an environment where these organisms easily grow. Again, if hidden by fur, we may not notice until it becomes red, itchy, irritated or worse, infected. Look for the signs.
Antibacterial and pH neutral pet soaps are helpful to prevent bacterial and fungal growth at the skin surface and can be very helpful in warmer weather for all types of pets.
Warmer weather brings more allergies and nasties out to play
Many animals are allergic to pollens and grasses and their skin may react to these after exposure. Brushing after outdoor play helps remove pollens and other possible allergens before they have a chance to connect with the skin.
Warmer weather also brings more fleas and ticks, so being extra vigilant with flea and tick treatments is a must.
Antibacterial and pH neutralising pet soaps are helpful because they create an environment that's more difficult for bacteria, viruses and fungi to grow and they help reduce inflammation and irritation too.
If your pet’s skin conditions are not improving, it’s important to see your vet for further assistance, especially in the warmer months.
Naturally, we highly recommend our Propolis & Honey Pet Soap. Propolis is a natural antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral agent. It helps keep infective agents at bay. It’s also a powerful anti inflammatory and is proven to support the healing of skin, wounds and abrasions. Finally our soaps are pH neutral and have the added benefit of honey, to keep skin soft and nourished. They’re a great investment for the Spring/ Summer season.