
Nutritional Support for Skin & Coat
The skin and coat serve as the first line of defense against environmental pathogens, playing a crucial role in thermoregulation, hydration, and immune function. Skin disorders in dogs and cats are among the most common reasons for veterinary visits, often presenting with pruritus, erythema, scaling, or poor coat quality. While primary dermatological diseases such as atopic dermatitis, seborrhea, and alopecia require targeted medical interventions, nutritional support through skin and coat supplements has become an essential component of multimodal dermatological care.
Key Nutrients and Their Dermatological Benefits
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)
Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are fundamental to maintaining skin integrity and reducing inflammation. Omega-3s, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), modulate inflammatory responses, helping to manage chronic dermatological conditions like atopic dermatitis. Omega-6 fatty acids, including linoleic acid (LA) and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), strengthen the epidermal barrier and prevent transepidermal water loss, improving coat shine and skin hydration. Studies have shown that diets supplemented with fish oil can significantly reduce pruritus and improve coat condition in allergic dogs.
Vitamins and Antioxidants
Vitamin E and Vitamin C are potent antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress that contributes to chronic inflammation in the skin. Vitamin E also plays a role in strengthening cell membranes and supporting wound healing, while Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis and tissue repair.
B-complex vitamins, particularly biotin and niacin, are critical for keratin formation and epidermal health. Biotin deficiencies have been linked to seborrhea, hair thinning, and brittle nails, making it a valuable supplement for improving coat texture and reducing flakiness.
Zinc and Other Key Minerals
Zinc is essential for keratinocyte function, immune response, and wound healing. Deficiencies in zinc are associated with zinc-responsive dermatosis in dogs, characterized by crusting, hyperkeratosis, and scaling. Selenium and copper also contribute to hair pigmentation, antioxidant defense, and epidermal renewal, making them important for overall coat health.
Probiotics and Skin Microbiome Modulation
The gut-skin axis is an emerging area of interest in veterinary dermatology. Probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species have been studied for their potential role in reducing skin inflammation and supporting immune-mediated skin conditions. By modulating the gut microbiome, probiotics may help reduce atopic reactions, pruritus, and secondary infections associated with dysbiosis-driven immune dysfunction.
Product selection for skin and coat health
Supplements play a crucial role in supporting dermatological health. The use of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and probiotics in a multimodal approach allows enhanced treatment outcomes for chronic dermatological conditions. As new research continues to emerge on the gut-skin axis and targeted nutritional therapy, integrating skin and coat supplements into veterinary practice provides a preventive and therapeutic advantage for managing complex skin diseases. Here are the products to keep on hand:
Dr Baddaky Omega-3
Offers high-quality omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA) that support skin health.
Omega-3's play a crucial role in helping to manage chronic pruritus and allergic skin conditions, making them an essential part of multimodal therapy.
Dermoscent Keravita
Dermoscent Keravita is based on a unique association of active ingredients of natural origin: botanical constituents of keratin, bamboo, vitamins and zinc, Keravita ® restores shine and vitality to the coat of dogs and cats, helps reinforce the claws and reduce hair loss.
Linkskin
Linkskin contain tyndalized Lactobacilli probiotics (L. rhamnosus and L. reuteri). These inactivated probiotics help modulate the skin's microbiome, restoring balance and supporting the skin’s natural defenses.
Leamix
Leamix is a complementary feed for dogs and cats suffering from skin problems and excessive hair loss. It contains a complete and balanced combination of omega-3 (high levels of EPA + DHA), zinc, and vitamins (C, E) to help maintain the skin barrier, promote skin repair, and provide a source of antioxidants.