You have heard a thousand times that a dog is man’s best friend! This phrase is both famous and affirmative.
Dogs suffer almost similar ailments as their pet parents (humans). One of those ailments is dry and itchy skin. It’s a condition that might not seem like a big deal but surely is.
Dry skin isn’t what it seems. It might be a sign of something even worst. Your dog might not explain the feeling or how discomforting this condition is. But trust me, you don’t want to be in such a dog’s shoes.
In this post, we will discuss how dogs come down with dry skin, preventive measures to take, and more. Continue reading for more exciting information on this topic!
Contents
Dry Skin On Dogs: What Are The Causes?
Numerous factors play a role. Dry skin is a common problem that dogs experience. It could also be a sign of an underlying condition the dog has that could be more severe.
However, it is good to know the possible causes of this condition. That way, you stand a better chance of preventing any future occurrence.
Dry skin can be so discomforting that it could reduce your dog’s quality of life. And I am sure you want a happy dog in your home and by your side, right?
Natural Remedies to Help Your Itchy Dog
So, what are the factors responsible for a dog’s dry skin? Let’s take a quick look at them one by one.
Source of dry skin #1: Dietary choices
Food is vital to dogs, not only for growth and muscle building. It also helps to give your dog healthy skin.
If you want your dog to have a highly attractive and shiny coat or healthy skin, then ensure he is getting proper food.
There are nutrients your dog needs to receive to help maintain healthy skin continually. If he doesn’t get it, skin problems might result.
On the bright side, you can help tackle dietary and a host of other causes of dry skin. Find the best dog supplement for dry skin, and you might not need to worry about your dog developing dry skin anymore.
Furthermore, considering your dog’s weight, size, breed, and age, you should always ensure it receives the appropriate amount of nutrients. You may also consider going for breed-specific feed.
What I meant by breed-specific feed is a feed uniquely designed for that particular breed of dog.
The manufacturers have taken into account the nutrient requirement of the dog. So, using such feeds will offer significant benefits to your four-legged canine pal.
Source#2: Grooming
If you have been failing to groom your dog appropriately because it has short hair, then you have been making a big mistake.
All dogs need grooming, just like they need food. So, whether your dog is a short, long, or wire-haired breed, know that it still needs proper grooming.
Grooming will help to ensure that your dog’s skin and fur remain healthy, which will make the dog look more attractive.
Grooming helps to get rid of dead hairs that tend to accumulate and further degenerate to dandruff and flaky skin.
You can groom once or twice a week. And make sure you steer clear of shampoos or harsh chemicals.
These can stripe the natural oils off your dog’s tender skin and further damage the skin’s structure.
Source #3: Shampoos & harsh chemicals
I just gave a hint on the dangers of using certain shampoos or harsh chemicals that aren’t good for your dog’s tender skin. If you are guilty of using such, it’s not too late to put a stop to it.
There are dog shampoos designed for dogs. These shampoos are made to suit their tender skin.
Therefore, it is unwise to use shampoos meant for humans on your dog occasionally. These might leave your dog’s skin dry, itchy, red, and flaky.
So what’s the wise thing to do? First, change the shampoo you are currently using. If your dog has highly sensitive skin, you are better off with organic or natural dog shampoo. These natural shampoos offer the following benefits:
- Helps to prevent shedding
- Ensure the proper pH balance of your dog’s skin.
- Protects the skin by creating a protective barrier over it.
It would be best if you start using a lotion or moisturizing spray, particularly after bathing your dog.
It is also essential that you consider bathing your dog once or twice monthly.
Source #4: Infection
These infections are a product of bacterial and fungal activities. They can cause your dog to scratch or suffer skin irritation. The outcome could be hair loss, scabs, or sores all over your dog’s skin.
Source #5: Parasitic bite
Beware of parasites like fleas, mites, or mange. These parasites can wreak havoc on your dog’s skin.
When they bite, they deposit poisonous saliva in a dog’s skin, which could cause scaly skin and even dandruff. Dogs attacked by mange might show signs of sores, hair loss, and even scabs.
Dry Skin On Dogs: What Are The Visible Signs?
Two dogs might exhibit different signs of dry skin. So, if you find any of the following symptoms in your dog, know that it’s still dry skin.
- Dandruff
- Flaking
- Itching
- Scaling
- Hair loss
- Scabs
- Pimples
- Odor
- Inflammation
- Increased oiliness
Your dog might be exhibiting one of these signs. Others might exhibit multiple symptoms.
The most important thing is to be able to figure out that the dog has dry skin and ensure proper treatment is carried out to tackle this condition.
Conclusion
Dogs despise dry skins. It makes their life unbearable and forces them to become inactive. You will find a once happy dog growing unhappy and unfriendly.
I bet it is something you wouldn’t want your dog to experience. So watch out for your dog and ensure issues relating to dry skin are adequately tackled.
The symptoms of this condition are what you can identify with your naked eyes. Just examine the appearance of your dog’s coat and behavior. Then you can tell if it has dry skin or something else. A visit to the vet can also help to identify the condition.
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