Dog Playing with woman

Does your dog have dry skin?

 

If your dog has dry skin, understand that dogs get dry and itchy skin like people. Unsurprisingly, most of the causes are the same too. You don’t need to panic, because a skin problem, such as this, is likely nothing but minor discomfort, rather than something dangerous.

Before visiting a veterinarian, why not try out the tips we have for you.

Let’s look at the symptoms and causes of dry skin:

Signs Your Dog Has Dry Skin

  • Rubbing body against the furniture and rolling on the carpet
  • Biting, scratching, and licking at the skin
  • Scaly skin
  • Scabs
  • Bald spots
  • Rashes/inflammation
  • Bumps
  • Open sores

Causes of Dry Skin

A skin condition is usually a small issue; however, it can quickly become bigger if not paid attention to. Here are the causes of dry skin:

  • Seasonal Allergies: Airborne allergens like grasses, pollen, and mold can cause chronic itching.
  • Seasonal Changes: Winter and the furnace do not mix well for your dog. It causes dryness, which is why humidity and hydration are so important.
  • Diet: Food allergies often manifest in the form of health problems that affect the coat and skin.
  • Infection: Fungal and bacterial infections cause chronic scratching and licking.
  • Ichthyosis: A scaling disorder that results from a recessive genetic mutation.
  • Chemicals and Shampoos: Are you using the right shampoo? Chemicals can cause dryness everywhere. So, make sure that you are bringing the right products home.
  • Parasites: Mites, fleas, and other parasites are some common reasons behind numerous skin problems.
  • Fungal Infection: Yeast overgrowth and ringworm cause problems, such as scaling, bumps, rashes, and inflammation.

Treatment

Caring for your dog’s dry skin is pretty simple, because you don’t need any kind of medication. Here’s what you can do:

  • Prevent parasites by making sure that your dog has gotten all the preventatives your veterinarian recommends.
  • Feed your dog a balanced, high-quality diet
  • Groom your dog every day and bathe him at least monthly
  • Give him supplements prescribed by your veterinarian
  • Clean your dog’s skin folds
  • Use a hypoallergenic conditioning shampoo with spray-on conditioner.
  • Stop your dog from interacting with dogs you think might have dry skin (infestation, such as mites, transfer pretty fast)

Home Remedies for Moisturizing Your Dog’s Skin

As we said earlier, you don’t necessarily need to schedule a visit with your vet for treatment. Here are some home remedies you can try:

  • Use a humidifier and resolve the dry air issue in your home.
  • Give your dog omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid supplement
  • Create an oatmeal shampoo and bathe your dog with it
  • At night, rub coconut oil in your dog’s coat

Try out these treatment methods and home remedies to reduce your dog’s discomfort, and if they don’t work, only then visit a vet. If you are having problems getting your dog to listen to your cues, then why not try force-free dog training. Visit the website Dances with Dogs for in-person and online dog training sessions. To know more about their services or to schedule an appointment, call 786-299-1552.