A glossy coat and comfortable skin are often signs that a pet is generally doing well, but skin and coat problems are also extremely common in both dogs and cats. Dryness, excessive scratching, dandruff, hair loss, greasy fur and recurring irritation can have many causes, from parasites and allergies to diet, grooming habits or an underlying health problem.
The most useful approach is to support everyday skin health while taking persistent changes seriously. A supplement or grooming product can be helpful in the right situation, but ongoing itching, bald patches, sores or inflamed skin need veterinary assessment rather than repeated home treatment.
What does healthy skin and coat look like?
Healthy skin should usually be comfortable, free from obvious redness, scabs or sores, while the coat should suit the natural texture of the breed. Some pets shed heavily at certain times of year, and some naturally have coarser, finer or oilier coats than others.
What matters most is a change from your pet’s normal. The PDSA advises that excessive scratching can have many causes, including fleas, allergies, mites, infection and other skin conditions.
1. Feed a complete, balanced diet
Skin and coat are built from nutrients supplied through the diet, so a complete food appropriate for your pet’s species, age and life stage is the foundation. Constantly changing foods or adding several supplements at once can make it harder to work out what is helping.
If you suspect food is contributing to a skin problem, speak to your vet before starting an elimination diet. True food-related skin problems need a structured approach, and simply switching between flavours is unlikely to identify the cause.
2. Groom regularly, but do not overdo it
Regular brushing removes loose hair, helps distribute natural oils and gives you a chance to check the skin closely. Long-haired pets often need more frequent grooming to prevent matting, while short-haired pets may need much less.
Over-bathing can dry the skin, especially if human shampoos or strongly fragranced products are used. Choose pet-specific grooming products and follow the instructions. If your pet already has sore or inflamed skin, ask your vet what is suitable before bathing.
You can browse our Dog Grooming & Care collection for everyday grooming products.
3. Keep flea and parasite control up to date
Fleas are a common cause of itching, and some animals are highly sensitive to flea bites. Regular parasite prevention should be based on your pet’s lifestyle and veterinary advice.
If one pet in a household has fleas, the environment may also need treatment because much of the flea life cycle takes place away from the animal.
4. Watch for licking as well as scratching
Skin discomfort does not always look like obvious scratching. Dogs may lick or chew their paws, legs or belly. Cats may over-groom and create thin patches of fur, sometimes in areas that are difficult to notice at first.
Repeated licking can itself damage the skin, so look for saliva staining, redness, broken hair or small wounds.
5. Could omega oils help?
Some pet skin-and-coat products contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, fish oils or other complementary nutrients. These may support normal skin and coat condition, but they should be used in suitable amounts and should not replace diagnosis when a pet is itchy or losing fur.
Choose products labelled for pets and follow the serving guidance carefully. If your pet takes medication or has a medical condition, ask your vet before introducing supplements.
You can explore our Skin & Coat collection for complementary products designed to support everyday coat condition.
6. Check ears, paws and skin folds
Some pets develop problems in warm, moist areas such as between the toes, around the ears or within skin folds. Check these areas gently during grooming and note any strong smell, redness, discharge or persistent licking.
Do not use random creams or household antiseptics on irritated skin without advice. Products that are safe for people are not automatically suitable for pets.
7. Seasonal changes are normal, sudden changes are not
Many pets shed more in spring and autumn. Indoor pets can shed throughout the year because of artificial light and heating. A gradual seasonal increase in loose fur can be normal; sudden bald patches, intense itching or a major coat change is different.
When should you speak to a vet?
Contact your vet if your dog or cat has persistent itching, bald patches, sores, broken skin, swelling, a strong smell, recurring ear problems, sudden excessive grooming, obvious pain or a major change in coat quality. Skin problems can become uncomfortable quickly, and treating the underlying cause is more effective than repeatedly treating the surface.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I brush my pet?
It depends on coat type. Long-haired animals may need daily brushing, while many short-haired pets need much less. The aim is to prevent tangles, remove loose fur and check the skin without causing irritation.
Can I use human shampoo on my dog or cat?
It is better to use a product specifically formulated for pets. Human skin has a different balance and human products can irritate some animals.
Does a dull coat always mean poor nutrition?
No. Diet can play a role, but coat changes can also be linked to parasites, allergies, pain, hormonal problems, illness or reduced grooming.
Are skin supplements enough for an itchy pet?
No. Persistent itching has many possible causes and should be assessed by a vet. Supplements are best viewed as complementary support rather than treatment for an undiagnosed condition.
Related Wellbeing Pets guides
Digestive health and stress can sometimes affect overall wellbeing too. You may also find our guides to supporting your cat’s digestive health and calm and everyday support for dogs and cats useful.
This article provides general pet-wellbeing information and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment.