Dog owners often overlook the effect of their pet's diet on their skin and coat health. Our Douglasville vets explain this link in our post.
How does dog nutrition affect their skink and coat?
A dog's skin, along with its coat, makes up 12% of its body weight. This is why they need a lot of nutrients to keep their skin and coat healthy. If a dog doesn't get enough nutrients, their skin and coat won't be healthy. This can cause dryness, irritation, and a dull or patchy coat. So, it's important to give your dog a good diet to keep their skin and coat healthy.
How does poor nutrition affect my dog's skin?
Your dog's diet can harm their skin health by damaging the protective layer on their skin called 'sebum'. This layer keeps their skin moisturized and shields it from bacteria and dirt. If your dog's diet lacks the necessary nutrients, their skin can become infected, irritated, and unhealthy.
Breeds like bulldogs and pugs, with folds in their skin, are more prone to skin infections since bacteria can accumulate in these areas. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure your dog has a balanced diet to help protect them from infections and maintain their skin health.
What are the symptoms of skin and coat conditions caused by my dog's diet?
Poor skin condition can show up in various ways, with some of the most common symptoms being:
- Dry, dull hair with “split ends”
- Slow growth or no growth of hair from spots that have been clipped or shaved
- Accumulation of dry skin scales
- Pressure sores
- Change in or loss of hair color
What other skin problems may be associated with my dog's diet?
A dog's skin and coat may suffer if they lack essential nutrients in their diet or if they have a dermatological allergy caused by certain ingredients in their food. If your dog shows symptoms of skin issues, it could be due to an allergic reaction to something in their diet rather than a lack of nutrition.
Some dogs are allergic to specific food ingredients and may have similar symptoms. If you think your dog is getting enough nutrition, but still has skin problems, talk to your vet. They can test for allergies and help you find the best food for your dog's health.