Why Do Dogs Get Dry Skin?
The two most common reasons for dry skin in dogs are allergies and parasites. When it comes to parched skin, make sure you keep an eye on every aspect of your pet’s lifestyle. While a dog’s dry skin could merely be the result of one too many baths, it could also signify a much larger issue.
A dog’s skin may become dry if it is exposed to an allergen. Canines get allergies just like people do, and a reaction to food, the environment, or seasonal allergens can result in dry, itchy, or flaky skin.
Some typical allergens include pollen, dust, feathers, grass, animal dander, and grain. One of the first lines of defense when sheltering your pet from dry skin is to limit or avoid these irritants. If you know your dog reacts poorly to a large amount of pollen, try reducing their exposure when Spring comes around.
Another common allergen is flea saliva, which causes a reaction known as flea allergy dermatitis. The most common skin disorder in American dogs, flea allergy dermatitis often occurs in the summer. The disorder can be treated with insecticides or possibly home remedies, though you should first consult with a vet for an accurate diagnosis.
Other causes of dry skin are different parasites, infections, excessive bathing, poor diet, and systemic disorders.
The symptoms of dry skin can look fairly commonplace, like licking, scratching, dandruff, or hair loss. While some of these behaviors and symptoms are natural for a healthy dog, too much could mean they need some extra attention or a trip to the veterinarian.
At the end of the day, you know your dog better than anyone! When your dog’s grooming or shedding reaches an unusual high, you’ll be the first to notice. Symptoms of dry skin include:
Flakes or dandruff are dead skin cells (usually on the stomach or underarms) that fall off of the dog. To spot this symptom, wait for the animal to lie down. After they stand, check the area for flakes of skin. If there are more than just a few specks of dead skin, you may need to take the animal to the vet.
Large pieces of skin fall off of the dog’s dry body. This symptom is similar to flaking and dandruff, except the pieces of skin are much larger. While a little bit of dandruff is natural in all dog breeds, scaling is more uncommon. Since scaling can indicate seborrhea, a form of dermatitis, you should take your pet to a vet to diagnose the issue.
Hair loss could simply be the result of shedding season, but it is also a sign of skin problems. Patchy areas of exposed skin is a sure sign that something in your pet’s skin or coat is abnormal.
Take note of your dog’s normal shedding patterns when the season comes around so that you know when it becomes excessive. For most dogs, shedding occurs in Spring and Fall, though some canines (like the Golden Retriever) can lose hair year-round.
Pimples can result from skin problems for your pooch, though they aren’t necessarily linked to dry skin. These small, red bumps can be a sign of canine acne. Angry, red bumps along the body could also signify inflammation or skin that has been rubbed raw.
Red skin is another indicator of inflammation. Redness usually means the area is irritated and not receiving enough oil or moisture. Dry skin is more likely to become inflamed than a hydrated coat.
A dog’s response to many skin issues is to lick, chew, or scratch the affected area. These behaviors can damage the dog’s coat and skin if performed excessively and lead to scabs. The dog could also break open any pimples they have, exposing an already sensitive area to infection.
A bacterial or yeast infection can cause a foul smell to come from your dog’s dry skin. Moderate levels of dandruff and flaking can still be present in a healthy dog, but a bad odor from dry, itchy skin usually means something is wrong with the pet’s health.
How to Use Coconut Oil for Your Dogâs Dry Skin
Youâre also likely to have coconut oil in your pantry. Itâs high in saturated fat and contains quickly-absorbed medium-chain triglycerides and fatty acids, which are thought to help with a number of canine conditions including itchy or dry skin, odor, allergic reactions, and yeast and fungal infections. Like olive oil, the best coconut oils for dogs are organic, virgin, and cold-pressed. This oil comes in a range of flavors â bold, buttery, bland, nutty â so you may need to experiment to see which one your dog prefers with their food. (Some dogs are put off by a strong coconut flavor.)
Coconut oil can be added to food or â for a particularly dry or itchy patch â massaged directly into a dogâs skin. If applying topically, be super-conservative in the amount you use and supervise your dog afterward until the oilâs been absorbed. Your dog will probably try to lick it off, and too much coconut oil at once can cause stomach upset.
Note: If your dog is prone to pancreatitis, check with your vet before adding coconut oil to their food. Otherwise, introduce it gradually.
6 Home Remedies for Dry Skin on Dogs
Most of the over-the-counter products you will find to treat itchy skin contain oatmeal.
Studies have shown that the properties in oats have a positive effect on itchy skin.
You can make your dog an oatmeal bath at home to help heal dry or itchy skin.
Add 3 cups of colloidal oatmeal to a bathtub filled with about 6 inches of warm water.
Put your dog in the bathtub and use a cup to apply the oatmeal water generously to his coat.
Massage the mixture in to the skin with your hands.
Try to allow the oatmeal bath to sit on your pup for 20-30 minutes (if he will stay in the tub long enough).
Dry, Itchy and Flaky Dog Skin? Brand New Holistic Remedy
Dry skin in dogs may arise from a number of issues, but diet is often the most prominent cause of skin problems.