Dry Skin Relief for Dogs

It can be tough to pinpoint a cause for your dog's itching. Itching and scratching can indicate a number of problems, including dry skin. It is easy to get dry skin relief for dogs, but it can be time-consuming.

  1. Causes

    • Dogs naturally produce oils that keep their fur shiny and their skin moisturized. They can get dry skin when these oils are removed, improperly produced or improperly distributed throughout their coats.

    Diagnosis

    • A veterinarian will ask you about your dog's behavior and take samples from your pet's skin, fur and blood. Upon ruling out underlying conditions, such as diabetes or parasitic infections, treatment for dry skin begins.

    Treatment

    • Treatments can include regular grooming, reduction of baths, food supplementation or prescription shampoos. Severe cases may be treated using medications.

    Prevention

    • You can help prevent dry skin by ensuring your dog gets adequate and nutritional food. Groom regularly at home to distribute oils throughout the dog's coat, and use shampoos formulated for canines to prevent the loss of oils during bathing.

    Cold Weather

    • Dry skin may become worse during winter months, particularly if your dog is primarily an indoor pet, as heaters can remove moisture from the air.