Dry Itching Skin in Dogs

Dry and itchy skin on a dog is more than just an annoyance for the dog. The dry, itchy skin can be an indication of other serious problems with the dog. The dry and itchy skin may also cause other conditions that may require medical treatment. It is important to have a veterinarian diagnose and treat the dry skin as soon as it is noticed to ensure that there are no other concerns for the dog.

  1. Symptoms

    • A dog with dry, itchy skin will present itself through the dog's insistence in scratching or licking a single spot on the body. The dog may also have dandruff in his coat. Dandruff is not normal for a dog and indicates a problem with the dog's skin. If the itching or licking continues for a longer period of time, the fur on that spot may fall out, showing irritated, red skin.

    Diagnosis

    • A veterinarian can make a positive diagnosis of dry skin. This will be done through a skin scrapping to verify that the irritated skin is not due to a skin infection or mange. The veterinarian will also evaluate the dog's skin to determine if the condition is due to a change in the weather or diet. This is often done by evaluating the changes in the dog's environment, rather than a definitive test.

    Causes

    • According to DogPro.com, winter weather and artificial heat is the cause of some dogs' dry skin. In addition the dry and itchy skin can also be caused by allergies. Allergies often present themselves in dogs through the skin. Once the skin becomes dry and itchy, the dog only exasperates this condition by continually licking and biting the skin, further inflaming it. Skin parasites, such as mange mites, can also cause the skin to become dry and itchy.

    Treatment

    • Depending upon the cause for the dry and itchy skin, there are various treatments that can be suggested by a veterinarian. If the condition is due to dry air and winter weather, the owner will be recommended to purchase a hydration system for the home to keep the air humid. If the condition is caused by allergies, the dog owner will be suggested to try different foods for the dog. The primary allergens are yeast, grains and flours, and chicken and these should be avoided. If the condition is due to a skin parasite, the dog will require medicated baths to kill the parasites and disinfect the skin. Multiple baths to remove the dead skin will be recommended for the dog as will dog lotion to calm the skin and prevent licking and biting.

    Prevention

    • Most dry and itchy skin can be prevented by feeding the dog a high-quality dog food that does not have grains or chicken. This will help to decrease the chances of an allergy induced skin problem and will increase the dog's immunity to skin mites and parasites. Frequent baths and brushing can help to prevent a build up of dead skin cells that can irritate the skin and cause licking. Early detection of problems will help to prevent any permanent hair loss and irritations.