How to Keep Your Puppy's Skin Moisturized

A dog̵7;s skin and coat is a primary indicator of its overall heath. However, dry skin is common during cold, dry weather. A puppy suffering from dry skin will generally have a dull coat and flaky skin. Symptoms of dry skin include itching, scratching, licking or chewing at the skin and red patches. You can keep your puppy̵7;s skin moisturized by offering plenty of water, providing a healthy diet, adding fish or flaxseed oil to its food, following a proper bathing and grooming regimen, applying olive oil or a moisturizing lotion to its skin and using a humidifier.

Things You'll Need

  • Water
  • High-quality dog food
  • Fish or flaxseed oil
  • Colloidal oatmeal-based dog shampoo
  • Oatmeal conditioner
  • Olive oil
  • Sensitive skin moisturizing cream
  • Soft-bristled brush
  • Humidifier
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide your puppy with clean, fresh water at all times. Dehydration is a leading cause of dry skin in dogs.

    • 2

      Offer your puppy a diet that consists of a quality food that̵7;s high in protein. Proper nutrition prevents allergies and dry skin. Avoid using cheap dog foods, as they typically use low-quality sources of protein, are high in preservatives and are difficult for puppies to digest.

    • 3

      Supplement your puppy̵7;s diet with essential omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish or flaxseed oil, by mixing 1 teaspoon into your puppy̵7;s food each day.

    • 4

      Bathe your puppy only when necessary, using colloidal oatmeal shampoo, which relieves dry skin and soothes irritation. Avoid over-bathing, as it can dry and irritate skin.

    • 5

      Pat your puppy dry with a clean, soft towel to remove excess water, which can be drying to its skin.

    • 6

      Apply olive oil to your puppy̵7;s skin. Mix 5 to 10 tablespoons of olive oil with 1 cup of water and gently rub it into the hair. Distribute the oil through the follicles by tenderly brushing the hair. That will alleviate itching and enable your puppy̵7;s skin to retain moisture.

    • 7

      Rub an ample amount of sensitive-skin moisturizing cream on your puppy̵7;s skin, concentrating on the stomach area. That will protect its skin during cold weather.

    • 8

      Brush your puppy daily with a soft-bristled brush. That will remove dander and dead hair, and distribute the skin and coat̵7;s natural moisturizing oils.

    • 9

      Limit your puppy̵7;s outdoor activities during cold weather and use a home humidifier.