Our In-House Vet Dr Barbara Fougere BSc BVMS (Hons) MODT MHSc (Herb Med) BHSc (Comp Med) Grad Dip Herb Med, Grad Dip VCHM, Grad Dip VWHM, Grad Dip VA gives advice on Skin and Coat Care.
Our pet’s skin and coat can vary in condition throughout the seasons and according to diet. The skin condition could mean the difference between a pet you want to hug and have your hands on all the time, or a pet that annoys you or drives you to distraction with their constant licking, chewing or scratching. A veterinarian can help identify any problem and provide a helpful treatment plan. One of the first approaches vets look to is nutrition.
Omega 3s are fatty acids that need to be supplied in the diet or supplemented for cats and dogs. EPA and DHA are two types of Omega 3s, the main sources being fish and fish oil products. Supplementation has been shown to be beneficial in cats and dogs for skin problems, heart and kidney disease and osteoarthritis, although they can be beneficial in healthy animals to support brain and joint health too. One of the important ways that omega 3 s work is they act as a natural anti-inflammatories.
Skin itching can be caused by allergies, infections and parasites as well as an omega 3 deficiency- even though they might be on a balanced dry food. Omega 3s fatty acids have been shown to improve the symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions like scratching and hair loss and supplementation over 3 to 4 weeks usually makes a noticeable difference. This can be especially helpful coming out of winter when the skin and coat can be dry not because of allergies or diet but because of central heating and a bit of dehydration. Interestingly omega 3s have also been shown to improve poor coat condition with improvements in shine or softness being noticeable in about 6 to 8 weeks of supplementation with marine oil.
Cats are also prone to skin allergies which manifest as grooming and scratching excessively, occasionally with scabs or hair loss. Cats can also benefit from omega 3 supplementation. And like dogs a dry skin and coat can also be improved with supplementation in just a few weeks.
Another common condition that affects older dogs is dry eye. And omega 3s can be helpful here when used along with conventional treatment. A study showed the benefit was better when there was a higher proportion of EPA to DHA in the supplement.
Broadreach Nature Omega EFA Advanced oil is a marine oil supplement containing EPA and DHA as well as zinc and biotin and vitamin E for healthy skin and phosphatidylcholine to support overall health too. While studies show marine oils can take several weeks to see improvements, many pet owners that use Omega EFA Advanced have reported improvements within days of starting. Its a good solution to support pets and help them to be happier, healthier and more relaxed by resolving irritation and discomfort.
Caring for your pet’s skin – Advice from our in-house Vet Dr Barbara Fougere
Our In-House Vet Dr Barbara Fougere BSc BVMS (Hons) MODT MHSc (Herb Med) BHSc (Comp Med) Grad Dip Herb Med, Grad Dip VCHM, Grad Dip VWHM, Grad Dip VA gives advice on Skin and Coat Care.
Our pet’s skin and coat can vary in condition throughout the seasons and according to diet. The skin condition could mean the difference between a pet you want to hug and have your hands on all the time, or a pet that annoys you or drives you to distraction with their constant licking, chewing or scratching. A veterinarian can help identify any problem and provide a helpful treatment plan. One of the first approaches vets look to is nutrition.
Omega 3s are fatty acids that need to be supplied in the diet or supplemented for cats and dogs. EPA and DHA are two types of Omega 3s, the main sources being fish and fish oil products. Supplementation has been shown to be beneficial in cats and dogs for skin problems, heart and kidney disease and osteoarthritis, although they can be beneficial in healthy animals to support brain and joint health too. One of the important ways that omega 3 s work is they act as a natural anti-inflammatories.
Skin itching can be caused by allergies, infections and parasites as well as an omega 3 deficiency- even though they might be on a balanced dry food. Omega 3s fatty acids have been shown to improve the symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions like scratching and hair loss and supplementation over 3 to 4 weeks usually makes a noticeable difference. This can be especially helpful coming out of winter when the skin and coat can be dry not because of allergies or diet but because of central heating and a bit of dehydration. Interestingly omega 3s have also been shown to improve poor coat condition with improvements in shine or softness being noticeable in about 6 to 8 weeks of supplementation with marine oil.
Cats are also prone to skin allergies which manifest as grooming and scratching excessively, occasionally with scabs or hair loss. Cats can also benefit from omega 3 supplementation. And like dogs a dry skin and coat can also be improved with supplementation in just a few weeks.
Another common condition that affects older dogs is dry eye. And omega 3s can be helpful here when used along with conventional treatment. A study showed the benefit was better when there was a higher proportion of EPA to DHA in the supplement.
Broadreach Nature Omega EFA Advanced oil is a marine oil supplement containing EPA and DHA as well as zinc and biotin and vitamin E for healthy skin and phosphatidylcholine to support overall health too. While studies show marine oils can take several weeks to see improvements, many pet owners that use Omega EFA Advanced have reported improvements within days of starting. Its a good solution to support pets and help them to be happier, healthier and more relaxed by resolving irritation and discomfort.