Helping itchy dogs from scratch…

Premium natural supplements maker, Lintbells is letting retailers know that spring can result in a rise in itchy skins in dogs and that they can help their customers.

Data published by the Royal Veterinary College suggests that around 1 in 10 of all cases presented to veterinary practices have itchy skin.* While many of these dogs need a veterinary consultation and this should always be encouraged, there are things that retailers can suggest to support these customers.

The YuMEGA Itchy Dog product combines high levels of Omega 6 (GLA) from Starflower (Borage) with increased levels of Omega 3 (EPA and DHA) from high purity Salmon oil, helping to soothe the urge to itch.

Lintbells Marketing Executive, Gemma Cunningham says that skin that’s not in great condition – that is dry or scurfy – can be more vulnerable, “When the skin forms a strong barrier that’s great news for ongoing health. A poor barrier lets water escape, leading to dryness and allows irritants to penetrate the skin. Supplying the right essential fatty acids is a great way to support skin health and barrier function.”

Regular baths using a mild dog shampoo will hydrate the skin and also remove irritants stuck to the coat, while it’s always worth using wipes when returning from walks to clean the coat and skin between baths. Frequently washing bedding and having one in use and one in the wash is also worth considering as irritants can stick to fabric too. Good flea control – both on the pet and in its immediate environment is also very important. Addressing all these areas using a multimodal approach, of which supplements form an essential part, all adds up to a stronger category based on the retailer’s expert recommendation.

For retailers that would like to expand their ‘skin’ category, there’s a YuMEGA range of products to support skin health that includes YuMEGA Boost, which can used in combination with YuMEGA Itchy Dog to provide vital nutrients that specifically promote hair growth, aid skin health, and support nail growth when dogs need a little extra help. YuMEGA Cat is also available. The supplements are easy to give and added to the food, forming a simple extension to the daily pet care routine.

Lintbells has materials to support retailers that want to advise customers on managing their dog’s itch. There is an educational cartoon poster that helps pet owners recognise the signs their dog has itchy skin – face rubbing and paw chewing are sometimes not associated with a classic itch but are signs that there is irritation. There is also a wall poster and social media posts to highlight the signs that indicate cats might need additional skin and coat support and a YuMEGA shelf wobbler for merchandising.

To request a free pack, contact Lintbells or the outlet’s local Lintbells retail business development executive.

Reference

Source https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass/learn-zone/infographics/canine - an interpretation based on the total number of hypersensitivity and pruritus disorders under the ‘integumentary’ category.

Press contact: Susan McKay, BVMS, MRCVS, MBA, Companion Consultancy Tel 01284 388702 or 07887 515870 Email susan@companionconsultancy.com