Is your dog picking and scratching endlessly at their skin? Have you noticed dry patches when you pet your dog? Like humans, dogs can develop conditions that affect their skin.
Dry skin in dogs is as uncomfortable as it is for humans. Over time, untreated itchiness could cause more potential skin problems. This condition in dogs is also known as seborrheic dermatitis, where your dog's skin produces excess sebum.
This causes flakes of dry or scaly skin and red patches. No good dog should suffer from dry skin. Want to know how you can help?
Here are our top seven tips for caring for a dog with dry skin. Learn how to get rid of dry skin below!
1. Identify the Cause
The first step to dry skin treatment is understanding the cause. A nutritional deficiency is one of the main causes of dry skin in dogs. Your dog's diet may lack the necessary omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids required by their coat and skin.
Bathing too often is another possibility of dry skin in dogs. As with humans, excessive bathing can strip your dog's skin of essential oils. This can leave the skin dry and prone to breakage.
Your dog may even have sensitive skin, which can flare up with baths. It's best to know how often to bathe your dog to avoid these issues. If changes to these aspects of your dog's life aren't enough, you may be dealing with an underlying health condition.
2. Consult Your Vet
Sometimes, dry and flaky skin is only a side effect of a more concerning health problem. Your dog can be dealing with an illness or parasite unknown to you. Dry skin can also be a result of mange or ringworm.
Some dogs deal with health conditions related to their food or environment. Various allergies, hyperthyroidism, and Cushing's disease could cause dry skin. If your dog is also experiencing hair loss and scabs, it's time to consult a professional.
Diarrhea, lethargy, vomiting, and weight gain are signs you should never ignore. Your vet could help you address the dry skin and help your dog get back to prime health.
3. Fix Your Dog's Diet
Good health starts from within; the same is true for our beloved pets. There's nothing wrong with dry kibble, especially if that's what your dog loves! However, picking dog food that provides all the nutrients your dog needs is crucial.
Low-quality foods can manifest physical symptoms, whether it's a less than pristine coat or a drop in activity. Ensure to consider any of your dog's food allergies.
If you can, consider giving your dog a special homemade diet. A balanced dog diet should contain vitamins, fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. It's also crucial to give them their needed amount of water and minerals daily.
Homemade Diet for Dogs
One of the best parts of making a homemade dog diet is that you can find the ingredients in your kitchen. You and your dog can have the same meals and benefit the same way. Eggs are full of nutritious value, are rich in protein, and contain lutein.
Lutein is an ingredient that aids in tissue repair and hydrates the skin. Liver adds a punch of various nutrients, like calcium, iron, and zinc. We recommend giving your dog chicken livers to get the most of those Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.
Sweet potatoes are another great alternative for dog food you can find at home. Its vitamin C content boosts collagen production and skin healing.
4. Add Supplements
Give your dog an extra boost by supplementing their food with the right add-ons. For example, olive oil does not only make for a fantastic skin moisturizer. You can also use olive oil to supplement your dog's daily meals.
Take note not to do this every day. One tablespoon of olive oil only two to three times a week is enough for your dog.
Another great supplement for your dog is yogurt. Yogurt is full of probiotics and healthy bacteria that can aid your dog's digestive system. Add one to two teaspoons of yogurt to your dog's meal every other day of the week.
However, keep in mind that you cannot use any kind of yogurt. You must only feed your dog plain and unsweetened yogurt, free of natural or artificial sweeteners. Many dog parents have also started adding fish oil to their dog's meals.
5. Get a Humidifier
Extreme temperatures like winter or summer can damage your dog's skin. Low moisture in the air could cause the skin to become dry and flaky. If your dog's skin is looking worse for wear during these times in the year, plug in your humidifier.
The humidifier can help soothe the skin and make them feel more comfortable before bedtime.
6. Moisturize Your Dog
Want to help your dog feel more comfortable and give instant relief? Try coconut oil. Coconut oil is rich in antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.
Place a small amount of coconut oil in your hands and rub your hands to warm the oil. Then, apply it to your dog's skin. Coconut oil is a great alternative to topical creams with strong chemicals that your dog can lick off.
7. Proper Grooming
Proper grooming habits are another habit to keeping your dog's skin healthy and happy. As mentioned prior, it's important not to overdo it. However, it's as crucial to look at the ingredients of your shampoo.
If your dog has sensitive skin, use a shampoo that accommodates them. When you aren't bathing your dog, remember to brush their coat. This helps to distribute the oil and prevent buildup.
Regular brushing also helps you prevent matting. If you have a long-haired dog, matting can prevent your dog's skin from breathing.
Treating Dry Skin in Dogs
Now you know how to treat dry skin in dogs. As a pet parent, it can be hard to watch your furbaby feel uncomfortable. If your dog has dry skin, use these tips to regain their healthy skin!
Are you looking for a professional groomer who can accommodate dogs with dry skin? We got you! Contact us today to book an appointment.