With the wide range of supplements, prescriptions and over the counter medications available, there is no reason for your pet to suffer with itchy dry skin, bald spots, or poor smell. Many options are available to treat the skin and coat conditions that commonly affect pets.

If your pet suffers from a cut, it is important to clean and treat it right away. If it develops an infection, it may not heal properly, and this may increase the time needed for the cut to heal. It can also develop unsightly scar tissue. A prescription topical ointment such as Animax or Panalog is commonly prescribed for treatment of such injuries. These ointments are multifunctional, and kill bacteria as well as fungus.

For pets that suffer from food allergies, it is important to realize that these allergies can affect much more than the digestive system. The skin and coat of a dog suffering from allergies may have a rough quality, and the pet's skin may itch. This can lead to excessive scratching, which, in turn, leads to additional skin problems. Atopica is an oral form of cyclosporine that is often prescribed to treat allergies. It is a very effective medication, and can provide your pet with almost immediate relief.

For the pet that suffers from chronic ringworm or other persistent skin problems, an oral antifungal such as Ketoconazole, which may be coupled with a topical antifungal, like Panalog, is often necessary to break through the stubborn cycle of fungal infections.

There are also a variety of shampoos and sprays that can be used to treat your pet's skin condition. Hexadene is a medicated shampoo commonly provided for skin conditions. If your dog suffers from allergies, Histacalm, which contains diphenhydramine HCI, helps to calm the skin. Dermacool, a spray that is available with lidocaine, helps to calm irritated skin as well. Gentocin is an antibiotic spray used in the treatment of skin conditions. If you dog suffers from hotspots, Oxydex Gel is an effective treatment.

Even if your pet has generally healthy skin there are a variety of supplements that can improve the quality of your pet's coat and relieve any dryness that may be experienced. These supplements typically contain a blend of fatty acids that are rich in EFA and DHA, such as Omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins that have been proven to help skin health, such as A, D, E and zinc.

Coat supplements make a great addition to any pet's diet. They add shine to the coat and moisturize the skin, which reduces itchiness. The only drawback to using these supplements is that for some pets, these supplements may cause unintended weight gain because they contain mostly fats.

Providing supplements and prescription medications for your pet is an easy and effective way to deal with many problems often associated with pet ownership. Excessive shedding often occurs when a dog frequently scratches himself, damaging the skin. Dry, harsh coats often shed more readily than a soft and lustrous coat.

Keeping your pet's coat healthy

While there are a variety of medications that can help your pet develop an attractive and healthy coat, there are other, equally important steps that you should take. The first step to a healthy coat is to keep your pet healthy. This means that your pet should be at a good weight, free of internal parasites, and up to date on vaccinations. Next, it is important to choose a quality pet food with ingredients that agree with your pet. What works for one may not work for another. It is vital to get this step right, because food allergies can play havoc with a pet's skin and coat. If your pet is particularly sensitive to different ingredients, try one of the allergy formulas that are available. These typically have fewer ingredients, and they are less likely to be common allergens.

Regular grooming also goes a long way on improving the quality of your pet's coat. The type of grooming required depends on the type of coat your pet has. While some pets, such as a poodle, require intensive and regular grooming sessions to look their best, others still benefit from being brushed regularly. If you start this when they are young, they may come to enjoy the time spent grooming. Also, take time to regularly wipe out the ears and eyes of your pet.

If your pet still has an unhealthy coat, you may want to add a coat supplement to your pet's diet. These supplements can dramatically improve the quality of the coat. If your pet's coat still leaves something to be desired, you may want to consider a visit to the vet because your pet may have an underlying health condition that is affecting the quality of its coat.