If your pup has flaky dry skin and it’s making him itchy and irritated, this is the post for you. We’re discussing dry skin on dogs and how you can help your pet. So, if you’re recently realized ‘my dog has dry skin,’ keep reading to find out how you can support your pet.
What Causes Dry Skin On Dogs
Every dog is different. Your pup and his health varies greatly from his four-legged friend down the street and it is different still from the neighbor’s dog. Every pup has his own unique health needs, so the cause of dry skin won’t be the same for every dog. That said, here are some things that are often to blame for dry skin in dogs:
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Seasonal Allergies could be causing your dog’s dry skin: Whether your pup has occasional seasonal allergies, has a food sensitivity, or is having a hard time with ingredients in some of the products you’re using around the house, it could be to blame if your dog has irritated skin. If you notice your dog’s skin is dry and itchy at certain times of the year or when you use specific products around your pet, this is likely the reason behind his dry skin.
- Over-bathing can irritate your dog’s skin: Your pet’s skin and coat are designed to self-clean. Over-bathing your dog strips both his skin and his coat of essential oils he needs to keep him healthy. If you frequently bathe your dog, this could cause dry, itchy, or flaky skin.
- Nutritional deficiencies can lead to dry skin and a dull coat: If your dog’s dry skin is accompanied by a dull coat, nutritional deficiencies could be to blame. Your dog needs to consume certain nutrients each and every day to maintain overall health. If he’s missing some of those key compounds, it can affect all areas of his health, including his skin. Digestive issues can also cause your dog to absorb fewer nutrients from his food and can also affect skin health.
Dry skin, on its own, likely isn’t a big deal. The problem is, dry skin on dogs often signifies that there is a larger health issue. If your pup has dry skin, it’s important to discuss it with your Vet to eliminate the possibility that there’s something serious going on. Blood tests, allergy tests, and other diagnostic tools can help you pinpoint exactly what’s causing your dog to have dry, flaky skin and you can’t get those results without the help of a medical professional.
Natural Remedies For Dry Skin On Dogs
Unless your dog’s dry skin is the result of a serious medical condition that requires pharmaceutical treatment, you can likely help clear up your flaky, itchy dog’s skin issues at home. Here are some things you can do to nourish, moisturize and otherwise address dry skin for your dog:
Address Your Dog’s Diet
Make sure you’re feeding a complete and balanced diet that is rich in fruits, veggies, and other healthy compounds that will support your dog. Your pup needs to consume plenty of animal protein each and every day to help him maintain healthy skin and the right balance of fiber, carbs, and fats to boot.
You can also add skin-soothing nutrients to your dog’s bowl with foods like salmon or leafy greens that contain plenty of antioxidants to help with skin health. Treat your dog’s diet like a tool to help heal his skin and nourish his body if you want to help improve and prevent future skin issues.
Add Supplemental Help
In addition to switching up your dog’s diet, you can also consider adding supplements to his dog bowl. Look for skin-targeted ingredients that will help your dog with his irritated skin. Omega Fatty Acids help maintain skin health and can be extremely beneficial for dry skin. They help your dog’s skin form a healthy and robust outer layer that’s not flaky or irritated.
Adding digestive supplements to your dog’s diet can also help since digestive issues can interfere with nutrient absorption. If you suspect your dog’s gut is playing a role in his dry skin, probiotics are a good place to start.
Soothing supplements can be invaluable in the midst of an itch attack! Try adding a hemp or melatonin-based chew to your dog’s diet when he’s at his itchiest to help him feel more comfortable.
Get Your Groom On
Help your pet maintain healthy skin and a luscious coat by grooming him frequently. Taking him into the groomer for a spruce up every couple of months won’t cut it if your dog has dry skin. Instead, spend time daily getting down to business with your pet’s brush. Frequently brushing your dog’s coat will help him shed, something that’s an important part of his overall health but can affect his skin health. It’s also a good way to keep tabs on your dog’s skin health. When you make grooming a part of your dog’s daily routine, you can keep a close eye on his dry skin, so you know which remedies are helping.
Use Better Bath Products
Over-bathing your dog is a no-no if your pet has skin issues. Your dog’s skin and coat are designed to self-clean, so you shouldn’t be plopping him into the tub too often. That said, baths do need to happen, so it’s important to choose the right products. Clean your dog with a shampoo designed to soothe and support your dog’s itchy, dry skin, instead of one that’s packed with synthetic ingredients that can further strip his skin of important nutrients.
Pet Honesty Products That Can Help Your Itchy Pet
When you want to add supplemental help to your itchy dog’s diet, try Pet Honesty Allergy Support Chews. They’re packed with ingredients that can help soothe your irritated dog from the inside out like salmon oil, which is rich in Omega Fatty Acids that promote healthy skin, and turmeric which can help with redness and irritation. And, the next time you give Fido a bath, pick up a bottle of Allergy Itch Relief Shampoo to use. It’s formulated with itchy skin in mind and can help your dog with dry skin thanks to ingredients like Chlorhexidine, Ketoconazole, and Aloe.
Sources:
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dry-skin-on-dogs-causes-symptoms-treatment/
https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/health-care/dog-conditions/dog-dry-skin
https://www.akcpetinsurance.com/blog/5-natural-remedies-to-help-your-itchy-dog
