Any dog owner knows that dogs like to scratch themselves. That is usually normal behavior. However, sometimes your dog̵7;s skin may become abnormally dry and itchy. Not only is this uncomfortable for your dog; it could be a sign of something more serious. Once you understand your dog̵7;s condition, you will be able to treat him.
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Scaliness or Dandruff
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Especially during the winter months, a dog̵7;s skin can become dry. During the winter, if you notice what looks like scaliness or dandruff and if your dog is scratching more than normal, cut back on giving him baths. The water will only dry out his skin more. If you must bathe your dog during the winter, use a moisturizing dog shampoo. Shampoo for humans will usually be too harsh for a dog̵7;s skin.
Brush your dog̵7;s coat frequently, every day if possible, when you notice he is scratching a lot. This removes dander and dead hair.
Make sure you are feeding your dog healthy food. Quality foods, fatty supplements or just adding oil to the food will help your dog get rid of a dry skin problem.
Poor Coat or Hot Spots
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When you have tried to cure your dog̵7;s dry skin and nothing seems to help, the dry skin could mean that your dog has a more-serious problem. The dry skin can be a result of the underlying condition. You will need to take your dog to the vet for a proper diagnosis. Possible causes are allergies and infections.
People usually experience allergies in their nose, whereas dogs generally experience them in their skin. If your dog has poor coat texture or hot spots, it may be from itching due to an allergy. With allergies, dogs may feel most itchy on the feet, groin and armpits. Your vet can determine if your dog has allergies.
Many diseases cause scaly skin in dogs. You will need to take your dog to the vet to diagnose a disease. Once you start treating your dog, his dry skin and scratching behavior should stop.
Fleas
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Because fleas cause your dog to scratch, you may have mistaken them for a dry skin problem. To determine if your dog has fleas, you will have to look for them crawling around in your dog̵7;s coat. If you don̵7;t see any fleas, comb through the fur and collect any bits that drop out of his coat. If you put these specks on a damp paper towel and they turn dark red, these are ̶0;flea dirt,̶1; and it means that your dog has fleas. You should start your dog on flea control products right away.
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