Your pet’s skin and coat offer clues to overall health

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It seems like a big issue for numerous people today is keeping the skin looking and feeling young.  Aging gracefully has been for the most part replaced with the concept that aging is a disease that can be prevented. Everywhere we look we see words such as anti-oxidants, totally free radicals, lasers, surgeries, vital fatty acids, and other drugs or methods developed at keeping us feeling and looking younger for longer than ever before. When we’re young we wish to be older, when old we wish to be young, when rich we see the charm in the simplicity of not having much, and when we’re struggling with finances we believe that money can resolve all our problems. Probably the best way to avoid the trap of always searching for that something “else” to make everything better, is to begin appreciating what we do have and to live in the present.  There is something stunning about a person who appreciates who they are, what they have, does not regret the past, and is not scared of the future.

When it concerns our skin and our pet’s skin however, it’s not all about looking young. My canine duke doesn’t really care if he looks young or old but when he had a skin infection that was not going away after a few days, I brought him in to the veterinarian for a checkup. Apparently his blood sugar has been a little on the high side and we now have to view him for potential signs of diabetes.

Sometimes a pet may have dry skin or unhealthy looking skin because the diet may not include enough vital fatty acids. Giving Omega 3 fatty acid supplements could help keep the skin looking healthy, decrease inflammation, and decrease shedding.  other foods or supplements which include beta carotene and other useful vitamins can also play a role in keeping the skin healthy.

A product that has come to my attention recently because of positive reviews I hear from pet owners is called Proanthozone. This anti free-radical supplement includes bioflavanol and helps keeps cells healthy throughout the body. Bioflavanol from grape seed extract is supposedly the most potent antioxidant known. By scavenging totally free radicals, Proanthozone inhibits enzymes that break down collagen. Collagen and elastin is what makes up the structure of the skin and when totally free radicals cause it damage, the skin loses its elasticity. This product has also been recommended for liver, cardiovascular, and kidney health.

Skin conditions on a pet that won’t go away are typically indicative that something else could be going on with another part of the body. When the body is not healthy numerous times this shows up as an external symptom on the skin or on the extremities. Whether it’s a vitamin deficiency, an allergy, an immune system weakness, diabetes, a hormone imbalance, or something else going on, it is essential to get the canine over to the veterinarian for a complete checkup. The earlier a diagnosis is made and the underlying problem is identified, the quicker the road to recovery will be.

As always, if you have any medication related questions call your pharmacist at 1800PetMeds who will be much more than pleased to help answer them for you.

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