Skin conditions very common
Do the following scenarios sound all-too familiar? Your beloved dog hops off the couch and it now looks like a winter wonderland. Or your sweet cat constantly chews at herself and her fur is missing in several places. Chances are, both of these pets are suffering from skin problems, and they are by no means alone. It is estimated that at some point, most pets will develop some sort of skin disease, from dandruff to allergies, dry skin to a dull coat.

What do these conditions have in common?
Most veterinarians now agree that a lack of essential fatty acids contributes to itchy and dry skin and a lackluster coat. Generally speaking, dogs and cats have nutritional requirements similar to our own; they require fatty acids for good health and because their bodies cannot make them, they must come from the diet. Unfortunately, very few pets are getting enough of these vital nutrients. For example, are you giving your rotund dog low-fat dog food? While wanting your dog to lose weight is a good thing, most low-fat/low calorie pet foods are very low in EFAs. Does your cat’s favorite brand of food contain a lot of corn? While corn is high in the essential fatty acid called Omega 6, it is low in Omega 3, which must be present as well for optimum health. In fact, most commercial pet foods are woefully lacking in the Omega 3 essential fatty acid.

How can I help my poor itchy pet?
If Fido’s dandruff or Fluffy’s itchy skin are driving you both crazy, there are things you can do. For starters, a nice soothing bath can work wonders. Although you might be tempted to reach for your own bottle of Head and Shoulders, you should actually use something very mild like baby shampoo. For pets with Atopy, an allergy to pollens, molds or other allergens, colloidal oatmeal baths can bring much needed relief. In any case, following the shampoo with a pet conditioner or even some of your own hand lotion can help keep his skin moisturized and more comfortable. And frequent grooming sessions with a gentle brush (try it first—if it’s not comfortable on you it won’t be on your pet either) can help remove dead flakes of skin and distribute oils around the coat.

The 2 F’s to the rescue: Flaxseed and Fish Oil!
While the above measures should make your pet feel better, they are only treating the symptoms, not the cause. Since most skin disorders result from a deficiency in essential fatty acids, it stands to reason that adding them to your pet’s diet should do the trick. Both flaxseed and fish oil are excellent sources of essential fatty acids, and can easily be given to your pet as a supplement or even added to food. While you should always check with your veterinarian before starting your pet on any supplement program, many pet owners have found that ½ to 1 teaspoon of fish or flaxseed oil added daily to food makes a world of difference. Both are rich in Omega 3, and side effects are uncommon. As is the case with many natural remedies, results do not occur overnight, but they are definitely worth waiting for. After about a month on flaxseed or fish oil, you and your pet should both notice significant relief from itching and dry, flaky skin as well as an added reward of a shiny, full coat.