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Keep Furry Friends
Flake-Free This Winter
I

Mike Palmer

t’s no secret that dry winter air can wreak
havoc on our skin. The low humidity mixed
with the cold and wind can be a recipe for
flaky, irritated, uncomfortable skin.
What you may not know is it’s having the same
effect on your four-legged friends, as what is true
for human skin is often true for animal skin. As
the temperature drops outdoors and the heat
goes up indoors, your pet may suffer the conse-
quences.
In the winter months, your pet may experience
itchy, red, irritated skin that can result in dull and
flaky coats, hair loss and hot spots — red, moist,
hot and irritated lesions that are typically found
on a dog’s head, hip or chest area.

You can ward off skin irritants by feeding
your dog or cat healthy, meat-based food with
high-quality ingredients. You may also con-
sider providing supplements rich in Omega-3
and Omega-6 fatty acids as well as herbs that
support the coat and immune system.
Fish and flaxseed oils can also help, and
adding a probiotic to your pet’s diet will aid in
proper nutrient absorption. Another option
to keep your pet’s skin moisturized is coconut
oil, which may be ingested or used topically.
Massaging the dog’s skin with olive oil is also an
effective lubricant.
If your pet suffers from hot spots, try an
herbal healing salve.

Also, ensure your pet’s shampoo is formulated
for pets and is all-natural and free of parabens,
harsh cleansers and perfumes.
Another option for your pup’s skin health is a
dunk in an oatmeal bath. An oatmeal bath can
soothe skin irritation and help provide immedi-
ate relief to dry, itchy skin.
If you choose this route, use cool water and
pat your dog dry — don’t rub — to avoid fur-
ther irritation.
Spraying apple cider vinegar on a dog also
produces many benefits. It restores the acidic
nature of the dog’s skin, which helps ward off
pathogens. It also helps balance a dog’s skin and
relieves the dryness that causes a dog to itch.
Apple cider vinegar added to a dog’s food helps
itchy skin as well although the effects will not be
immediately seen.
As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your
local pet store if you have questions on this or
any pet-related topic.

*

Michael Palmer is owner of Premier Pet Supply
in Beverly Hills.

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114 September 29 • 2016