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Of all the joys spring offers us, one of the most troublesome things about this time of year is the increase of insects on our furry friends. Of all these creepy pests, adult fleas cause the most problems for our pets and the owners intent on controlling them.

In order to become adults, fleas need warm weather, between 70 and 80 degrees, and around 70 to 80 percent relative humidity.

“Those ideal conditions are usually what we are experience during this time of the year, which is why we generally see more fleas coming out in the spring,” said Dr. Alison Diesel, lecturer in dermatology at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM).

Unlike many geographical areas where seasonal differences occur, fleas can be present year-round in Texas because of our warmer winters.

While many people think fleas are relatively harmless except for making our pets itch, fleas can cause numerous other health problems in our pets.

For example, some animals may react to an allergen found in fleas’ saliva, causing the animal to have an allergic reaction.  This causes the animal to itch and ultimately scratch, which can lead to a secondary skin infection.

If there is a massive amount of fleas, anemia could even become a potential problem, especially with small animals that do not have large amounts of blood. Fleas also carry diseases like tapeworms and Bartonella (which causes “cat scratch disease”) that can infect both pets and humans.

While there is no way to completely prevent fleas from reaching our pets, a key factor to controlling fleas is breaking their life cycle either by killing the adults and/or at least one of the juvenile stages.

“The flea life cycle has four phases: the adult fleas lay eggs, the eggs hatch into larvae, the larvae turns into pupae, which, eventually, turn into adults,” said Diesel. “Targeting several phases of the flea lifecycle is best, particularly when dealing with an infestation.  The easiest stage to target is the adult flea since they live on the pet.  The other stages, such as eggs, larvae, and pupae, are present in the environment.”

With regards to specific therapy for fleas and secondary problems, your pet’s veterinarian is a valuable resource for the best options and possible medications.

“Your pet’s veterinarian can help recommend the most appropriate product to help prevent fleas based on other factors (other skin conditions, food allergies, etc.) as well as discuss the appropriate way to administer the product,” said Diesel. “I suggest using a flea prevention that lasts the entire month and is still effective if the pet gets wet.”

Using flea control products once every 30 days provides the best protection for your pet from flea bites and can even prevent a flea infestation from being established in your pet’s environment. It is important to minimize an animal’s exposure to fleas by avoiding infested areas and pets.

“There are some things which can be done to minimize exposure to fleas: avoid known infested areas, do not allow your pet to come into contact with wild animals or burrows, and protect areas of the house where wild animals may enter to minimize wild animals from establishing residency in the first place,” said Diesel. “If fleas become a problem inside the house, try vacuuming once a week.”

If the flea presence grows larger, there are various in-house treatments and exterminators to aid in flea removal.

“Focus on places where the pets spends most of their time inside the house because that will contain the most concentrated area of fleas,” said Diesel. “Also, don’t forget under beds and furniture, behind curtains, and along hallways connecting rooms when treating the house for fleas. It may be best to contact a professional exterminator when there is a large flea burden present.”

In addition to treating animals and the inside of the home, it may also be essential to treat the outside environment around your home. This can be done by treating areas of the surrounding property that have an unusually high populace of fleas.

“This includes shaded areas, under trees and bushes, in dog houses, under porches and decks.  As with indoor control, when the burden is high, a professional exterminator may be the most help,” said Diesel.

The best approach to controlling fleas is to practice prevention continuously throughout the year by treating all pets with proper medication as well as treating the inside and outside of the home if there is a suspected infestation.

“It is much easier to prevent fleas than to treat fleas,” said Diesel.

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the Web at vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvm.tamu.edu.

Hotels have recently jumped on the trend of accommodating pets in hotel stays. However, pet-friendly hotels are still limited across the country and so the next time that you travel for business or pleasure you may need to leave your pet behind. On the other hand a new trend adopted by hotels may allow for a pet to be waiting for you.

Hotels around the nation have slowly adopted rescued dogs, cats, and fish to ease travelers’ minds. Hotel visitors can schedule walks, sit down appointments, and hikes with these hotel companions while they stay at the hotels.

Dr. M. A. Crist, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, is familiar with the positive effects animals can have on people and she sees this trend lasting.

“Studies have been provided that interactions with animals can be calming and even lower blood pressure for humans,” notes Crist. “A. Beck and N. Meyers studied that ordinary interactions with animals can reduce blood pressure. Pets may also enhance the physiological and psychological well-being of many people. This opportunity to interact with the animals may provide some travelers with the opportunity to meet others or for other travelers to be alone without being lonely.”

The use of companion animals to aid in relaxation and to provide additional opportunities for exercise is healthy for the travelers. This is healthy for the pets as well, because the pets receive exceptional care from the hotel. Hotels chose pets who are very socialized and extremely people friendly.

“Most of the chosen pets are temperament tested and enjoy meeting people and the activities that they provide,” Crist says. “The hotel pets are bathed regularly and are current on healthy veterinary wellness examinations and vaccinations protocols. I believe that the hotel would not support or place an animal in harm’s way. The resident hotel pets are very well taken care of and usually have an endless list of people waiting to share their friendship with them.”

Aside from the beneficial health factor this may have on both parties, it is important to note the pros and cons of this situation.

According to Crist there are several positives through this experience. A rescued animal is provided a healthy home spent with people who will give it attention. Hotels are also very aware and give particular instructions so that their resident animal is not harmed while in the company of travelers. Any extra fees that may be charged are usually donated to a pet charity or a rescue shelter.

According to Crist there are also some drawbacks to this operation. Some travelers may have allergies to animals and they can not be around them. Some travelers may have no desire to be around animals. While other travelers may have an actual fear of animals and they will choose to stay away from them at all costs. Hotels provide specific instructions in the care of the resident pet so that a hotel guest or traveler does not cause unintentional harm to the pet.

Outweighing the good with the bad, Crist does see this trend lasting because of the positive effects it has.

“This trend may be long lasting, because if promoted in the sense that the hotel is giving a rescued pet a place to live and an opportunity to have interactions with people who are pet friendly, who would not want to support that trend,” explains Crist. “Some travelers are on the road so much that they cannot have a pet because they are not home long enough to take care of a pet properly and this can give them a chance to interact with a pet without the ownership responsibility. Other travelers may live in a place that does not allow pets and this gives them an opportunity to interact with a pet.”

Currently Fairmont, Kimpton, and the Ritz-Carlton hotel chains across the United States are staffing rescued pets for traveler companionship. In the very near future we may see a rise in this as it may be a trend longing to stay.

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the Web at vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvm.tamu.edu.

Frequent diarrhea, vomiting, and other signs of an upset stomach in your cat could be signs of gastrointestinal (GI) or digestive disorders. While an occasional upset stomach is normal, cat owners should inform their veterinarian if their pet frequently experiences signs of digestive issues.

“Gastrointestinal disorders are diseases that affect the digestive tract,” said Dr. Sina Marsilio, veterinarian in the gastrointestinal laboratory at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. “Usually, the stomach or the intestines are the source of the problem. However, the digestive tract includes the entire tract that has contact to food or feces, including the mouth and teeth, the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, the rectum, and anus.”

The most common clinical signs of digestive disorders in cats are loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea, Marsilio said. However, especially in elderly cats, weight loss is another common sign of GI disease. Less common clinical signs may include constipation, abdominal swelling, and problems chewing or swallowing, which are usually due to problems within the mouth, such as issues with the teeth or esophagus, Marsilio said.

In general, Marsilio said all pets with GI signs should be seen by a veterinarian. However, cats tend to hide signs of illness, making these signs difficult to spot. Thus, Marsilio recommended taking even slight signs of lethargy or decrease in activity level seriously.

“The ability for cats to hide illness is also the reason why abdominal pain is rarely detected in cats,” Marilio said. “Cats with abdominal swelling, regardless of how they are acting, should see a veterinarian. Additionally, if a cat stops eating for any reason, they can develop secondary liver disease. Therefore, cats that have not eaten in two or more days should also see a veterinarian immediately.”

There are various types and causes of gastrointestinal disorders in cats, but Marsilio said the disease occurs in two categories: acute—meaning the disease’s symptoms began abruptly, and chronic—meaning symptoms have persisted for a long time. However, whether the patient is experiencing acute or chronic symptoms, signs of GI disease are generally the same.

“Acute signs of a GI disease may be caused by viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections, drugs and toxins, or foreign bodies within the GI tract,” Marsilio said. “Chronic signs can be a sign of food allergies, chronic inflammation of the GI tract, or cancer.” Marsilio also said it is also important to understand that diseases outside the GI tract, such as diseases affecting the kidneys, pancreas, or liver, can cause signs of a GI disease. No matter the cause, any irregularities should be presented to a veterinarian.

If you notice your feline companion showing signs of a GI disease, there are many treatments available that can be tailored to the underlying cause of the disease and the severity of symptoms. Common treatments include checking and treating the patient for parasites, analyzing the patient’s diet and making changes as needed, and taking blood tests to confirm the patient has a GI disease.

If you notice any changes in your pet’s behavior, including eating and litter box habits, be sure to monitor them closely and take them to a veterinarian. Even if your cat is not acting sick, persistent signs of vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhea should be taken seriously.

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Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the Web at vetmed.tamu.edu/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvm.tamu.edu .

Dr. Sina Marsilio is currently looking for fresh fecal samples from healthy cats and cats with diarrhea or other gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting, loss of appetite, or weight loss. The gastrointestinal laboratory offers several tests free of charge in return for a fecal sample from your cat and a completed questionnaire. If you are interested in participating in Marsilio’s study, please contact her via email: Sina.Marsilio@cvm.tamu.edu.

We’ve all heard the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away!” But have you ever considered interacting with your pet as another way to prevent doctor visits? Many people are experiencing the social and health benefits of interacting with their four-legged cat and dog friends. The proof is not only evident in happy pet owners’ faces, but also in recent studies.

Professionals and researchers have found specific benefits in cat ownership. For many people, cats offer social companionship without the fear of judgement. Having a cat around can prevent loneliness and depression and even improve your mood in general. Companionship through a cat is especially beneficial to those who live alone or are widowed. Dr. Jonathon Lidbury, assistant professor in the feline internal medicine department at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, explains the key advantages of owning a cat.

“Cats offer companionship, which is especially beneficial to people who are socially isolated due to various reasons,” he said. “Cats also offer stress relief and light exercise if you play with them.”

Besides social interaction and a reduced risk of suffering from social diseases like depression, cats also offer many health benefits. In fact, the positive emotions you experience from playing or cuddling with your feline can help boost your immune system. Cats can also sense when their owners are sick and often offer them company. This can help you feel better even sooner.

Although it is common to find someone who is allergic to cats, studies show that young children or infants who are exposed to cats often develop fewer allergies. Early and frequent exposure to cats may also prevent future upper respiratory problems in children as well.

For many people, interacting with their cat provides a sense of comfort and relief from everyday stress. Caring for another creature and being sensitive to their needs can help distract cat owners from their daily struggles, worries, and negative emotions. By lowering stress levels, cat owners may experience lower blood pressure as well as less anxiety.

Cats are smart and independent animals that are also naturally clean, making them a great choice for a pet. Combined with their many health benefits, the low maintenance aspect of cat ownership creates a great opportunity for companionship.

“Cats offer a great balance between being easy to take care of but at the same time being very good companions,” Lidbury said. “They are playful, intelligent and engaging pets that are very fun to take care of.”

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at vetmed.tamu.edu/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvm.tamu.edu .

Whether you are a college student with the new found freedom to have your own pet, the parent of a child pleading for a furry addition to the family, or a veteran pet owner looking to add a different species to your family; choosing the right pet for your lifestyle requires thought and planning. Pets are a long-term commitment so impulse purchases or adoptions should be avoided.

To avoid getting into troublesome pet situations Dr. Bonnie Beaver, professor at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, recommends answering four important questions before choosing to get a pet:

1) Do you have the time to devote to a pet?

Pets require more than just food and water. “Evaluate your lifestyle and try to choose an animal that you know you will be able to care for,” said Dr. Beaver. If a dog or cat seems to be too much for you to handle there are other pet options. However most pets will still need to be fed daily; if you travel often and do not have someone else that can look after your animal you should probably not have a pet.”

2) Pets need food, grooming, toys, and veterinary care- can you fit that into your budget?

It is important to think about the monthly cost of your pet. Be realistic in your budgeting and make sure that you can handle the added expense. Dr. Beaver states, “Food is the largest expense for animals. Most people tend to think that the veterinary bill would be the most expensive part of owning a pet because the bill comes in one lump sum.” Something to keep in mind while choosing a pet is the general rule that the larger the pet the larger the expenses.

3) Is my living arrangement conducive to the type of pet I am thinking about?

People who are looking for a pet need to take into account multiple issues relating to their home life. Find out if there are restrictions to the type of pet you can have because of zoning laws in your area and if your lease will allow you to have a pet. Will you have a pet deposit, and if so does it fit in your budget? If you live in an apartment a big dog is probably not going to be the best pet choice. Likewise, a person who keeps an immaculate house may not do well with pets that shed often.

4) Do I have health concerns that rule out certain pets or place special requirements on having a pet?

Dr. Beaver advises, “People who have allergies or weak immune systems should be mindful of the effects certain animals can have on their health.” You should talk with your doctor and a veterinarian if you have questions about your health and what animals could have an effect on your condition.

If you can answer those questions with no red flags, you are probably ready for a pet. Choose a pet you like and can manage. The internet is a great resource to find information about different animals and specific breeds. Also, talking with a veterinarian before choosing a pet can help you to make the right decision for your lifestyle. Dr. Beaver reminds us that “All animals require attention and upkeep-they are not pet rocks. However, if you are ready for a pet the experience can be rewarding and fulfilling”.

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the Web at vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvm.tamu.edu.

Angela G. Clendenin
Director, Communications & Public Relations
Ofc – (979) 862-2675
Cell – (979) 739-5718

The anal glands in a dog or cat are residual scent marking organs, responsible for the production of an odor that identifies the individual and marks his stool to establish territory. Similar to the glands of a skunk, the anal glands are typically expelled when the animal defecates, or sometimes when they feel stressed or relaxed. Anal gland disease can include one of several medical issues involving the anal glands.

“The most common form of anal gland disease is impaction, where the contents are not expelled normally,” said Dr. Alison Diesel, lecturer in dermatology at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM). “In this situation, the animal may require assistance from a veterinarian, veterinary technician, groomer, or owner to have the anal glands expressed.” Other medical conditions of the anal gland include infections, abscesses, or even cancer.

One of the most recognizable symptoms of anal gland disease is when the animal “scoots,” or drags their hind end on the carpet, grass, or other surface. Malodor and frequent licking are also good indicators.

“If an infection, abscess, or cancer is the cause of disease, exudate may be noted from the anal gland or tissue surrounding the anus,” said Diesel.

Depending on the particular disease, treatment options are highly variable. If you are concerned that your dog or cat may have anal gland disease, you should schedule an appointment with your pet’s veterinarian to have them evaluated and discuss recommendations for the particular cause of disease.

“For impaction, periodic manual expression of the anal gland contents may be sufficient,” said Diesel. “Sometimes, changes in diet may help with the disease, or at least from expression being required quite as frequently.”

If it is discovered to be cancer, then surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy may be the appropriate treatment, depending on the specific type of cancer.

“For infections and abscesses, having the area clipped and cleaned by a veterinarian is generally helpful,” said Diesel. “Additional medication such as antibiotics (either oral medications, or infused into the anal gland) may be required.”

In general, there is no way to prevent anal gland disease in your pets, aside from having them surgically removed. However, this is not typically recommended, as it is a bit aggressive for an animal that isn’t showing signs of anal gland disease.

“Additionally, there is the potential for complications associated with the surgery including fecal incontinence, stricture formation (leading to potentially severe constipation), or poor wound healing,” said Diesel. “As well, this would not prevent medical problems which may mimic anal gland disease including parasites, allergies, or other types of cancer.”

While anal gland disease is a fairly common pet health problem, it is recommended that you consult with your veterinarian to establish the safest and most effective treatment method available for your pet.

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the Web at vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvm.tamu.edu.

 

When Jill Lee noticed that her Labrador Retriever, Waylon, couldn’t walk and was heavily panting, she immediately knew that something was wrong. After further examination, she discovered that Waylon’s paws and nose were covered in painful scabs and pimples.

“His paws were so itchy that Waylon was literally chewing his paw pads off,” Lee said. “He was causing so much damage to his skin; I was worried for him.”

Fortunately for Waylon, the dermatology service at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM) was there to help. After examining Waylon’s case, Dr. Adam Patterson, clinical associate professor and chief of dermatology at the CVM, concluded that Waylon was experiencing an autoimmune disease of the skin.

“His own immune system was attacking his skin,” Patterson said. “The pimples on his paw pads were extremely painful—he couldn’t even assume the posture to urinate.”

Since Waylon hadn’t urinated prior to arriving at the CVM, his bladder was full, causing more pain. The first thing Patterson did was take Waylon outside, hold him up, and let him urinate. This slowed Waylon’s panting and heart rate to normal levels.

“From there, we just started managing his skin disease, called pemphigus foliaceus,” Patterson said. “It can occur spontaneously for no reason. Occasionally, we believe that it can be triggered by certain drugs or vaccines, but nothing has been fully proven.”

To help Waylon regain his health, Patterson began treating the disease with steroids and a combination of other drugs. Slowly, but surely, Waylon’s condition improved over the course of a few weeks. However, Lee and Waylon still visit the CVM every two weeks for a check-up.

“It’s important that we constantly monitor cases such as Waylon’s,” Patterson said. “When he comes in, we evaluate him and run blood work to see if he is tolerating the drugs in his body. Luckily, Waylon’s condition has improved enough that we are starting to taper the amount of treatment he receives.”

“I’m beyond grateful to Dr. Patterson and his amazing team for the passionate care they continue to provide Waylon,” Lee said. “Fortunately, Waylon is now in remission and I have the honor of bragging about the fantastic care my sweet dog received from the best veterinary dermatologists in the world at Texas A&M.”

Though veterinary dermatologists are trained to treat emergency cases such as Waylon’s, most dermatology cases at the CVM involve health issues with fleas and ticks, skin allergies, and secondary conditions such as bacterial, ear, or yeast infections.

“In dermatology, we’re like allergists are to people,” Patterson said. “Animals can be allergic to many things—including fleas, the food they eat, pollen, grasses, or even indoor things such as house dust and mold. At the CVM, we mainly treat allergic skin and ear disease of dogs, cats, and horses.”

In addition to being examined by a veterinarian, dermatology patients at the CVM are also seen by Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students. This provides a unique and effective environment for treatment, as well as a great learning opportunity for students.

“Our goal at the CVM is to educate the next generation of veterinarians,” Patterson said. “Students are taught to recognize details between different skin diseases so that when they become veterinarians, they’re confident in treating dermatology conditions. In Waylon’s case, I taught students how to differentiate between a skin allergy and an autoimmune disease.”

Since he started at the CVM eight years ago, Patterson said the dermatology service has grown a lot. Between more DVM students enrolling in the dermatology rotation and the first veterinary dermatologist residency at the CVM, Patterson is happy to see the service expand.

“We are able to see more appointments now,” Patterson said. “When I first got here, having one appointment in a day was exciting. Now we see multiple cases in a day, Monday through Friday.”

Whether a patient is having an emergency such as an autoimmune disease or they are experiencing symptoms of a common skin allergy, Patterson and his team are ready to face any condition. With a passion for dermatology and an itch to make a difference, the dermatology service continues to provide excellent care for its patients.

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For more information about the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, please visit our website at vetmed.tamu.edu or join us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Contact Information: Megan Palsa, Executive Director of Communications, Media & Public Relations, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Science; mpalsa@cvm.tamu.edu; 979-862-4216; 979-421-3121 (cell)

This story originally appeared in the Spring 2018 edition of CVM Today magazine.

Being familiar with the signs of common skin irritations and conditions in your feline companion is important for your cat’s health. Certain skin problems could be sign of a more complicated underlying issue, such as physical pain, discomfort, or infection.

According to Dr. Alison Diesel, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, the most common skin conditions that appear in cats include ringworm, fleas and flea allergy dermatitis, ear mites, and bacterial skin infections. In addition, cats can have allergic reactions to ingredients in their food, such as fish, chicken, and milk, or to things in the environment such as various pollens and dust. Both food and environmental allergies can manifest with itching and/or hair loss from over-grooming. Cats can also develop nodules on the skin of their abdomen from mycobacterial infections, which are caused by organisms commonly found in soil and water. Finally, feline chin acne, caused by plugged hair follicles that can occasionally become infected with bacteria, is another common skin condition that can be found in cats of any age—not just adolescents.

“Ringworm is one of the most common causes of hair loss in cats and is one of the first things to consider if a cat is losing hair. This is an infectious fungal disease that is zoonotic, meaning it can affect other animals and people,” Diesel explained. “With regards to itch, fleas and flea allergy dermatitis are two of the most common problems, particularly in areas of the country and world where fleas are prevalent. Ear mites, which are common in young cats, are caused by a parasite that can be transmitted to other mammals but not people. In addition, cats can develop bacterial skin infections that may cause lesions with red itchy plaques, ulcers on the lips, excessive grooming, and small pinpoint crusts that may be easier to feel than see.”

Cat owners may also notice alarming skin masses or skin lesions on their feline friends. In this case, Diesel recommended consulting a veterinarian. “If an owner notices a concerning lesion, they should have their cat evaluated by a veterinarian,” Diesel said. “Different diagnostics will help determine what the cause of the skin lesion or mass is. This may include testing for parasites, evaluating what type of cells, infectious organisms, bacteria, or fungal infections are present, or collecting a skin biopsy in the case of a mass.”

Diesel also reminded cat owners that there are numerous causes of skin lesions and masses in cats, so testing to determine the underlying cause of the skin condition is important to help your veterinarian determine the appropriate treatment.

Shedding is common in cats, but excess shedding could be a sign of another problem, such as an itch, pain, discomfort, or even a hormone imbalance. “Excessive shedding is often a sign of itch in cats,” Diesel said. “It is important to determine whether the hair is being groomed out, or if it is falling out on its own. Depending on where over-grooming is occurring on the body, this may also be a sign of underlying pain or discomfort. For example, a cat that over-grooms solely over the belly may be experiencing abdominal or bladder pain. However, if the hair is falling out, this may be a sign of skin disease or an internal illness such as hormone imbalances, metabolic changes, or even potentially cancer. It is important to monitor your cat’s grooming habits and overall health status and discuss this with the veterinarian if excessing grooming or shedding is noticed.”

Unlike dogs, most cats can groom themselves and do not need to be bathed regularly; however, cat owners may notice when their furry friend’s coat is no longer healthy, shiny, and dander-free. Cats who are older or overweight may no longer be able to properly groom themselves and may benefit from periodic bathing or application of moisturizing sprays, such as those containing essential fatty acids. Brushing your cat’s coat may also be beneficial to distributing the normal oils throughout the hair coat and helping to minimize dander and excessive shedding.

“If cat owners notice a change in the cat’s normal hair coat appearance, particularly if hair loss or excessive dander is seen, they should have their cat evaluated by a veterinarian,” Diesel said. “This will help determine whether an underlying illness may be a cause for the change in appearance.”

Certain feline skin conditions may be common in cats, but no skin problem should go ignored. Be sure to consult your veterinarian if you notice any changes in your cat’s skin.

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the Web at vetmed.tamu.edu/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvm.tamu.edu .