Just like humans, dogs have thousands of microscopic bacteria and fungi living on their skin. These microorganisms are perfectly normal and are often necessary for optimal health. However, sometimes they can overgrow and cause problems like infections. Skin infections are not uncommon in dogs, especially if they have an underlying health issue that causes skin irritation or imbalances. Although most infections are easily cleared up with supplements or medication, they can be quite painful for your pup. That’s why it’s so important to check your dog’s skin regularly for signs of infections and take action immediately. Typical signs of skin infections Skin infections can be caused by a variety of things, including different microorganisms like bacteria or fungi, but many infections show similar signs. You may first notice an infection because of a change in your dog’s behavior. When your dog develops an infection on the skin, it may begin to scratch, lick or bite the area incessantly. Your dog may also show signs of pain or discomfort, especially when the infected area is touched. When you notice these signs, you should take a closer look at your dog’s skin, searching for any of the following signs: Inflamed, red skin Flaking or crusted skin Hair loss Pustules, or pus-filled blisters Lesions Pus or blood Bad odor Skin infections can affect one small area, multiple areas or all over your dog’s body. No matter where you notice these signs, you’ll want to visit your pet’s veterinarian to determine what the infection is and how to treat it. How skin infections start The most common skin infections in dogs are either caused by bacteria (causing a condition called pyoderma) or fungi and yeast. In order for skin infections to develop, the condition of the skin needs to be just right to allow bacteria or fungi to proliferate. Often, skin infections develop as a secondary infection to another health issue, such as a scrape or wound. Allergic reactions and fleas can also cause infections. If something on your dog’s skin is bothering it, whether it’s a flea bite, allergic reaction, scrape or something else, it’s likely to bite and lick the area to soothe it. The moisture introduced there can cause bacteria or yeast to grow faster, resulting in an infection. One particular type of fungal infection, ringworm, is caused by a fungus and can easily spread to other animals and people. Ringworm causes symptoms quite similar to bacterial infections but often displays lesions or hair loss in circular patterns. Additionally, underlying health problems like endocrine disorders deplete the immune system and make it more likely for your dog to develop an infection. Keeping your dog’s immune system strong may help prevent infections. Finally, it’s not uncommon for your dog to have both a bacterial and fungal infection in the same spot, so proper diagnosis and treatment plans will need to be discussed with your vet. Treating skin infections Because skin infections can be painful for dogs, and because you don’t know if the infection might spread to other animals or yourself, you should seek veterinary care immediately upon discovering the signs of an infection. Your vet can test the infection to determine its cause and may prescribe medications to clear up the issue as quickly as possible. The first step will be to clean the area. Then, your vet may require the use of oral medications and/or topical ointments to clear up the infection. You may also need to wash your dog with a special shampoo during the healing process. In some cases, skin infections will occur once and go away. Other infections may be recurring or chronic and will require specialized treatments. Preventing infections The main way to help your dog avoid getting skin infections is to be vigilant about caring for your dog’s skin. This includes proper grooming and regular baths to clean its skin of impurities. Baths are also helpful if your dog has allergies because they can sooth itchiness and help stop your dog from licking and scratching its skin. If you notice your dog scratching or biting at its skin, investigate the issue and contact your vet. There’s most likely an underlying issue, such as allergies or fleas, that needs to be addressed. When the underlying cause of infections is resolved, infections are much less likely. Check on your dog’s skin and fur regularly to make sure it is not showing signs of infection and seek veterinary care if symptoms appear. With close attention and fast action, your dog’s skin will be clear and healthy in no time. Source: https://petwellbeing.com/  

A glossy coat and healthy skin aren’t just about looking good — they’re signs of a pet that’s thriving inside and out. Whether you have a fluffy Persian or a sleek Doberman, regular care is essential to prevent dryness, irritation, and skin-related diseases.   The health of your dog or cat’s skin and coat is influenced by multiple factors: diet, grooming habits, environment, and even allergies. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, often found in quality pet food or supplements, play a huge role in keeping fur soft and skin moisturized. Poor nutrition, on the other hand, often leads to dull coats and flaky skin.   Routine grooming helps remove dead hair, distributes natural oils, and allows you to catch early signs of skin problems like hot spots, rashes, or parasites. Dogs generally need baths every 2–4 weeks depending on breed and activity level, while cats (especially long-haired ones) benefit from brushing several times a week — even if they groom themselves.   If you notice excessive itching, redness, bald patches, or a greasy, smelly coat, don’t ignore it. These could be signs of allergies, fungal infections, or underlying conditions that need veterinary attention. Early action prevents discomfort and costly treatments later on.   Tips for Healthier Skin & Coat: Feed a high-quality diet rich in Omega-3s (e.g., fish oil). Brush regularly based on coat type — short hair needs less, long hair needs more. Use pet-safe shampoos (avoid human products). Add a humidifier during dry seasons to reduce skin flakiness. Keep up with flea and tick prevention year-round.   Conclusion: Beauty Starts with Health A silky coat and itch-free skin are more than just aesthetic — they’re indicators of a happy, healthy pet. With consistent care, proper nutrition, and a watchful eye, your furry friend can shine from the inside out.   That's why NatureBridge provides daily food specifically for healthy skin and coat. This dry food is enriched with herbs, antioxidants, and animal protein that won't cause allergies in your pet's skin. Available in NatureBridge Classic Beauty Cat and NatureBridge Beauty & Skin Dog. Help maintain your pet's healthy skin and coat. Get NatureBridge at the official Nature Bridge Indonesia store or the official CPPETINDO store.

INDOZONE.ID – A cat's fur is a crucial part of its body. Without fur, a cat would feel cold, look thin, and appear unkempt. Fur on cats serves several purposes: protecting the body, regulating temperature, providing distinctive color, repelling water, shielding against sunlight and rain, protecting the skin, functioning as a sensory tool, providing warmth, preventing infections, and acting as a reservoir for keratin and protein. Here are some ways we can prevent fur loss in cats. Let’s dive in! 1. Bathing Cats Regularly To maintain a cat's cleanliness, it’s important to bathe them regularly. According to the National Cat Groomers of America, cats need to be bathed at least once every 4–6 weeks.To prevent them from getting cold, make sure to bathe cats when the environment is warm, ideally between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.   2. Regularly Brushing a Cat's Fur Brushing a cat’s fur not only prevents hair loss but also helps remove dirt, dead fur, skin flakes, fleas, and oil.Additionally, brushing stimulates blood circulation and improves overall skin health.This activity should be done at least once or twice a week to maintain the cat's health and prevent hair loss.Older cats, in particular, may not be able to groom themselves properly, so brushing their fur can be a great help.   3. Ensuring the Cat Stays Hydrated Water is essential for all living beings, including cats. Just like humans, if a cat doesn’t drink enough water, it can experience dehydration.When dehydrated, certain bodily functions may be disrupted.One area affected is the skin, which can become dry and lead to fur loss.To prevent hair loss, ensure your cat drinks enough water daily.   4. Adjusting Their Diet Diet plays a significant role in the health of any living creature, including cats.Through food, cats receive the nutrients their bodies need. A cat’s fur condition is also influenced by the food it consumes. A diet rich in protein is essential for cats.Protein is the primary nutrient for hair formation. Thus, protein-rich foods are vital for maintaining a cat’s healthy fur. Jerry Xu, the owner of Bridge PetCare, explained that his company’s cat food is made using “freeze-dried” technology, where real meat is frozen at a temperature of -38°C for 26 hours. “With the introduction of NatureBridge Daily Care, we hope pet owners and their beloved pets can live healthier, happier lives, and grow old together,” said Jerry Xu during an event in Jakarta on Thursday (July 25, 2024).   (Source: https://life.indozone.id/news/434907981/bulu-kucing-peliharaan-rontok-dan-alami-sulit-buang-air-kecil-ini-solusinya)