What Is Your Pet's Skin Trying To Tell You?

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 Your pet can't tell you that their skin is itchy, irritated or uncomfortable, but they can certainly give you clues. Sometimes those clues are easy to spot. Other times, they're hidden beneath a layer of fur.

One of the most obvious signs is scratching, but itchy pets don't always scratch. They may lick, chew or bite at certain areas, rub themselves against furniture or groom themselves more than usual. Cats in particular can be very good at hiding signs of discomfort, so changes in their normal behaviour can be worth noticing.

Then there are changes you can see. Redness, scabs, unusual bumps, flaky skin, a greasy coat or areas where the hair is becoming thinner can all indicate that something isn't quite right. There are many possible causes, including parasites, allergies, infections and other skin conditions, so the appearance alone doesn't tell us exactly what is happening.

Fleas are a good example. You might not actually see a flea, but a sensitive pet can develop intense itching from flea bites. Some pets can even lose hair from repeatedly scratching, licking or biting the affected area.

This is where paying attention to what is normal for your pet becomes important. If your dog normally has calm, comfortable skin but suddenly starts scratching constantly, or your cat begins grooming one particular area excessively, that change is worth taking seriously.

And here's the important part: a groomer can notice changes in the skin and coat, but we can't diagnose skin diseases. If something looks unusual or your pet seems uncomfortable, your veterinarian is the right person to investigate the cause and recommend appropriate treatment. Skin conditions can look remarkably similar, and finding the actual cause may require an examination and sometimes additional testing.

Your pet's skin might not be able to speak, but it certainly has ways of getting your attention. Learning to recognise those little signals could help you notice a problem sooner rather than later.

Next week in Pet Care Tips... A Healthy Pet Starts From The Inside We'll look at how nutrition can influence your pet's skin and coat, and why what's in their bowl can sometimes show on the outside.



Location: Swellendam, 6740, South Africa

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