It can be perfectly normal for dogs to get dry skin during the winter. As you notice that your own hands are beginning to feel a bit dry, it is time to start concentrating on your dog's diet. There are several reasons why what your dog is eating could be causing peeling, itchy, dry skin, but no matter what the cause, if you notice no change after trying these dietary changes, it is best to take your dog to a veterinarian for a professional recommendation.
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Balanced Dog Food
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As with human food, the cheaper the dog food you buy, the lower the chances that it is completely nutritious. Many inexpensive dog food brands contain corn, wheat and other grains, and less of the meat that dogs need. Take a look at the first few ingredients, which should be meat as opposed to grain. Some brands that tend to be higher in quality include Science Diet, Wellness and Royal Canine. A few extra dollars for dog food can lead to a much more comfortable and happy dog.
Fresh Food
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Fresh food for your dog does should not just be whatever falls from your dinner table. By supplementing your dog's diet with fresh meat, fruit and vegetables, you can add vitamins and other nutrients that would not always be provided in a wet or dry dog food. These nutrients will improve the condition of your dog's skin. Some foods to include are carrots, broccoli, apples without seeds, kale and fresh meat. These foods should be added to a dog's diet gradually to ensure your dog does not get an upset stomach.
Water
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Just as dehydration in humans can cause dry skin, dehydration in dogs can do the same. If your dog is not drinking enough water it is up to you to solve the problem. Try placing extra water sources throughout the house or in areas where your dog tends to spend the most time. You can add water to the dry food that you serve your dog, which will cause the kibble to swell with water. The fresh vegetables and fruits that you add to the diet will also up its water content.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
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It is important that a dog's diet have the proper balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Sometimes this ratio is thrown out of whack by unbalanced dog foods. To keep this ratio somewhere in the range of 5:1 to 10:1 you can add certain oils to your dog's food. Cold-water fish oil and sunflower oil can be added along with seeds of the Salvia hispanica plant. Soaking a piece of bread with olive oil and giving it to the dog can provide omega-3s that may be lacking in your dog's food. When a dog has the right balance of these fats, his natural skin oils will respond better to the conditions of winter.
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