DRY SKIN
Help for cats with dry skin
The suggestions for taking care of your cat's hair in the winter:
1- Comb
your cat's hair often to remove dander and loose hair.
2- Don't bathe your cat unless
you need to clean the hair coat of grease,
oil,or dirt. Remember cats give themselves baths everyday.
3- Use a conditioning rinse after
your cat's bath. Don't use oils and lotions that are designed
for people. "You'll find they will just gum up the cat's
hair and attract a lot of dirt," says Dr. Crimi.
4- Feed quality, name brand foods
to provide adequate nutrition for glossy, healthy hair.
5- Consult with your veterinarian
about increasing fatty acids and vitamins in your cat's diet.
Warning signs that your pet has more than
dry skin
Pets scratch for many reasons, including allergies, parasites,
or infection. All of these conditions may appear to be "dry
skin" to the pet owner, but they actually require treatment
by a veterinarian. Attempting home remedies may only complicate
the problem or delay treatment. According to Dr. Crimi, you
can't "assume that chewing and licking to the point of
hair loss is from nerves. It usually isn't."
Plus, Dr. Crimi warns that often skin problems and poor hair
quality in pets are merely symptoms of something else such as
kidney, liver, adrenal or thyroid gland problems.
If notice any of these conditions or
if the initial skin problem persists for more than a week, consult
with your veterinarian for treatment.