pet care & health
Ask a vet
Your most pressing pet questions answered by our expert vet, Dr Bryce Marock, Consulting Veterinarian at the National Council of SPCAs.
If you’ d like your pet questions answered, send them to editor @ petpals. co. za
Q:
My dog’ s skin becomes very dry and itchy during winter and he scratches constantly. What can I do at home to keep his skin healthy, and when should I see a vet?
– Thulile, Gqeberha
One reason your dog’ s skin can become dry and flaky during winter is because of the dry air from outside and cold temperatures. However, it’ s important to consider that there may be other factors at play, including allergies.
Allergies affecting the skin are primarily caused by diet, or aerosols that are breathed in, resulting in a release of substances that cause pruritus( scratching). Allergies affecting the skin are now one of the most common reasons a dog requires a visit to the vet.
Still, it’ s most likely due to the cold temperatures and the resulting dryness, so I would recommend that you try the following:
1. Add omega-3 supplements to the diet. These are sold over the counter at veterinarians in the form of salmon oil capsules or as part of a complex oral skin product.
2. Use a humidifier in the rooms that your dog is most likely to spend most of the time, especially if you are using a heater or any other dry source of heat, which can make the situation worse.
3. Ensure that there is sufficient water( or extra) to hydrate your pet.
4. Buy a vet-approved shampoo that improves moisture levels at skin level.
There are some lotions that may be effective, but only use species-specific lotions, not ones used by the human members of the family.
The seasonal nature of the itchiness does point to skin dryness, but if the interventions don’ t succeed, you must take your pet to your veterinarian for a workup.
Q:
My Labrador eats very quickly and often seems bloated or uncomfortable afterwards. Are slow feeders effective, and could fast eating be dangerous?
– Sharon, Durban North
Slow feeders are effective, yes. The maze in the bowl encourages the dog to eat small amounts, as they cannot pick up too many pellets at the same time.
Also, you are correct to assume that eating large amounts too quickly is dangerous, especially when drinking large amounts of water and then running at the same time – all normal traits of a Labrador Retriever! These put them at risk of developing a twisted stomach.
This breed is extremely fooddriven and prone to swallowing
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