Our canine companions get dry skin just like we do and it is just as much of an annoyance to them as it is to us. Dry skin on dogs can be caused from poor health, poor diet, allergies or a skin condition. The cause of your dog's dry skin will determine the remedy you choose to treat him. Whether your dog has dry skin due to allergies or another skin condition, remedies are available to provide relief.
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Herbs and Bathing
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Fish oil is a health supplement sold at most pharmacies for human consumption. Fish oil is also widely used by dog owners to improve a dog's skin and coat as well as overall health. Give your dog one fish oil pill per day for the duration of his life. Fish oil pills are oftentimes recommended by veterinarians for preventive care even if the dog has no health problems.
Herbs and holistic remedies that may be successful in treating canine dry skin are lavender oil, aloe, chamomile and echinacea. To administer an herbal remedy for your dog's dry skin you can simply put a few drops of the chosen herb into a warm bath.
Oatmeal, Epsom salts and baby oil are good ingredients for bathing your dog. Oatmeal coats the skin and relieves irritation while moisturizing the skin to further prevent dry skin. Add a few cups of oatmeal to lukewarm water and let your dog bathe for 10 to 15 minutes.
You can also use Epsom salts for a remedy bath for dry skin. Epsom salts pulls toxins and bacteria from your dog's body. Put two cups of Epsom salts in lukewarm bath water and soak the dog for 10 to 15 minutes. Baby oil can be added to either the oatmeal bath or the Epsom salts bath for additional moisture and soothing properties.
Always pat the dog dry. Do not rub or use a blow dryer because this will irritate the dry skin.
For immediate relief from itching symptoms of dry skin you can give your dog 20 mg of Benadryl or other antihistamine per 20 pounds.
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