There are several skin diseases that can affect both cats and dogs and, unless severe, can be treated at home.

HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES:

1. Ringworm: Ringworm is a fungal infection that can affect the skin, hair, and nails of both cats and dogs. It is highly contagious and can be transmitted between animals and humans.
   
   
2. Flea Allergy Dermatitis: This is an allergic reaction to flea saliva, resulting in a condition called flea allergy dermatitis. The bites of just a few fleas can cause intense itching, redness, and skin irritation.
   
   
3. Sarcoptic Mange: Sarcoptic mange, also known as scabies, is a contagious skin disease caused by mites. It is characterised by intense itching, hair loss, and skin irritation. It typically takes about 2 to 6 weeks from the time of initial exposure for symptoms to appear. These mites burrow into the skin and cause intense itching, redness, and hair loss. Topical treatments:
   
   

   Depending on the severity of the mange, you could apply a topical medication or medicated shampoo. Such products contain ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or lime sulfur, which help kill the mites and soothe the skin. Use them only as directed.

   Environmental management: Mites can survive in the environment and reinfest your pet. Wash your pet’s bedding, toys, and other washable items in hot water to kill any mites present. Vacuum your home thoroughly and dispose of the vacuum bag to remove mites and their eggs. Consider limiting your pet’s access to areas where they may pick up mites.

   Preventative measures: Keep your pet away from other animals that may have mange to prevent the spread of mites. Promptly treat any other pets in the household that show symptoms or have been diagnosed with mange. Regularly check your pet’s skin for signs of reinfestation or secondary infections. This may include using a cone collar to prevent scratching, keeping your pet’s skin clean, and using products like aloe vera gel or hypoallergenic moisturisers to alleviate discomfort.

4. Atopic Dermatitis: Atopic dermatitis is an allergic skin condition that can affect both cats and dogs. It is caused by an overreaction of the immune system to certain allergens in the environment, such as pollen, dust mites, or certain foods. It results in itching, redness, and skin inflammation. The primary goals are to relieve itching, reduce inflammation, and prevent flare-ups. Treatment options may include:

   Moisturisers: Regularly applying moisturisers helps to hydrate the skin and reduce dryness.

   Topical corticosteroids: These anti-inflammatory medications are often prescribed to control itching and inflammation during flare-ups.

   Topical calcineurin inhibitors: These non-steroidal medications can be used as an alternative to corticosteroids for managing mild to moderate cases.

   Antihistamines: Oral antihistamines can help alleviate itching and promote better sleep.

   Immunomodulators: In severe cases that do not respond to other treatments, systemic immunosuppressants may be prescribed to control inflammation.

LIFESTYLE AND SKINCARE

Implementing certain lifestyle practices and skincare routines can help manage atopic dermatitis. These may include using mild, fragrance-free soaps and detergents, avoiding hot showers or baths, wearing soft and breathable fabrics, keeping nails short to minimise skin damage from scratching, and maintaining a consistent skincare routine.

ONGOING MANAGEMENT

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition, and flare-ups can occur periodically. Long-term management involves understanding and avoiding triggers, monitoring and addressing skin health, and regularly consulting with a healthcare professional for guidance and adjustments to the treatment plan.

PYODERMA

Pyoderma or impetigo is a bacterial skin infection that can occur in both cats and dogs. It typically develops in areas with moisture or skin folds and can cause pustules, redness, and hair loss. Causes: Pyoderma is usually caused by bacteria, with the most common culprits being Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Staphylococcus aureus. These bacteria are commonly found on the skin and can multiply and cause infection when the skin’s natural defenses are compromised.

Types: Pyoderma can manifest in different forms, depending on the depth and severity of the infection. Common types include superficial pyoderma, which affects the top layer of the skin, and deep pyoderma, which involves deeper layers. The condition can present as pustules, papules, nodules, or areas of moist, oozing skin. Treatment typically involves a combination of oral or topical antibiotics to target the underlying bacterial infection. In severe cases, additional therapies such as antiseptic washes, medicated shampoos, and systemic anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed.

Prevention and management: Preventing pyoderma involves maintaining good hygiene practices, regularly grooming and cleaning your pet’s skin, managing any underlying skin conditions, and addressing factors that may contribute to bacterial overgrowth. Follow the advice of your veterinarian regarding appropriate skincare, regular bathing, and any necessary dietary or lifestyle modifications.

FOOD ALLERGIES

Both cats and dogs can develop allergies to certain ingredients in their food, resulting in skin problems such as itching, redness, and skin inflammation.

It is important to note that while these skin conditions can affect both cats and dogs, the specific symptoms, treatments, and management may vary between the two species and even among breeds. If your pet has a skin disease that your early primary treatment has nor cured, please consult with a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate therapy.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that affects the gastrointestinal tract, particularly the intestines.

It is characterised by inflammation and irritation of the digestive system. While the exact cause of IBD is unknown, it is believed to result from an abnormal immune response in the gastrointestinal tract.

If your cat is experiencing diarrhoea, there are several steps you can take to help them:

1. Keep an eye on your cat’s overall behaviour, appetite, and hydration levels. If they show signs of discomfort or if the diarrhoea persists for more than a day, it’s advisable to consult a veterinarian.
   
   
2. Provide fresh water. Diarrhoea can lead to dehydration, so make sure your cat has access to clean, fresh water at all times. If they are not drinking enough, you can try offering them wet food or water mixed with a bit of low-sodium chicken broth to encourage hydration.
   
   
3. Adjust their diet. Temporarily switch your cat’s diet to a bland, easily digestible food to give their gastrointestinal system a chance to recover. This can include boiled chicken (without skin or bones) or plain, cooked rice. Gradually reintroduce their regular diet once the diarrhoea has resolved.
   
   
4. Probiotics. Consult with your veterinarian about using probiotics specifically formulated for cats. Probiotics can help restore the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, promoting digestive health.
   
   
5. Avoid feeding inappropriate foods. Ensure that your cat does not have access to human food, as many items can be harmful to them and worsen diarrhoea. Additionally, refrain from giving them milk or dairy products, as many cats are lactose-intolerant.
   
   
6. Maintain cleanliness. Clean your cat’s litter box regularly to prevent any contamination and maintain good hygiene. This is especially important when they have diarrhoea to avoid recontamination.

If your cat’s diarrhoea persists, if it shows signs of distress or discomfort, or if you notice bloody stools, it’s important to consult a veterinarian. They can evaluate your cat’s condition, determine the underlying cause of the diarrhoea, and recommend appropriate treatment.

Cats are known to be finicky eaters but understanding the basics of cat digestion can help you provide your pet with the nutrients they need.

All felines are obligate carnivores, meaning they must consume animal-based proteins to meet their nutritional needs. To select the types of food that are best for your pet, it’s important to understand how a cat’s digestion works.

The stomach of a cat is designed to digest proteins, fats, and other nutrients found in animal-based sources. The digestive system is not designed to digest grains, fruits, or vegetables. Cats also have a short digestive tract, which means that the food passes through the system quickly. This means that cats require frequent, small meals throughout the day.

A cat’s diet should consist of protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and some dairy products. Cats also need essential fatty acids to remain healthy, so it’s important to include fatty fish such as salmon or sardines regularly in their diet. Avoid feeding your cat processed foods and human treats as these can be high in sugar, sodium, artificial flavourings, and are low in nutrition.

To ensure your cat is getting all the nutrients they need, talk to your veterinarian about the best diet for your pet. Your veterinarian can help you determine the right balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates for your cat’s dietary needs. Age, size, activity levels, and even the breed should be taken into account when making these decisions.

HOW DIGESTION HAPPENS

The digestive process begins in the mouth where a small amount of the amylase enzyme is present in the saliva. Once chewed, the food is swallowed and enters the gullet (oesophagus), which connects the mouth to the stomach. While no digestion takes place here, the consequences can be serious if the swallowing function is abnormal.

The stomach, which has a relatively large volume receives the chewed food and secretes gastric juices for moistening and diluting the food, acids for breaking it down, and some enzymes. On its journey, the pre-digested food leaves the stomach through the pylorus valve.

The small intestine is a long narrow passage and this is the area where the bulk of the digestion and nutrient absorption occurs. Several types of enzymes are produced by the pancreas to digest proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, which are transformed into micro units (such as amino acids) to allow absorption through the intestinal wall. The critical organs for processing fatty foods are the liver and gall bladder, which produce emulsifiers that allow fats to be carried by the blood to the cells. They also contribute to the excretion of waste products into the large intestine. This is the area where the fluid content from the liquified product of the small intestine is absorbed, thus creating a more solid substance that finally becomes the feces deposited in the kitty litter.

SIGNS OF DISORDERS

If any area in the digestive tract stops functioning normally, signs of illness will appear and these are sometimes clearly characterised by the part affected.

The Mouth: Oral diseases often cause inappetence, discomfort while chewing, hypersalivation, or a lopsided head posture when eating.

The Gullet: When this area is affected by diseases the symptoms may be loss of appetite, drooling, regurgitation, and generalised malaise. Fever may present if the lining of the oesophagus is injured and becomes infected.

Duodenum: When the small intestine stops functioning as it should, the signs generally involve the symptoms of improperly digested food, including abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhea, bloody feces, inappetence, weight loss, and eventually malnutrition.

Colon: Problems in the large intestine match the symptoms above but are also accompanied by constipation, strained pooping, or incontinence.

Bottom: Any licking around the anus and rubbing the bottom on the ground or other surfaces, may all be present and indicate that these areas could be afflicted.

These signs may appear singly or in clusters and could also disappear before long. However, if they persist, a visit to your pet’s medical professional is advisable.

Most dog owners know that keeping your pet in great condition starts with proper nutrition. But after that, sensible skin care can also make the difference between your dog being happy or miserable.

Here we describe some of the most common skin afflictions and the preventatives and treatments available to deal with them.

Fleas: Anyone who has seen their poor pooch desperately scratching to relieve the itching caused by flea bites knows what torment is. It’s even more frustrating when a dog loves lounging in special hidey holes outside the house. These are often ground zero for flea infestations and unless you deal with them there, the misery will eventually resume. In the meantime though, many excellent oral and dermally applied treatments can be employed to relieve the symptoms by killing the fleas already on your dog’s body.

Doggy Dandruff: This is an unsightly but painless condition. Don’t let that be a reason to avoid treating it because it is a symptom of potentially more serious underlying problems. Typical causes are allergies and dietary deficiencies that cause dry skin or an excess of natural skin oils. Before taking more drastic steps like seeking professional help, add omega-3 fatty acids easily obtained in fish oils to your pooch’s diet. Back this up with some extra brushing and in many cases, this will be sufficient treatment to get the problem under control.

Mange: Despite your efforts to provide the best care, your dog may pick up one of the two types of mange-causing mite species. The first and most likely is an outbreak of demodectic mites. These occur naturally in a pup’s hair follicles and are passed on from the mother at birth. However, certain conditions such as a compromised immune system can cause them to multiply out of control.

The second kind, sarcoptic mange, is harder to treat and much more uncomfortable because the itching is intense. This kind of mange requires specialized treatment to kill off the mites and prevent them from re-establishing themselves. Special care is required to stop the transmission of mites to other pets.

Lupus: An autoimmune disease, lupus occurs when the body’s own defence system begins to attack it. This leads to the destruction of a subcutaneous cell layer. The symptoms include scabbing and ulceration, particularly around the nose, mouth, and eyes. The treatment of veterinary patients with this disease requires the aggressive suppression of the immune system and can only be undertaken by a qualified doggy doctor.

Ringworm: This affliction is very common among humans and their pets. It is caused by three types of fungus known as dermatophytes (from the ancient Greek for skin and plant). The resulting condition is known as ringworm because the circular pattern of the raised skin resembles a nasty critter curled up beneath the skin. Fortunately, this is not the case and the unsightly affliction is often treated at home using anti-fungal remedies like apple cider vinegar, lemongrass oil, and others. If this fails, your veterinarian will recommend a suitable medication. Keeping your dog clean and dry will help contain the fungus from spreading to other parts of the body and other pets. Provide clean bedding regularly and don’t let them share food and water dishes with their four-footed housemates.

Use rubber gloves when handling a dog with a skin disorder. This will help prevent contact with the exposed skin or pathogens that can be spread to other animals, including humans. Use a disinfectant when you wash your hands after treating your pet.

Make an effort to groom your dog regularly, using a soft-haired brush and clean fingers. 

Last but not least, to build up a resilient immune system make sure that your dog’s diet is complete and balanced.