Hot Spots, Itchy Dermatitis, Fungal Infections & other skin problems in dogs and cats!

Does your pet struggle with itchy skin, hot spots, fungal infections, allergies or fleas? As frustrating and uncomfortable as these skin problems are for your dog or cat, they can be managed and treated with the correct diet, lifestyle changes and a combination of natural remedies.

Here are some of the most common conditions affecting your pet’s skin:

 1. Hot Spots

Hot spots are quite a common skin problem that can be seen in our pets. This is a skin irritation that is referred to as moist dermatitis or summer sores. It occurs when your pet scratches, itches, chews or licks himself excessively and gradually then develops a wet scab on the skin. The affected area usually looks moist, raw red and oozing and is very painful for your precious kitty or pooch. To top it all, your furry pal will lick and chew at the area to find relief but is in actual fact worsening the condition. Anything that irritates the skin can cause hot spots to develop and these include seasonal allergies, food allergies, fleas, mites or skin wounds. A bacterial infection will also develop if the skin is damaged and inflamed thereby creating moist and warm environment for the infection to thrive and fester.  

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2. Itchy Dermatitis

Does your pet itch and scratch constantly?  Don’t worry, you are not alone! Itchy skin ( also referred to as itchy dermatitis) is probably one of the main reasons why pet owners visit their vet frequently during the year. As you know excessive itching and scratching can cause skin lesions, hair loss, infection and even stress and trauma for your poor pet pal. Most pets with itchy dermatitis usually suffer from seasonal allergies which are triggered by grass, pollen or house dust. In addition, food allergies, bacterial infections, yeast and fungal infections, mange and fleas also contribute to the development of itchy dermatitis.    

3. Fungal Infections

Our pets are prone to fungal and yeast infections particularly if they scratch, lick or chew their skin often, suffer from allergies, have itchy ears and smelly, greasy skin.  This is an inflammatory skin condition caused by an overgrowth of yeast which invades certain areas of the body like the skin, ears and between the paws. Fungal infections thrive in warm and moist parts of your dog or cat’s skin and also seem to be more prevalent in summer time. In most cases, pets develop a compromised immune system because of the fungal infection or as a result of immunosuppressive drugs being used.

4. Seasonal allergies

Have you noticed that your dog or cat tends to itch and scratch more during spring or summer? If so, then your pet may be sensitive to allergens such as pollen, grass, shrubs or trees which cause an allergic reaction.

Allergens in the home such as house dust, mould, mites, animal dander or feathers may also irritate your pet’s skin. Your pet usually inhales or ingests these allergens or they are even passed through the paws of the feet and skin of the tummy.

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5. Fleas & Parasites

Without a doubt, fleas remain one of the leading causes of skin problems in our four-legged companions, especially when left untreated. It only takes one bite from a flea to cause an allergic reaction and develop into a skin rash called flea bite dermatitis. Typical symptoms to look out for include excessive itching, scratching and irritation of the skin.

Just as fleas cause skin problems in pets, so do intestinal parasites such as tape worm, round worm, whip worm and hook worm. These critters cause a dry, brittle and dull coat in dogs and cats. They are commonly found in puppies and kittens as well as older dogs and cats and those with weakened immune systems.

6. Stress

Do you know that when pets are anxious or stressed they lick or bite their paws, legs or tail excessively? The reason that they do this is to soothe and comfort themselves to relieve their stress and anxiety. Dogs and cats that are bored, grieving or those who suffer from separation anxiety also lick and bite their paws persistently. If this problem is not addressed, your pet is at risk of developing an obsessive compulsive disorder. Constant licking, chewing and biting of the skin causes bald, inflamed patches to appear which also increases the risk of skin infection.

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How you can help your pet’s skin and coat be healthy again!

Feed a healthy and balanced diet

Your pet’s nutrition is important to maintain a healthy skin and coat. When your dog or cat’s diet is inadequate, it will reflect in the appearance of their skin. Make sure that you feed your pet a diet that contains all the essential vitamins, minerals and protein. Most dried foods are jam packed with preservatives, colourants and other artificial ingredients which increases the risk of allergies and other health problems.

More and more pet owners are changing their dog or cat’s diet to organic foods, both raw and cooked which has been shown to improve the overall condition of the skin and also helps to treat underlying health problems. Try DoggoBone Raw Active Food for dogs and Vondi’s Cooked Food for both cats and dogs – both these ranges are available in a variety of flavours for your pet from Feelgood Health in Westlake Business Park, Cape Town, 021 797 0193.

Proper grooming and regular skincare

While good nutrition influences the condition of your pet’s skin, so does a regular grooming and skincare program. Brushing your pooch or kitty’s coat daily will prevent their hair from becoming matted or tangled. Best of all, it helps to reduce the amount of loose hair that you’ll find lying on the floor, carpet and furniture!

Bathing your pet occasionally is also important, especially if they are dirty or smelly. Very often, owners bathe their pets too much which strips the natural oils from their skin and causes irritation. Of course, we all know that cats hate bathing but do need it sometimes too! Remember to use shampoos specially formulated for your pet’s skin type and never use human shampoos or soap. Many commercial pet shampoos contain chemicals which may cause allergies. Try Vondi’s Natural Pet Shampoo which contains Khakibos to help control fleas.

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Treat fleas and parasites

It is vital to use flea treatments regularly to remove fleas and ticks from your pet – at least once a month. Choose a vet recommended flea treatment such as a shampoo, spray, dip or tablet that is safe to use on them. If you’re looking for more natural alternatives to treat fleas and ticks, the Vondi’s range has a Khakibos Spray, Tick & Flea Powder as well as Shampoo containing ingredients which are gentle and safe for your kitty and pooch. Make sure that you treat your home and outdoor area for fleas too as this will also help to prevent them from spreading.  

Remember to also de-worm your pet every three months to keep him in good health. Use a natural de-worming remedy such as Worm Dr Pets from the Feelgood Pets range to get rid of intestinal parasites and cleanse the system. In addition, add Vondi’s Diatomaceous Earth to your pets food - a natural worm and parasite repellent which promotes digestive health.

Reduce stress and anxiety in pets

If you have an anxious or stressed dog or cat, you may find that they lick, chew or bite their skin and paws as a way of coping. Pets that are bored, grieving for a pet companion or owner or those that are suffering from separation anxiety may also find comfort in licking or chewing their legs, paws or tail. Here, it is important to maintain a calm and relaxed environment for your pet. Provide toys and treats when you go out for pets that are bored. Daily exercise is also really helpful to relieve anxiety, stress, boredom as well as separation anxiety for pets. As a natural calming remedy for stressed and anxious pets, try Feelgood Pets PetCalm.

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Choose natural remedies to treat pet skin conditions

Use the Feelgood Pets range to treat a variety of skin problems for both dogs and cats:

• Skin & Coat Tonic – a herbal remedy which supports your pet’s skin health and promotes a shiny coat. It treats and heals itching, dry skin and eczema, hot spots, fungal infections as well as skin lesions . We also recommend Skin & Coat Tonic for pets with chronic ear infections – remember that the ear is part of the skin!
• Allergy Itch Ease – a natural remedy to relieve itching and scratching in pets
• AllergiClear Pets - a herbal remedy which acts as a natural antihistamine and reduces and prevents allergic dermatitis, flea bite dermatitis, food allergies and inhaled allergens
• Immunity & Liver Support – an all-round herbal tonic to boost the immune system against disease and infection, including viral and bacterial infections
• PetCalm - a 100% homeopathic remedy that reduces anxiety and stress in nervous and highly strung pets, as well as dogs and cats with obsessive compulsive problems (OCD).
• Vondi’s Khakibos Spray, Tick & Flea Powder & Shampoo – natural flea treatments specially formulated to repel fleas and ticks naturally
• Vondi’s Diatomaceous Earth - a natural worm and parasite repellent which promotes digestive health
• Vondi’s Multivitamin Food Supplement – a daily multi-vitamin & mineral supplement for pets which improves overall health & functioning and promotes a shiny coat and healthy skin
• Worm Dr Pets – natural de-worming remedy to eradicate intestinal worms and improve digestive health

By feeding a well balanced diet, providing a good skincare routine, regular exercise, reducing stress and treating the skin naturally, your pet will be able to enjoy a healthy and happy life again!