Skin & coat issues in dogs & cats

Scratching, licking, red patches, a dull or thinning coat: skin trouble is miserable for pets and their families. The good news is that skin often shows the benefits of better nutrition first.

How common is it?

Skin problems are among the most frequent reasons dogs see a vet. In one clinic study, almost 1 in 5 dogs (18.8%) were brought in for skin disorders, and allergic skin disease (atopic dermatitis) alone is estimated to affect 3–15% of dogs.¹

Signs to watch for

• Constant scratching, licking or chewing, especially paws
• Red, inflamed or flaky skin, hot spots or rashes
• Hair loss, bald patches or a dull, brittle coat
• Recurring ear infections or head shaking
• A strong smell or greasy feel to the skin

What causes it?

Allergies (to pollen, dust mites or food), parasites like fleas and mites, infections and stress are the usual culprits. Diet plays a big part too: skin needs a steady supply of protein, omega fats, vitamins and minerals, and many diets are heavy in inflammatory omega-6 fats and light on omega-3s.

What you can do at home

• Keep flea prevention going all year. In Singapore's warm climate fleas never really take a season off, and one bite can set off an allergic pet.
• Dry paws and skin folds after walks and baths. Humidity and trapped moisture let yeast and bacteria thrive.
• Use a gentle pet shampoo, never a human one, and don't over-bathe: once every 2 to 4 weeks suits most pets unless your vet advises otherwise.
• Keep a flare diary. Note new foods, treats, seasons and places. Patterns often point to the trigger.
• Check ears weekly. Redness, smell or dark wax are early signs worth catching.

How Optimus Pet fits in

• Building blocks for skin and coat. Complete amino acids, including the branched-chain amino acids, help build healthy skin, a radiant coat and strong nails.
• Omega balance. Omega-3 fatty acids have research support for helping dogs with allergic skin disease.² Our microalgae supplies complex omega fats from a clean, plant source.
• Calming inflammation. Natural antioxidants and gene activators help regulate inflammation and over-reactive immune responses.
• One ingredient. Nothing artificial, no meat proteins and hypoallergenic, so it suits pets with food sensitivities.

Skin, coat and fur loss are some of the most common changes Optimus Pet families tell us about. Watch a few of their stories below, and find more on our Real results page.

Good to know: some pets have a short adjustment phase when they start, such as a brief skin flare or softer stools. Start with a small amount and build up slowly.

Which formula?

The Blue Series is ideal for everyday skin and coat support. For long-standing allergies or chronic inflammation we recommend The Gold Series, which adds organic turmeric for stronger antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support.

Working with your vet

Optimus Pet is a whole food, so it sits alongside your vet's plan rather than replacing it. Keep your vet in the loop about everything your pet eats and takes, and book a check-up whenever symptoms are new, severe or getting worse. Our nutritionists can help you fit Optimus Pet around your pet's current care, free of charge.

Sources

1. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports: canine atopic dermatitis, prevalence and management
2. Vendramini et al., Nutrition Research Reviews (2025): omega-3 supplementation for companion animals