Dogs can suffer from dry skin and itching just like people. As an owner, you may first notice this because dogs with dry skin start scratching. They may also have visible flaking.
Many issues can cause dry skin in dogs, including an inadequate diet, over-bathing, or a dry climate. However, you can take several easy steps to prevent your dog from experiencing dry skin and the itchiness that goes with it.
Let's take a look at a few of the remedies.
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Dog Food and Supplements
Feed your dog a high-quality food recommended by your veterinarian.
Foods that are high in essential fatty acids promote good skin health.
You can also opt to give your dog supplements that contain these essential fatty acids.
Look for dog supplements that claim to support skin and coat health and contain linoleic acid.
Water and Air Humidity
Keep water available and easily accessible to your dog always.
Dehydration, even if only slight, may cause dry skin.
In addition, keep the air from getting too dry in the home by using a humidifier when necessary. This is especially important during the dry, winter months.
Bathing
Avoid bathing your dog too often.
Soaps and shampoos strip the skin of natural oils, leaving it drier.
When you do bathe your dog, use a moisturizing dog shampoo. I like the ones that contain oatmeal, and aloe vera is another great ingredient. Even better, make your own DIY dog shampoo soap for itchy skin!
Avoid shampoos with harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances.
Washing
Follow the instructions on the dog shampoo bottle regarding the appropriate amount to use.
Note whether or not the shampoo is meant to be diluted in water.
If the shampoo is meant to be diluted, putting it directly on your pet's skin could irritate and lead to more dryness.
Once you have portioned the right amount of shampoo, wet your dog's coat and apply the shampoo thoroughly.
Be mindful of how long the bottle recommends leaving the product on your dog's coat. Leaving it on too long could also make his skin drier.
Rinsing
Give your dog a thorough rinse to wash off the shampoo.
Residue shampoo left on his skin could result in further dryness and itchy skin.
Use a hose or sprayer to rinse every part of your dog, making sure not to neglect his stomach and underneath the legs.
It may take up to 5 minutes of rinsing to get all of the shampoo rinsed off him completely.
Brushing
Brush your dog to remove loose hair and dead skin cells.
A good brushing at least once per week will help keep their skin and coat in great condition.
Brushing will also stimulate natural oil production in the hair follicles, which will aid in preventing dry skin. As a bonus, it makes their fur shiny and healthy-looking!
Moisturize
Use a moisturizer on your dog's skin if the dog is hairless or has very short hair.
An oatmeal-based, hypoallergenic moisturizer is a great choice. And, another of my favorites is coconut oil.
Tips & Warnings
Although dry skin may simply be caused by poor diet or the weather, parasites, allergies, and illness may also cause dry, flaky skin.
If your dog's condition does not improve, take it to the vet to rule out other problems.
You may think it's cute when your dog comes up to you to be scratched, rolls around on the carpet or grass, or rubs up against your walls or furniture. However, this behavior may be indicative of your dog suffering from dry skin.
If your dog is constantly scratching himself or has flaky skin, he may be suffering from overly dry skin.
If this is the case, some changes in your dog's bathing routine may help remedy the problem.
Talk to a Professional
Dogs have different skin types and hair textures, just like humans.
Speak with your vet and groomer about the best way to care for your dog's skin and coat when it comes to bathing.
Your vet will tell you how often your dog needs to be bathed, which will likely range between every 2 to 4 weeks.
This may be a judgment call on your end as well. If your vet says 2 to 4 weeks, and you notice a lot of dryness when you bathe your dog every 2 weeks, bump it up.
Your vet and your groomer should also be able to recommend the most appropriate type of shampoo for your dog's dry skin condition.
In conclusion
It doesn't have to be costly or complicated to help your dog overcome dry skin.
With proper hydration, soothing baths, and natural moisturizers, you can soothe irritation and restore your dog's healthy, shiny coat.
Be sure to keep them on a balanced diet and keep up with regular grooming. If symptoms persist or worsen, don't hesitate to contact your veterinarian.
With a little care and consistency, your furry friend will feel more comfortable and happy in no time!
Nancy says
Everyone seems to have dry skin in the winter time. These are great ideas for helping our furry family members with their dry skin.
Thomas Gibson says
Consult with a veterinarian before attempting any home remedy to ensure the underlying cause of the dry skin is properly diagnosed and treated safely.
Amber Kolb says
Awesome tips, thank you!! We are getting colder weather here, and I notice Bella is itching more.
Elizabeth says
I didn’t know dogs didn’t need that little bathing!
Nancy says
This post made me wonder if pets need to exfoliate. 🤔😉
Barrie says
I'm glad that neither of my dogs have dry skin, but I feel better prepared if it occurred. I love the idea of making my own dog shampoo!
Heather says
This post is super helpful thank you for sharing we will try these tips for dry skin issues.
Dani says
Will have to try this for my dog! Thank you ! 🙏
Terri Quick says
Thank you for sharing this great information