Have you caught your dog really scratching away at their coat? Does their skin seem dry and flaky? With winter upon us, many people can experience dry and itchy skin. While you might just put some lotion on, what to use on a dog’s dry skin?
If your dog is experiencing dry skin, read below to learn what causes it and what you can do to help them.
What Causes a Dog’s Dry Skin?
For some, occasional dry skin might not be a problem at all. It can come and go. But you should understand the reasons that dogs get dry skin so that you’ll know if there is a deeper issue.
Allergies
One cause of dry skin on dogs is allergies. Just like with people, many things can cause an allergic reaction. Food, environment, pollen, dust, grass, and animal dander can all cause dry skin flare ups. Flea saliva most commonly causes dry skin on American dogs. Whatever the cause is, you should take action to remove the cause.
Parasites
Demodex mites, canine scabies, cheyletiellosis or even lice can cause mange on your dog. These parasites can cause dry flaky skin that will surely to irritate your dog, and you probably won’t like the scratching either.
If you suspect your dog has a parasite, a trip to the vet is in order.
Infection
If your pet had a skin infection, it was likely caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. A vet can diagnose this by taking a skin scraping. There are even some infections that can be passed to humans, so you must take action if you suspect your dog has a skin infection.
Systemic Disorder
Dry skin on your dog is not a reason for anxiety, but sometimes it can be a sign that something more serious. Autoimmune diseases and cancer can cause dry skin, as well as other metabolic diseases.
This is why dry skin on your dog should be monitored very closely. Usually it is not a cause for much concern, but it can be a sign of a larger problem that must be treated by your vet.
Symptoms of Dry Skin on a Dog
Just like with people, each dog is a different. They don’t always have the same symptoms. Here is a list of symptoms a dog can develop that is associated with dry skin:
- Increased scratching due to itchiness
- Scabbing due to scratching
- Hair loss
- Flaky skin
- Pimples or scaly skin
- Bad odor
- Coat is more oily than normal
If your dog has dry skin, they may only have one or two of these symptoms. It’s important to monitor and take note of their symptoms so you can explain what is happening to your vet.
What to Use on Dog’s Dry Skin?
This is where things get a bit tricky. We want to know what to use on a dog’s dry skin, so we can help them, but sometimes topical treatments won’t help.
It’s important to get a diagnosis as to what can be causing your dog’s dry skin. No number of vitamins or a good ol’ oatmeal soak is going to help your dog if their dry skin is being caused by a fungus or something worse.
Dry skin can be a symptom of a larger problem, and only your vet can help diagnose that problem. The solution may require giving your dog medication.
Allergies
For a dog that is suffering with allergies, “curing” the problem is not possible. Allergies never really go away, so management is the best option.
Your vet will be able to diagnose what your dog is allergic to. If the problem is food related, your vet will likely suggest an elimination diet. This means removing the most common food allergens and adding them back slowly one by one. Once your dog shows symptoms of dry skin again, you will know which food is causing it. If removing that food makes the dry skin go away, you can be pretty certain the cause.
Working through an elimination diet with your dog is a slow process but the result is worth it. You will be able to know what foods are safe for your dog to eat, and what to avoid. Foods like beef, soy, corn, wheat, dairy, chicken, and eggs are common in dog foods, but can cause issues. Once you have pinpointed what is the trigger, you can avoid it in the future.
How to Prevent Dry Skin on Your Dog
Once you’re certain that your dog doesn’t have allergies or a more serious issue, you can move into prevention mode.
Sometimes dry skin is caused by changes in environment, or your dog can just be predisposed to having dry skin. If this is the case, here are some things you can do to make sure your dog’s skin and wellbeing is taken care of.
- Make sure you dog gets high-quality food
- Always keep up to date on shots and preventatives to keep your dog disease and parasite free
- Ensure your dog’s coat and skin are clean by grooming them regularly
- Always keep up with your dog’s health by visiting your vet at recommended intervals
- Do some research on your breed or get to know other owners so you can learn about what works for them
- Give your dog supplements to ensure they are not lacking vital nutrients
Supplements to Use on Dog’s Dry Skin
A healthy diet has the best chance of keeping your dog healthy but using supplements can be a great way to give them that extra boost. Here are some supplements you can consider giving your dog.
- Vitamin E: This is a great lotion to help deal with any of your dog’s dry spots.
- Yogurt: Your dog’s digestive health can get a kick start if you incorporate some yogurt in their diet.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Mixed 50/50 with water, ACV can be applied to trouble spots.
- Coconut Oil: Add a small amount to your dog’s food to help promote healthy skin and a beautiful coat.
Hopefully you’ve gotten some good ideas about how to tackle your dog’s dry skin. Just remember that dry skin should be taken seriously and if ever in doubt, head to your vet.