During the winter, dry skin is a common problem that can become
quite irritating. While we pet parents have soaps loaded with
moisturizers and lotions we can put on our flaking, cracked
skin, our canine companions aren’t quite as lucky. That’s right
-- just because they are cloaked in fur doesn’t mean that their
skin doesn’t suffer the ravages of the season. And while
dry skin can occur during any
season, it is most often a result of excessive exposure to
the warm, dry air indoors, and the chapping effects of the cold
air outside during the winter.
Here are a few dry dog skin treatments.
Grooming Tips
Daily brushing is a good place to
start, as part of the itchiness might be caused by a lack of
natural oils on your dog's skin, causing their fur to seem dry
and brittle. Brushing can help stimulate the production of
these oils, helping their fur regain its natural sheen as well
as reduce itchiness.
Bathing is another good way to
soothe itchy skin, just make sure you don’t overdo it, as
bathing can actually end up removing the very oils you are
trying to get back. Use a medicated dog shampoo containing
oatmeal protein, or give them an oatmeal protein colloidal,
which you can make by adding 4 cups of finely ground oatmeal
(per 20 lbs of dog) into a lukewarm bath, gently washing your
dog in the oatmeal bath. After the bath, wipe some tea
tree oil, fish oil, baby oil, or
even olive oil over your dog’s fur, drying them off by patting
their fur, and leave them wrapped in the towel until their fur
is dry to ensure that the oils are absorbed into their skin.
Diet Tips
While the cause for dry skin is most likely climate-related, a
minor dietary change could make all the difference. A
tablespoon or two of flaxseed or olive oil two to three times a
week can help replenish some of the essential nutrients your
dog needs to keep their skin from drying out. Other foods that
can help add some moisture to their skin are a whole raw egg or
a single sardine in olive oil, but as these foods can be a bit
richer than what they are used to, only give it to them once a
week.
A change of dog
food could also be a solution, although be sure to check
with your vet to be sure any new food you choose will meet your
dog's needs. These are a couple of foods specially designed to
help keep your dog's fur nice and oily:
Purina Pro
Plan Sensitive Skin Beneful Healthy Radiance
Skin Premium Edge Skin & Coat
Also, do everything you can to keep your dog well hydrated, as
dry skin can become exacerbated by dehydration.
Helpful Medications and Supplements
Certain vitamins and supplements
can help alleviate your dog’s itchy skin. Make sure they are
loaded up with enough fatty acids, like omega-3 and vitamins E,
A, and B3 (niacin), which are all responsible for helping your
dog keep its coat shiny and healthy.
There are also a number of over the counter sprays and salves
that can offer some immediate relief from itchy, dry skin, such
as:
Bayer ExpertCare
PetRelief
Hc
Veterinary Formula
Clinical Care
If the condition persists, there are some prescription
medications your vet can give you. Often using topical
corticosteroids to help reduce inflammation, these drugs are
normally only given for serious cases of dry skin, such as
pruritus, but if your dog’s dry skin becomes a recurring
problem, it might be worth it to ask your vet about one of the
following treatments.
Dexamethasone
Gentamycin
Betamethasone
Dipropionate
Your pet's dry skin could also be caused by an underlying issue
such as an endocrine disorder, so if their dry skin doesn't let
up, talk to your vet.
7 Common Causes of Dry Dog Skin
No one likes dry, itchy skin, and that goes for dogs too. Not
only is dry skin uncomfortable, it can also be a symptom of an
underlying condition that needs to be treated before it gets
worse.
Dry Dog Skin General Symptoms
The most obvious symptom exhibited by dogs with dry skin is
itchiness. A dog with dry skin may scratch, lick, or bite
itself -- sometimes to the point of causing injury. A dog with
dry skin might also rub up against furniture to try to relieve
its itchiness. Other symptoms include hair loss from excessive
scratching or skin that appears dry, flaky, scaly, or otherwise
irritated.
Possible Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments of Dry Dog Skin
Cause
#1: Fleas, mites, or mange
-
Symptoms: Bites from
parasites can irritate your dog’s skin, and some dogs can
have an allergic reaction to the parasite’s saliva.
Excessive scratching and biting are the primary symptoms, and
with fleas, you may see a specific focus on the back and tail
area. With mites, you may see dandruff and scaly
skin, and ear mites can cause your dog to shake their
head violently. With mange, you will often see hair loss,
sores, and scabs.
-
Treatment: Anti-parasitic
shampoos, dips, and on-the-spot products can help remove
parasites and relieve irritation. First, rid your home of the
infestation, and then ask your
veterinarian about starting your dog on treatment to
avoid future problems.
Cause
#2: Allergies
-
Symptoms: Just
like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies. Some common
allergens include fleas, mold, dust, pollen, perfumes, smoke,
medications, shampoos, and food. In addition to scratching, a
dog with allergies may exhibit irritated skin, runny eyes,
sneezing, vomiting, diarrhea,
snoring, and paw chewing or swelling.
-
Treatment: The
treatment will depend on your dog’s specific allergy. If your
dog is allergic to fleas, it should be on a flea control product.
If your dog has food allergies, hypoallergenic
food or a diet prescribed by your veterinarian may
solve the problem. For other allergies, certain injections
can decrease the severity of your dog’s reaction. Supplements
and medications may also be recommended in some cases.
Cause #3: Poor
Diet
-
Symptoms: A
low-quality diet means that your dog is not receiving the
essential nutrients that make for healthy skin and a shiny
coat. You may see itching, flaking, and
redness.
-
Treatment: Switch your dog
to high-quality food.
Your veterinarian may also recommend supplements that contain
essential fatty acids.
Cause
#4: Irritating Shampoos
-
Symptoms: Dogs
should only be bathed with shampoos intended for dogs. Human
shampoos or other harsh shampoos can dry out and irritate
your dog’s skin. You may see itching, redness, and flaking.
-
Treatment: Switch to
an all-natural dog shampoo
for sensitive skin. Bathe your dog no more than twice a
month, as excessive bathing can dry out your dog’s skin and
make the problem worse. Your dog’s skin may also benefit from
a moisturizing spray or lotion that is made specifically for
dogs.
Cause #5: Cold
weather
-
Symptoms: Cold
or windy weather -- especially when combined with the dryness
caused by indoor heating systems -- can really take a toll on
your dog. If their dry skin is caused by seasonal changes,
you will see an onset of symptoms like itching and flaking as
the weather begins to turn.
-
Treatment: Limit the time
that your dog spends out in the cold and switch to a
moisturizing shampoo, like one that contains soothing
oatmeal. Brushing your dog’s
coat will help to stimulate oil production, and
natural products like tea tree oil, calendula
extract, fish oil, or vitamin E
can be applied directly to your dog’s skin. Adding a
tablespoon of olive oil to your dog’s food 2 or 3 times a
week can also help to clear up dryness.
Cause #6: Fungal
and bacterial infections
-
Symptoms: Certain
conditions can make your dog susceptible to fungal and
bacterial skin infections. In addition to scratching, dogs
with infections may also exhibit irritated skin (hot spots, redness,
crusting, or thickening), hair loss,
sores, and scabs.
-
Treatment: Fungal
infections are treated with antifungal medications, and
bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics, however,
the underlying condition that made your dog’s skin
susceptible to the infection must also be treated.
Cause
#7: Thyroid diseases
-
Symptoms: Conditions such
as hypothyroidism can
cause your dog’s skin to become dry due to a lack of
essential hormones. Your dog’s coat may appear dull and
brittle, and you may see excessive shedding. Skin thickening
and darkening, lethargy, weight gain,
behavioral changes, and intolerance to exercise are other
common symptoms of hypothyroidism.
-
Treatment: Dogs with
thyroid problems are commonly treated with thyroid hormone
replacement drugs.
More on Dog Skin Treatment
Dog and Cat Dermatitis: Itchy Skin in
Pets
When Dogs and Cats Itch:
Pruritus
Hot Spot Symptoms in Dogs and
Cats
This information is for informational
purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the
professional advice of, or diagnosis, or treatment by, your
veterinarian with respect to your pet. It has, however, been
verified by a licensed veterinarian for accuracy.
