The Importance of Proactive Skin, Coat, and Nail Care for Your Dog

The health of the skin, coat, and nails can tell us much about what is happening inside your dog. Additionally, many common dermatology conditions that affect the quality or appearance of the skin or fur can also negatively affect your pet’s well-being and quality of life. In turn, at Bluestar Pet Hospital & Grooming in Jacksonville, Florida, we take these conditions seriously and give them the prompt, proactive care and attention they deserve. 

For starters, we assess your pet’s health on this front during regular visits to our clinic. These routine appointments allow us to check for suspicious lumps, bumps, hair loss, discoloration, flea “dirt,” or other signs of conditions or parasites. From there, we can recommend the appropriate course of treatment. 

Treatment may include a combination of medications, topical products, and other grooming-oriented recommendations and care, depending on what we find. Sometimes, lifestyle adjustments (such as changes to diet) can address the underlying cause of persistent itching or redness. We can also rule out more severe conditions or detect conditions that require immediate intervention; for instance, a cancerous mass may be removed more efficiently and successfully when it is small, localized, and has not spread. These spots can be missed without regular exams by professionals like the team at Bluestar Pet Hospital & Grooming. 

Even something seemingly innocuous as itching can tremendously affect your pet’s quality of life and may indicate conditions that demand prompt care. After all, excessive itching may cause severe trauma to the skin and even give rise to secondary skin infections. Often intense and persistently itchy skin is a common complaint among our clients and can be due to a wide range of illnesses, pests, substances, and triggers, including:

• Flea allergies 
• Ringworm (infections caused by a fungus–not a type of worm)
• Food allergies and sensitivities; for instance, wheat, corn, chicken, beef, and fillers in dog foods
• Seasonal allergies; for example; pollens, molds, and grasses
• Mange caused by the Sarcoptes scabei mite
• Hormonal disorders and metabolic problems can alter the coloring, density, and distribution of the hair and skin (as applicable)
• Use of irritating shampoos and grooming products, which are harsh or not formulated for dogs
• Stress, anxiety, even loneliness, and boredom (can lead to excessive licking, scratching, and other complications)

Empowering clients with the tools they need to keep their pets happy and healthy is fundamental to our approach to care. Even something seemingly simple as periodically clipping or buffing a dog’s toenails can support proper gait and mobility and stave off joint damage, arthritis, and other injuries. Do not wait for your pet to feel less than their best to reach out to us. Call 904-720-4272 to schedule an exam for your dog at our clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, or call us at (904) 720-4275 if our St Johns location is more convenient.

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