This post is sponsored by Natural Balance and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Original Ultra Whole Body Health Pet Food, but Simply Southern Mom only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Natural Balance is not responsible for the content of this article. #WholeBodyHealth
Sassie, our twelve-year-old cat, had always had a luxurious, shiny coat. When friends, family or even the UPS delivery person dropped by, they would comment on what a pretty cat she was. A few weeks ago I noticed she seemed to not be feeling well, staggering when she walked, and lying in one place. I immediately called our holistic vet and rushed her out for an appointment. She was suffering from severe anemia, dehydration, anorexia and other problems. We were afraid she was going to die and spent days forcing Pedialyte and liquid iron down her throat. She recovered , but our vet suggested in the future we keep a close watch on her coat. Her fur had became lackluster and greasy, which the vet explained could be a sign of health problems.
The outside is the window to the inside. Many nutrient deficiencies (but not all) will show their first signs in the skin and coat. If your pet’s skin takes a turn for the worse, look to what else may be occurring on the inside! Had I thought about what was happening with her coat, I might could have prevented some of these health problems. Now I spend some time each day brushing her fur and making sure it is shiny and healthy.
Mitzie, our incredibly spoiled three year old cat, has been plagued by dandruff her entire life. While I didn’t know dandruff may indicate that skin cells are turning over at an unexpected rate, she’s also been gnawing off her fur since she was a kitten. Excessive exfoliation can be indicative of nutrient deficiency or increased nutrient needs. After another trip to the vet, she was diagnosed as being allergic to gluten and other things. I know, I know, who knew a cat could have Celiac?
If you notice your cat has skin issues, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet about their diet. They could recommend a formula like Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health. (You can get a $3 off coupon here.) Formulated to provide proper nutrition for all stages of life, Natural Balance supports Neural Development, Healthy Skin & Coat, Digestive Support, Healthy Muscle Development, Antioxidant Nutrients, Strong & Healthy Bones and Teeth, and Healthy Heart & Eyes. As a pet owner who wants to give my fur babies the best, sometimes I am confused the latest research. I’m not alone. Natural Balance recently conducted a survey of pet owners to find out what we knew about nutrients and pet health. The answers, included in this infographic below, might surprise you.
Natural Balance Whole Body Health
Want to know more about whole body health? Connect to Natural Balance on their Facebook, or Twitter.
Growing up I never thought twice about health of our pets, now that I am a dog owner, I am very aware of it and work hard to ensure my Pug is taken care of. We don’t have a kitty now, but hope to adopt one in the future.
OMG such adorable kitty!
Anyway.. only if we were knowledgable with our dog… he probably wouldnt have died. 🙁
We just had a rash issue with our dog. Turns out it was due to treats we bought him that he had an allergic reaction to because they were made of junk!
We don’t have a cat, we have dogs, but it is the same… I’m bookmarking this to refer to, since you never know when you’ll need it. Thanks!
My dog doesn’t seem to have any issues but I’m going to have to watch him carefully from now on.
Is the cat in a Hello Kitty outfit! OMG I love Hello Kitty- a kitty in Hello Kitty that is too much for my world right now!!!
I think most pet owners want the best for their pets. I will keep all of this in mind with my own pet’s skin care.
What a beautiful cat! I am constantly worrying about what is best with my pet. This is great to have something that takes care of your pets entire body.
This is such a great post for those with pets. My sister has a dog. I’ll have to share it with her.
We have been luck about not having skin issues with our pets. Love your pet.
My dog used to have skin issues. He had to go on a special diet to resolve the issue. It turned out to be an allergy to chicken.
I don’t know if I’ve told you before but your kitty looks just like mine! I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to him. Love the outfit!
I love the info on the graphic. So good to know more about your pet’s health
The inforgraphic is nice. And LOL to the Hello Kitty outfit, oh my… that’s awesome. 🙂
What a sweet kitty! I have two dogs so it’s important to keep them healthy!
Our 2 dogs and cat get regular check ups. My old girl, shes 9 and a boxer. Since they have shorter fur and often sensitive stomachs, their skin is a good detector of a problem. Because a lot of dog foods cause her grief, we have to supplement.
Well it’s 22* here in Tn today. So all my pets are inside and warm. I’ll be sure to give them a once over for skin issues.
Good tips -my dog sometimes gets issues. I like to keep her cut shorter – so I can keep an eye for any sort of skin irritation or flare ups.
Your poor kitty! I am so glad that the vet was able to fix her right up! I have to look into this for my cats – we have 4!
Sassie is so beautiful! We have noticed some skin issues in my boxer, but switching to grain free foods really seemed to help!
Looks like a great dog and cat food. My pets have sensitive skin and sensitive stomachs so this may help them a lot.
I hate when my pets don’t feel well. Glad your cat is better now.
I want to dress up my cat in cute clothes. Your kitty in Hello Kitty attire is adorbs!
OMG love the kitty in the Hello Kitty outfit that is so stinking cute.
Your cat is absolutely adorable, and that Hello Kitty outfit is hilarious!
This is such great information. It is so easy to watch their fur to look for changes.
Awwww so adorable. I will for sure check out Natural Balance for our kitties, too! Thanks for sharing this.
Aww they look so cute. We feed our dogs well and their fur shows it.
Oh my goodness. What an adorable cat. Great info!
I had no idea a cat could have Celiac either!
Great infographic. Lots of good education here on caring for our pets
I’m noticing some skin issues with our pets as they get older. I probably need to take a closer look at what they are eating.
Sassie is so cute! Thank you so much for the great and useful post ^_^
Sassie is beautiful, and Mitzie looks just like our CoCo! I’m off to check her skin and make sure she’s okay LOL
I am anxious to arrive home this evening and check out my own cat. Sassie and Mitzie are gorgeous cats!
Aw! I don’t think my girl has any skin issues, but I should check to be sure! I never thought to!
Poor kitties! They’re lucky to have you as their human. Our cat has been relatively healthy in the few years she has owned us, but this will definitely have me paying even closer attention to her coat and overall health.
You’re such a good kitty mama. You’re taking excellent care of them.
What a cute kitty! Proper nutrition is crucial to good skin health, as is grooming.
Good point, Heather. grooming is very important for our fur babies.
I can’t say I have noticed any skin issues with Milo, but I am going to check him thoroughly later today!