Did you know that the skin is the heaviest organ in your pet’s body? It can account for an average sixteen percent of your pet’s total weight!
What does the skin do?
- Prevents water loss
- Allows us to perceive touch
- Allows swelling after injuries
- Protects against impact and friction injuries
- Protects against damaging UV rays
- Helps regulate body temperature
- Acts as the first line of defense against germs, bacteria, parasites, and other disease-causing organisms.
Skin and coat care is important for pets of all ages — but especially for the senior pet. Taking care of your aging pet’s skin and coat can help prevent illness or catch diseases in their early, most treatable stages.
- Check your pet’s skin and coat often. Look for sores, lumps, hair loss, red or bruised areas, and external parasites (like fleas and ticks).
- Be alert to your pet’s normal grooming habits. If your pet stops grooming — or if you notice changes in coat condition or skin condition — this can be the first symptom of a serious health issue like hyperthyroidism.
- Brush your pet regularly to prevent coat matting. Mats can be painful — and even damage skin.
- Bathe your pet as needed to keep skin healthy and coat clean.
- Use appropriate shampoos. Human shampoos are formulated for human pH levels (5.5). Pets have a skin pH of 7.5 — so human shampoos are usually too acidic. Your veterinarian can help you choose an appropriate shampoo for your pet.
- Clean ears regularly. Use a cotton ball or soft, clean cloth to wipe ears — a cotton-tipped swab can actually push debris down into the ears.
Senior pets can live comfortably and happily for many years! An alert owner can help keep aging pets healthy. If you notice anything unusual when your check your pet, call your veterinarian. It may be nothing, or it may be the start of something serious. Only a professional knows for sure!