It isn’t uncommon for dogs to suffer from dry skin and it isn’t always a serious problem. However, it can be an irritating problem for your dog and occasionally could be a sign of underlying disease. If your dog has dry skin, then read on to learn more about what causes it and what you can do to help treat it.
Why do dogs get dry skin?
Dogs can get dry skin for many different reasons and it can range from mild flakiness to severe itching and infection. To be able to treat your dog’s dry skin, you first need to figure out what’s causing it and there are several possibilities.
Parasites
Many different parasites can infect a dog’s skin and cause it to become dry and flaky. Mites such as Demodex or Sarcoptes can cause mange in dogs and another type of mite called Cheyletiella can cause flaking skin referred to as ‘walking dandruff’. Lice are another potential cause of dry skin on dogs and any of these parasites can be very irritating to your dog so it’s important to see your veterinarian who will be able to diagnose and treat your pet.
Allergies
Allergies in dogs are extremely common and often manifest in the skin (belly rash can sometimes be one of the symptoms). Any allergy can result in dry skin, amongst many other skin complaints. Dogs can suffer from food allergies and environmental allergies which include allergens such as pollens, house dust mites, flea saliva, or animal dander. Left untreated, allergies can result in dry skin, itching, inflammation, and secondary skin infections.
Infections
Dogs can suffer from both bacterial and fungal skin infections, either of which could cause dry skin. Your veterinarian might need to take skin swabs or hair plucks from your dog, to determine the type of infection and the treatment needed. Some infections such as ringworm, are known as zoonotic which means that they are transmissible to humans. Speak to your doctor if you are concerned you have caught an infection from your pet.
Systemic disease
Occasionally your dog’s dry skin might be a sign of an underlying health condition. Hormonal conditions such as Cushing’s disease and hypothyroidism can both result in dry flaky skin in dogs. Both of these diseases could also lead to hair loss, dry hair, and skin infections, as well as other systemic symptoms. Other serious health conditions that can cause dry skin in dogs include autoimmune diseases such as Pemphigus, as well as some types of cancer.
Nutritional deficiencies
A poor-quality diet can result in your dog becoming deficient in certain nutrients. Deficiencies in omega oils (learn more about the sources of omegas, such as flaxseed oil and cod liver oil) or vitamins such as Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin E (for example, kelp contains vitamin E in addition to folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6) can all result in dry skin in dogs.
Excessive bathing
Bathing your dog too often can lead to drying their coat and skin as it can strip their natural oils.
Bathing your dog too frequently can strip the skin of its natural oils that keep it hydrated and this can lead to dry skin. Using harsh shampoos can also have the same effect.
Symptoms of dry skin on dogs
Dry skin can present differently according to the cause and the individual dog. Some of the different symptoms of dry skin in dogs include:
- Flaking skin (dandruff)
- Itchy skin
- Losing hair
- Inflammation
- Scabs
- Smelly skin (often described as ‘yeasty’)
Some dogs may only experience one of these signs, whereas others might develop all of them. Even if your dog’s symptoms are only mild, it’s important not to ignore them as they might well get worse if left untreated.
Treating dry skin on dogs
1) Take your dog to the vet
Your vet will be able to prescribe any necessary medications to treat your dog’s dry skin or the underlying cause.
Treating your dog’s dry skin relies on knowing what the underlying cause is. Take your dog to your veterinarian to rule out any medical conditions such as allergies, parasites, or disease. Your vet will be able to prescribe any necessary medications to treat your dog’s dry skin or the underlying cause.
2) Look at your dog’s diet
If food allergies are the cause of your dog’s dry skin, your veterinarian might suggest switching to a limited ingredient diet trial to try and figure out what your dog is allergic to. Feeding a limited ingredient dog food will make it easier to reduce any potential food ingredients that might be contributing to your dog’s dry skin. Even if your dog doesn’t have any food allergies, your veterinarian might still suggest changing his diet to one that contains more nutrients that are beneficial to the skin, such as omega oils, fatty acids, and vitamins.
3) Consider using a prescription shampoo
Some shampoos are specially designed to help moisturize your dog’s skin. Always ensure you use a trusted brand and ask your veterinarian if you are unsure as harsh ingredients in some shampoos could make the problem worse.
4) Use a home humidifier
Bear in mind though, that doing it too much can lead to skin problems, so don’t overdo it.
Dry air can cause dry skin in dogs, just in the same way it can do on humans. Consider using a humidifier in your home which can help put moisture back into the air. Bear in mind though, that too much moisture can lead to skin problems, so don’t overdo it.
5) Home remedies
Home remedies such as topical coconut oil or olive oil can help alleviate a dry patch of skin on your dog. Just make sure your dog doesn’t spend lots of time licking it off otherwise the continual licking will have a drying effect on the skin – the opposite of what you’re trying to achieve! Vitamin E oil is another oil that can help to moisturize your dog’s dry skin.
Summary
It’s important not to ignore dry skin in dogs as it can be very irritating to your dog and could be a sign of a serious underlying health problem. Always take your dog to the veterinarian if you are concerned about your dog and remember that diet can play an important role in helping to maintain healthy skin in your dog. Feeding highly processed dog foods with long ingredient lists could be causing your dog’s issues so it can be helpful to switch to a limited ingredient diet that is low in carbohydrates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I put on my dog’s dry skin?
If your dog has a dry patch of skin, you could try gently rubbing in a little coconut oil or olive oil to help moisturize the area. Take your dog to the veterinarian if your dog’s dry skin isn’t improving, or if he has other signs of illness.
How do you moisturize a dog’s skin?
You can try using a small amount of coconut oil, olive oil, or vitamin E oil to moisturize a dry patch of skin on your dog. Never use human moisturizers on your pet as these can be too harsh on their skin and may even be toxic if they are licked off.
