Poodles & Dry Skin

All dogs can develop problems with dry skin. These health problems can indicate more serious health problems in the poodle that can threaten the poodle̵7;s life. However, the dry skin can also mean that shampoo is caught in the fur or that the poodle̵7;s diet needs to change.

  1. Sebaceous Glands

    • Poodles have sebaceous glands that keep them from having dry skin. However, these glands can become inflamed and eventually die. When they do, the poodle can develop dry and scaly skin. Sebaceous adenitis can cause a scaling on the back of the dog as well. The areas where the skin gets dry can lose hair. In some extreme cases, poodles develop hair loss and a musty odor. The poodle can develop health problems in the form of skin infections. The trunk, head and ears can get scaly. Fortunately, a veterinarian can give the poodle an antiseborrheic shampoo and fatty-acid dietetic supplements.

    Hypothyroidism

    • Hypothyroidism can cause poodles to develop dry skin under some circumstances. This is a disorder where the poodle̵7;s thyroid does not produce enough of the thyroid hormone to keep metabolism high. Air pollution and allergies can cause the poodle̵7;s immune system to start attacking the thyroid gland, causing dry skin as a side effect. Hypothyroidism can be accompanied by hair loss and a brittle coat. It is often caused by a change in appetite. It can threaten the life of the poodle. The veterinarian will likely put the poodle on medication for the rest of its life when the disease is detected by a blood test.

    Shampoo

    • When bathing, poodle owners should wash out all of the shampoo from the poodle̵7;s fur, or else the fur and skin become drier. When grooming the poodle, use the time to check the poodle for dry and scaly skin. If the poodle has dry skin after a bath, try using an oatmeal-based shampoo, which can sooth and cool the poodle̵7;s itchy skin. Steroid shots can alleviate the itchiness caused by dry skin and does not have the side effects that steroids have on humans.

    Food Allergies

    • Some poodles have food allergies that can cause dry skin problems, so owners can change the poodle̵7;s diet to see whether the changes cause the dry skin to go away. After adjusting the diet, the owner can rub Vitamin E into the dry part of the poodle̵7;s skin to help improve the health of the skin.

    Yeast

    • The yeast in intestines can overgrow when the pH in the poodle̵7;s digestive system becomes imbalanced. This can cause a yeast infection, which causes scaly, itchy skin, especially near the feet. The poodle may often lick its paws, as a sign of dry feet. The toxins produced by the yeast can make the poodle feel sick all over and can weaken the immune system.