The weather can affect more than just mood, however. So, what can you do to help keep your pet in tip-top condition this winter?

1. Watch out for cuts and scrapes

Grit can be harsh on paws, and after a wet, muddy walk it’s easy to miss a small cut or scrape, leaving it irritated and prone to infection. Try to check your dog’s paws after walks, especially if there’s any sign of a problem.

If you notice a shallow cut or scrape, make sure to rinse it thoroughly with plain water and gently pat it dry. Applying an antiseptic wound healing cream for pets, such as Omnimatrix, can help to soothe the area and support skin’s natural healing.

To find out more, check out our blog on wound care in dogs.

2. Stay safe on nighttime walks

With the sun still setting in mid-afternoon, walks in the dark are a necessity for many dog owners. It’s important to keep both your dog and yourself safe by keeping them on lead and picking high visibility clothing, collars and harnesses.

3.Take care of stiff joints

Just like humans, pets with stiff or sore joints can suffer more in cold weather. Our pets are usually pretty stoic and tend to hide the signs, but if you’ve noticed them slowing down, sleeping more or seeming stiff in the mornings, this could be a sign of underlying joint disease.

The good news is there are steps you can take to support them. For pets with joint disease, avoiding slippery surfaces is a must – whether that’s hard floors inside or icy pavements outdoors. Making sure they have a warm place to sleep can also help, and they’ll definitely appreciate it!

You can also support your pet’s joints with a targeted nutritional supplement such as Omnicondro, which contains market-leading concentrations of glucosamine and chondroitin to promote healthy cartilage and antioxidants to support and stabilise collagen.

For maximal joint care and full body support, why not add in Omniomega, our popular omega-3 supplement that helps to support the orthopaedic, neurological, renal and cardiovascular systems.

4. Look after winter skin

Dry skin can be another thing we share with our pets in winter. While it may be wet and unpleasant outside, the cold air can still be drying to skin, while central heating can also contribute to skin dehydration. Repeatedly getting paws wet and salty outside can cause irritation too.

While some pets cope well, pets with allergies or sensitive skin can become itchy and uncomfortable as their skin dries out or may develop sore paws in response to grit and salt.

If your pet’s skin seems drier or more irritated than normal, there are some things you can try to help. Rinsing then thoroughly drying paws after walks is vital to wash off any salt. You can also try bathing any irritated areas in a gentle oatmeal bath to soothe sore skin.

Another way to support your pet’s coat and skin is to give them the nutritional support they need to help strengthen their skin barrier, which is essential to keep moisture trapped within the skin. Omega-3s in particular have been shown to support the skin barrier.

To provide your pet with complete skin support, check out Omnicutis. This fast-acting supplement contains market-leading concentrations of Omega-3 in addition to zinc and biotin to promote healthy skin, hair and nails and support your pet’s immune system.

5. Don’t forget their ears!

It’s not just paws that get wet in winter. If your dog comes back from their walks with soggy ears, they could be at increased risk of an ear infection. Ear infections can be painful and unpleasant to treat, so prevention is always better than cure. Cleaning dirty ears with a safe, gentle, antibacterial cleaner such as Omniotic can clear wax and debris and help to reduce the risk of infection.

If you’re concerned about your pet’s health this winter, it’s always worth seeing your vet; however, by taking some simple steps at home you can help to keep your pet out of trouble and in tip-top health, ready for the brighter days to come.

The post Winter Pet Care : Top Tips for the Colder Month appeared first on Vita Animal Health .

As summer slowly starts to set in, it brings along a range of challenges for our four-legged friends, particularly in the form of skin conditions and allergies. Just like humans, dogs can suffer from various skin issues, and summer allergies are among the most common culprits. Fortunately, there is a natural solution that can help alleviate these discomforts – Omega-3 supplements. In this blog, we’ll explore the impact of summer allergies on canine skin health and delve into how Omega-3 supplements can play a vital role in improving your dog’s well-being during the hot summer months.

What causes summer allergies in dogs?

Summer allergies in dogs can be triggered by a variety of factors, such as pollen, grass, fleas, mites, or even certain foods. When exposed to these allergens, dogs may experience itching, redness, rashes, ‘hot spots’ or even hair loss. Frequent scratching and biting can lead to skin irritation, which may worsen if left untreated. The increased heat and humidity during the summer months can exacerbate these issues, making it essential for pet owners to take proactive measures to mitigate the effects of allergies on their dogs.

Why does my dog need Omega 3s?

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are essential nutrients known for their numerous health benefits in both humans and animals, particularly for supporting the skin.  They cannot be produced by the body, so they must be obtained through diet or supplementation. Alongside a balanced diet, good quality supplements containing high levels of Omega 3s, such as Omniomega or Omnicutis, are a popular choice for supporting skin health and reducing some of the challenges associated with allergies in dogs.

How do Omega 3s support dogs with allergies?

• Help to combat seasonal allergies. Omega-3 fatty acids support natural anti-inflammatory processes that can help reduce itching and redness typically associated with summer allergies. By supporting the body’s immune response, they can reduce the chance of discomfort and prevent further damage to the skin.
• Strengthen the skin barrier. Allergies can compromise the skin’s natural barrier, making it more susceptible to irritants and infections. Omega-3 supplements appear to improve the skin’s barrier function, improving its ability to retain moisture and fend off allergens and irritants. This, in turn, promotes healthier skin and reduces the risk of secondary infections.
• Calm sensitive skin. Excessive itching and scratching are common symptoms of summer allergies in dogs. Omega-3 fatty acids can help calm sensitive skin, reduce itchiness and soothe irritated skin.
• Promoting Healthy Coat and Fur. It’s not just the skin that can benefit from Omega-3 supplements, the fur and coat can too! Omega 3s are known for improving the overall condition of the fur, making it look healthier, softer and more vibrant.

How to choose the correct Omega 3 supplement for your dog.

When selecting an Omega-3 supplement for your dog, it’s crucial to opt for a high-quality product specifically formulated for pets. Look for supplements that are free from contaminants and contain optimal levels of EPA and DHA. Both Omniomega and Omnicutis have been specifically developed with leading scientists to ensure each daily amount provides maximum benefit to your dog.

How do I know if my dog needs an Omega 3 supplement?

Signs such as excessive itching, dry or flaky skin rashes, redness, bumps or bald patches are all signs that your dog may have a skin issue. Any sudden changes in behaviour such as scratching, biting at nails and skin, or excessive licking can also be a signal that all is not well with heir skin (licking can also be a sign of pain – read more here). If you notice any of these changes your pup may benefit from the addition of a high-quality Omega 3 supplement. But remember to always talk to your vet first, if you have any concerns.

Keeping your dog’s skin health in tip top condition is essential for overall wellness. Healthy skin helps protect your pup from environmental irritants, supports the immune system, and helps regulate body temperature. Incorporating Omega-3 supplements to your dog’s daily routine helps look after their skin and coat. Not only can these supplements support relief from itching they also promote overall skin health and maintain a beautiful coat.

The post How to Manage Summer Allergies in Dogs – the Role of Omega 3s appeared first on Vita Animal Health .

What are supplements for cats?

When should I give my cat a supplement?

How to choose a supplement for your cat

Types of Cat Supplements

What are nutraceuticals for cats?

• Glucosamine – to support joint mobility.
• Chondroitin – to support healthy bones and joints. It is often found with glucosamine.
• Milk thistle – to remove toxins from the liver. It may be recommended for cats with liver disease.

Are there any cat Supplements I shouldn’t give?

• Onion and garlic (plants of the allium family): destroy red blood cells, leading to anaemia
• Calcium: too much can be toxic (only use in pregnant or lactating queens under veterinary supervision)
• Vitamin D: too much can be toxic leading neurological signs, calcium deposits and weak bones
• Vitamin C: too much can cause overly acidic urine, which can lead to urine crystal formation
• Vitamin A: too much can cause bones to fuse, leading to reduced mobility

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