How to Get Rid of Your Puppy's Bad Dry Skin & Smell

To cure a puppy's dry skin you must first determine the cause. The most common causes of dry skin in dogs are poor diet and over-bathing. Dry, smelly skin can also be the result of fleas, ringworm and mange. Treatment may involve getting rid of parasites; bathing less or switching shampoos; changing the puppy's diet; or getting medical treatment for mange.

Things You'll Need

  • Oatmeal-based or medicated shampoo
  • High-quality dog food
  • Flea-prevention treatment
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Treat the puppy for fleas. Flea treatments range from collars, powder, topical flea preparations, flea shampoos and flea combs. If the puppy is already suffering from dry skin caused by parasites, check with your vet before using topical treatments and collars to avoid further irritation. Removing fleas with a flea comb and killing them in alcohol will prevent further drying of the skin.

    • 2

      Look for signs of ringworm. Ringworm is a fungal infection and will present in small, circular sores on the puppy's skin. Take the puppy to the vet for ringworm treatment.

    • 3

      Change the puppy's food. If parasites or fungus aren't present, the puppy may be allergic to its food. High-quality dog foods are available, formulated specifically for dogs with food allergies.

    • 4

      Bathe the dog less frequently. Dry skin may be caused by bathing the puppy too often. If you have been bathing the puppy a lot, cut back and switch to an oatmeal-based shampoo. Only use warm water for baths.

    • 5

      Check for signs of seborrhea. Seborrhea is a skin condition that will cause flaking skin like dandruff, itching, patches of thinning hair and sometimes scabs. Use a medicated shampoo designed for use on dry skin every other day for 10 days. Decrease medicated baths to twice a week, then once a week as you see improvement.

    • 6

      Look for signs of yeast infection. A bad odor coupled with dry skin may indicate a yeast infection. Puppies suffering from a yeast infection will have brown or yellow pasty deposits on the skin, especially around the ears. Take the puppy to the vet for yeast infection treatment.

    • 7

      Inspect the skin for mange. Mange is caused by tiny mites that burrow into the puppy's skin. Mange will cause scabs and crusty patches on skin --- especially around the head and neck --- hair loss, sores, extreme itching and a bad odor. Take the puppy to the veterinarian immediately if you suspect it has mange. Some forms of mange can be deadly if untreated.