Dry Skin Treatments for Pets: Dartmouth Fur & Dander Issues

Dry Skin Treatments for PetsWhen it comes to discussions and pet fur and dander, most conversations surround the allergy issues that are experienced by some people. However, proper care and cleaning of areas where your pets frequent are essential, not just for the allergic, but for you and your pets, as well. Pets can be affected by homes that are not properly cleaned, resulting in allergies and skin issues. Cats with dry skin can end up with secondary infections caused by scratching and other related conditions. Dry skin treatment for dogs can be expensive and require a lot of effort to overcome. The best way to treat these issues is through veterinary care in Massachusetts. At our Dartmouth vet hospital, we can help pet owners tackle small issues before they become big problems. We can also offer treatments that can help you nurse a pet with severely dry skin issues back to health.

How Clean is Your Home?

Preventive measures against parasites like fleas and ticks aside, making sure that your home is clean can be an important first step in fighting issues that can result in dogs and cats with dry skin and inflammation. Start by getting rid of as much dander as possible. While it is not pleasant to think about, dander is typically a mixture of dead skin and dried cell proteins. It is what usually triggers pet allergies and pets or people who don’t even have pet allergies can be affected by it if your home is not regularly cleaned with dander in mind. While certain sprays that are designed for getting rid of dust mites, which feed upon pet dander and dead skin cells left behind by humans, can be helpful; in most cases, all that is needed is frequent and methodical old-fashioned cleaning techniques.

Start with household surfaces that your pets come in contact with, as well as other areas where lightweight dander might be found. Wipe down baseboards, counters, floors, and walls regularly with a combination of hot water and a basic all-purpose cleaner. You could also dust daily with a lightly dampened cloth to pick up the dander and remove it. Do not “dry dust” the space, as this simply pushes the dander up into the air and allows it to float and settle again in another area. Be careful about using any products that might be dangerous to pets, kids, or other members of your family. Choose eco-friendly cleaning solutions that are made from non-toxic, plant-based ingredients. These have been proven to be just as effective as regular cleaners without any of the associated risks.

Cleaning Furniture & Carpets

These can be some of the most challenging areas to clean with regard to pet fur and dander. However, because pets are typically attracted to the most comfortable spot in the home, they are usually where the problem is the worst. Dry skin treatment for dogs and therapy for cats with dry skin can be costly and require multiple visits to a local clinic for veterinary care in Massachusetts. However, you can reduce the conditions that can make dry skin even worse by taking care of cleaning furniture and carpets at home. Speak with a veterinarian at your local Dartmouth vet hospital for more tips that you can use to make treatment and elimination of dry skin issues and other conditions a lot easier at home.

Tips for removing dander and fur from furniture and carpet include:

  • using lint-type brushes and rollers to remove dander-filled pet hair
  • professional allergy-rated shampoo and cleaning of furniture and carpet
  • don’t forget draperies, even if they don’t touch the floor, as they can harbor lots of hidden pet fur and dander
  • also clean your slipcovers, rugs, draperies, throw blankets and other machine-washable items regularly to reduce the amount of fur and dander
  • invest in a HEPA air filter vacuum or equipment specifically designed for removing pet fur and dander from the home

Regular Bathing of Pets

Another way to reduce pet fur and dander around the home is to keep your pet clean. Whether you bring your pet to a groomer or veterinary clinic for bathing, or if you do it yourself at home, regular baths can reduce the amount of fur and dander on surfaces, carpets, furniture, and other common areas. Bathing helps to remove fur that is ready to shed, and there are plenty of anti-dander products available over the counter at your favorite pet store or online shop. Ask your Dartmouth vet hospital about recommendations for shampoo and conditioning options that can be used in conjunction with dry skin treatment for dogs and cats. You don’t want to aggravate the condition for dogs or cats with dry skin, so it pays to ask before investing in any type of shampoo product.

Got questions? Contact Anchor Animal Hospital In Dartmouth to get answers about veterinary care in Massachusetts. We are available Monday through Saturday and are closed on Sundays and Major Holidays. We also operate as an emergency veterinary hospital, and we are AAHA Accredited. Give us a call at 508-996-3731 to speak with one of our team members about your veterinary care concerns.