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The Importance of Your Pet's Skin and Coat and the Role of Nutrition
A lustrous coat is a signal of vitality and can be a quick visual indicator of a pet’s health. In fact, one of the main ways your veterinarian assesses the health of your dog or cat is by looking at the condition of their coat and skin. Pets with a dry, flaky, or unkempt coat may be suffering from conditions such as thyroid disease, hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease), kidney or liver disease, or nutritional disorders. For more information about these conditions and how they can affect your pet's skin, see the specific handouts, as well as "Coat and Skin Appearance in the Healthy Dog" and “Coat and Skin Appearance in the Healthy Cat”.
What do I need to know about my pet’s skin and coat?
The skin and coat form the largest organ in dogs and cats, comprising around 10% to 15% of their total body weight. The skin is composed of the dermis, the epidermis, and the hypodermis.
The dermis is made up of collagen and is the largest portion of the skin. The dermis is also the most metabolically active and contains the sebaceous glands and hair follicles. Sebum, the oily substance secreted by the sebaceous glands, keeps the skin and hair lubricated and also coats the hair to prevent friction during movement.
The epidermis contains specialized skin cells called keratinocytes which produce keratin - a waxy substance that covers the epidermis to prevent the loss of water through the skin.
The hypodermis is the layer under the base layer of skin that contains mostly fat.
Your pet's coat consists of thousands of hairs produced in hair follicles. These hairs are under constant environmental stress, so they are continuously shed and replaced. You might notice that some dog breeds appear to shed much less compared to others – poodles, for example. This decreased shedding occurs because the growing phase of the hair follicle is much longer in these breeds. It is also why some dog breeds like poodles have continuous hair growth and require regular grooming.
Seasonal shedding, which also occurs to replace the coat, is affected by the outside temperature and hours of daylight each day (the photoperiod). However, cats and dogs who spend much of their time inside, exposed to a more consistent climate and electric light, may shed year-round.
What roles do my pet’s skin and coat play in their health?
Your pet's skin and coat play vital roles in their health. Together, they function as an important part of the immune system, and they are critical to maintaining proper hydration. The following are some of the basic functions of the skin and coat:
The food your pet eats can have a dramatic effect on the condition of their coat. Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins, and minerals help to care for your pet's skin and coat. Nutrients that have an impact include:
Aside from ensuring your pet is getting these important nutrients in their diet, proper grooming can also help keep your pet's skin and coat in good shape. For information about grooming or bathing your pet, talk to your veterinarian and see the handouts "Grooming and Coat Care for Your Dog" and "Grooming and Coat Care for Your Cat."
The key to a healthy coat begins with your pet's diet. If you are concerned about how your dog or cat's coat looks, ask your veterinarian if an underlying nutritional or medical condition might be contributing. There are specific diets formulated with enhanced concentrations of some of the nutrients mentioned above that can help support skin and coat for pets that need more than what is included in a standard maintenance diet (for example, dogs or cats with food allergies).
Always consult your veterinary health team before making changes to your pet’s diet. Arbitrarily supplementing nutrients without your veterinary team’s guidance could unbalance the diet or lead to a nutrient toxicity.
© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Last updated on Jul 12, 2024.
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