Scratch the itch: skincare solutions for pets

Twenty percent of pets in the UK have a skin condition. With the UK pet dog and cat population standing at 13.5 million and 12.5 million respectively, that’s over five million of our four-legged friends who are affected.

Moreover, figures show that skin disease is one of the most common reasons for owners to seek veterinary care for their pet and with a frequent requirement for ongoing care rather than ‘cure,’ itchy, sensitive skin is frustrating for both pet and owner alike.

By equipping pet owners with the tools to support their pet’s skin and coat health, retailers can establish their expert credentials while also improving the quality of life of these pets.

The skin as a vital organ

Skin disease is not just a minor irritation. The skin is a vital organ and depending on breed and age, constitutes up to 24 percent of a dog’s body weight. It provides the first line of defence between the body and the wider world but is more than just a physical barrier. With roles in immunity, hydration, temperature regulation and touch, skin health is vital for overall wellbeing.

Causes of skin disease

• Allergy
  • Flea allergy
  • Atopy (environmental allergens e.g. pollen)
  • Food allergy
• Parasites
  • Fleas
  • Ticks
  • Mites
• Infection
  • Bacteria
  • Fungal e.g. ringworm
  • Yeast e.g. Malassezia

The signs of skin disease

So, what happens when things go wrong? In dogs, itching (also known as pruritis) is the most common presenting sign, accounting for between 30 and 40 percent of veterinary skin consultations.

Controlling itching is vital, not just for pet comfort, but also to prevent secondary complications caused by self-trauma, like infection. There are many potential causes of itchy skin and some are more straightforward to manage than others. External parasites like fleas for example, are relatively easy to control, while pets with sensitive skin or allergic skin disease may require ongoing, sometimes lifelong, management.

Effectively addressing skin disease depends on identifying the root cause and in most cases, owners should be advised to seek veterinary attention to accurately diagnose the problem and establish an appropriate treatment strategy.

One of the most common causes of itchy skin, affecting at least 10 percent of dogs, is canine atopic dermatitis, also known as atopy. Atopy is a reaction to environmental allergens such as house dust mite, pollen and mould spores and is more common in certain breeds, including the West Highland white terrier and Labrador.

Treatment is tailored to the individual pet and often requires a muti-modal approach to maximise the chances of success. This is likely to include avoidance of allergens where possible alongside veterinary prescribed medications.

Signs of skin disease

• Excessive scratching
• Hair loss
• Dry, flaky skin
• Head-shaking
• Excessive paw-licking
• Unusual skin odour

The role of skincare products

Implementing a regular skin care routine is an important part of an overall atopy management plan but it can be beneficial for many pets and not just those with allergies. So, what should such a routine include?

1. Brushing several times a week to remove excess hair and tangles
2. Regular bathing to remove allergens and other irritants from the skin and coat
3. Skin care products to soothe and moisturise between baths

Shampooing is especially beneficial, with cool water providing immediate relief for itchy or sensitive skin as well as helping to remove unwanted odours. Using a shampoo that best suits the individual needs of the pet’s skin provides additional benefits.

What about human shampoos?

Human shampoos should not be recommended for pets, partly due to differences in skin pH. Human skin is acidic (pH 5.5 – 6.5) while the pH or canine skin tends to be neutral or mildly alkaline (pH 7.5 – 8). This means that shampoo formulated for human skin, including baby shampoo, is not suitable.

Ingredient insights

So, what should you recommend? Having some background knowledge will set you in good stead when pet owners turn to you for advice. Table 1 (below) summarises some of the key ingredients to look out for.

And of course, what is not included is just as important as what is. This is particularly important when advising on shampoos for pets with allergic skin disease. For example, Beaphar Hypoallergenic Shampoo is pH neutral and free from perfumes, colourants and other ingredients that can cause allergic skin reactions and is specially formulated for pets with allergies or sensitive skin.

The sensitive skin range of shampoos is completed by Beaphar Soothing Shampoo enriched with Calendula and Aloe vera and Beaphar Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with camomile, piroctone olamine, zinc PCA and salicyclic acid.

Ingredient	Function
Aloe vera	Anti-inflammatory Soothes
Calendula5	Anti-inflammatory Soothes
Camomile6	Anti-inflammatory Soothes skin irritation
Evening primrose oil (EPO)	Supports the natural skin barrier Soothes dry skin
Glycerin	Helps prevent water loss through the skin Humectant (moisturiser)
Menthol	Stimulates skin receptors to generate ‘cold’ feeling Potent anti-itch effect
Piroctone olamine	Human anti-dandruff agent (anti-fungal and anti-bacterial7)
Salicyclic acid	Anti-inflammatory
Zinc PCA	Humectant (moisturiser) Anti-oxidant

Table 1. Summary of shampoo ingredients and their function

Skincare between baths

Bathing too frequently can remove natural oils and be harmful to the skin. This can present problems in those pets that experience break-through itching. However, Beaphar Soothing Skin Care Spray complements the shampoo range and can be used daily, to keep sensitivity at bay between baths. Containing Aloe vera, glycerin, EPO and menthol it is ideal for use on dry or irritated skin and can also be used to soothe itching after insect bites.

Set up for success

And finally, there are a few key areas to consider when stocking skincare products:

• Are staff trained in the specific benefits of a particular shampoo?
• Are they confident making recommendations?
• Is the shampoo aisle well organised?
• Consider a brand range approach to simplify the fixture

For many skin conditions, there is no cure or ‘quick fix’ and this can be incredibly frustrating for owners. While there is no substitute for appropriate veterinary care, retailers can work alongside both vet and owner to help establish a successful multi-modal management plan that is both achievable and cost-effective.