How to Soothe Dry Skin in Dogs

Have you noticed your dog scratching their skin lately, or perhaps spotted some flakes in their fur? They could be suffering from dry skin, a very common issue in dogs of all ages and breeds. Thankfully, dog dry skin is usually easy to manage. However, it can be uncomfortable for your canine pal, and dry skin in dogs can sometimes indicate a bigger problem that needs attention. The earlier you address the issue, the better for your pup, so here’s what to look out for and how to treat dry skin in dogs.

Understanding Dry Skin in Dogs

Dog dry skin is not a skin condition in itself. Rather, dry skin in dogs is a sign associated with a wide range of other conditions or issues. Here, we’ll highlight some of the more common causes and explain how they can contribute to your dog’s dry skin.

Allergies

When your dog is exposed to an allergen, such as food ingredients, pollen, grass or dust, one of the many reactions can include dry skin. Some dogs are also allergic to flea saliva, and might develop a skin condition called flea allergy dermatitis when bitten by a flea.

Some dogs with allergies will go on to develop a skin condition called atopic (allergic) dermatitis. In addition to dry skin in dogs, it can cause severe itching, inflamed skin, and even skin infections.

Infections

An itchy dog with dry skin could be a sign of a bacterial or fungal skin infection, such as pyoderma, yeast dermatitis or ringworm. These infections can occur all over the body, even inside the ears, and cause the skin to become dry, sore and inflamed. Itchy, dry skin in dogs can also be a result of parasitic infections, such as mites, scabies or lice.

Health problems

Dry skin in dogs can sometimes indicate a more serious health problem, such as Cushing’s disease, underactive thyroid, or autoimmune disease.

Environmental conditions

As the weather gets colder, humidity in the air drops. This can zap the moisture from your dog’s skin, leaving it dry and flaky.

Dog skin care

As with humans, dog dry skin can sometimes be caused by the products coming into contact with it. It may be that you’re using a shampoo that’s too harsh for their skin, or simply bathing your dog too often. They might also be coming into contact with chemicals in the household that irritate their skin, like laundry detergent.

Nutrition

Some nutrient deficiencies can cause dry skin in dogs; the most common culprits are zinc, vitamin B2 and vitamin B7. For some dogs, intolerance to certain food ingredients may be the cause.

In most cases, the causes of dog dry skin can be addressed easily at home. However, it can be difficult to figure out the cause on your own, and you may need your vet’s support to treat it. It’s also important to rule out more serious underlying causes, such as infection or disease. For those reasons, we always recommend seeing your vet if your dog has dry skin, just to be safe.

Symptoms of Dry Skin in Dogs

The first sign you may notice is an itchy dog! If your dog is scratching more than usual, examine their skin to look for flakes or dandruff. You might also find:

• Rashes
• Scaly skin
• Scabs
• Spots
• Redness or inflammation
• Oiliness
• An unpleasant odor

How to Treat Dry Skin in Dogs

The best way to treat dry skin in dogs will depend on the cause. Your vet will examine your dog’s dry skin and may want to take a skin sample for testing. They’ll also ask you about your dog’s environment, diet, lifestyle habits, and general health.

Many cases of dog dry skin can be treated with simple over-the-counter products and at-home changes, such as:

• Using a gentle, soothing dog shampoo formulated for your dog’s specific skin needs, e.g. sensitive, oily, scaly.
• Controlling allergens in your dog’s environment, e.g. keeping the home dust-free, using a flea preventative.
• Making dietary changes, e.g. switching to a food formulated for skin health.

In some cases, you may need your vet’s support to treat your dog’s dry skin. For example, your vet may need to:

• Perform tests to identify your dog’s allergens or food intolerances.
• Create a customized nutrition plan to treat deficiencies.
• Prescribe oral and topical medications to treat infections.
• Treat underlying health conditions.

Preventing Dry Skin in Dogs

To prevent dry skin in dogs, try the following tips and advice:

• Use a flea and tick preventative all year round to prevent flea allergy dermatitis.
• Don’t bathe your dog too often. The appropriate frequency will vary by breed and lifestyle, so ask your vet for advice.
• Only use and dog skin care products designed specifically for dogs.
• Feed your dog a “complete and balanced” food – that means it contains all the nutrients they need, in the right ratios.
• Consider a therapeutic food formulated for skin health.
• Ask your vet about skin-friendly supplements, such as omega-3.
• Keep your home free of any allergens like dust.
• Invest in a humidifier for winter months, or if you live in a cold, dry climate.
• Always follow your vet’s recommended treatment plan for underlying health problems.

Prevention and Early Action Are Key

Dry skin in dogs is common and is usually not a cause for serious concern. However, it can certainly cause our canine companions a lot of discomfort, and that alone is worth taking proactive steps to prevent dry skin. If you do find you have an itchy dog with dry, flaky skin, always check in with your vet to figure out a tailored treatment plan. They can treat any underlying causes, advise you on the best for your pup, and help to quickly get them back to comfort and good health.