Dog dry skin is an issue that afflicts most canines at some point in their lives. If you can determine the cause of canine dry skin and eliminate it, you can cure most dry skin problems. You can also try common home remedies and follow good dog skin care practices to keep your dog's skin healthy.
Canine Food Allergies
Some canine food allergies can cause itching and dry skin in your dog. Try your dog on different dog foods to see if changing her food eliminates her skin problems. Look out for wheat, corn and proteins; try feeding your dog wheat-free food, corn-free food or change the protein to fish or lamb to isolate dog allergies. If you switch your dog's food and your dog's dry skin clears up after a few days, the food is the culprit.
Beware of Dehydration
Some dogs just don't drink enough water. If your dog is dehydrated, you can give her wet dog food, or add water to her dry dog food to moisten it and keep her well-hydrated. If you can get your dog to eat fresh vegetables, you'll give her extra nutrition and extra water, a winning combination.
Nutritional Supplements Heal Dry Skin for Dogs
Some supplements can enhance your dog's coat and help remedy her dry skin. Fish oil is a great supplement that makes your dog's coat shiny and healthy and can cure her dry skin. Fish oil contains Omega-3 vitamins, which are good for your dog's skin and coat. Some dog foods have added Omega-3 for your dog's coat health, so if you're feeding her an enhanced dog food, you might not need to give any supplements. Vitamin E is also a good supplement to cure dry skin.
Fleas and Pests
Some dogs are actually allergic to fleas. These pests normally cause itching and irritation, but if your dog is allergic to fleas, flea saliva can cause her to break out in hot spots and red, itchy sores that are far worse than a normal flea bite. If your dog is allergic, you'll need a strong flea-prevention program to keep her skin healthy.
Mange is one of the most common canine pests that can cause skin problems. If you're not able to treat your dog's dry skin through diet, supplements and appropriate grooming, see your vet to find out if your dog has mange or some other skin parasite. Your vet may have to recommend special dips or treatments to kill parasites and restore your dog's skin and coat to full health.
Don't Bathe too Often
No one likes a stinky dog. However, your dog's body naturally secretes oils that keep her skin healthy. If you bathe her too frequently to get rid of doggy stench, you'll wash away the natural oils that protect her skin.
Ask your vet how often to bathe your dog, based on her breed and coat type. Between baths, try brushing or using baby wipes on your dog's coat to remove dirt and keep her smelling fresh.
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