Homemade Ways to Help Dry Skin on Dogs

Diet and bathing too frequently are two of the most common reasons for dry, flaky skin on a dog. Maintaining good nutrition is the best way to approach the condition of your dog's coat and skin by making a few simple changes. The shampoos and products that you use to bathe your pet may also be causing the problem.

  1. Diet

    • Improve your dog's diet to help control dry itchy skin. Finding the right dog food for your pet can be as confusing as following nutritional guidelines for people. Some breeds require more fat in their diet and a supplement that contains omega -6 essential fatty acids has helped many dogs with dry skin. Look for a dog food that contains more omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids to give your dog the nutrition that their skin needs.
      Your dog may need more fat in their diet and some pet owners have added oil to the food to give that extra bit of fat that helps alleviate dry skin.
      Change your dog's food slowly. A sudden change in dog food can lead to diarrhea and gastrointestinal upsets. Add the new food to the brand that your dog is currently eating and gradually increase the amount daily. It should take you about a week to transition your dog to the new food.

    Shampoo

    • Shampooing your dog too often can result in dry skin. You should also use a shampoo that's formulated especially for dogs. Your shampoo may smell great and keep your hair soft and shiny, but it's likely much too harsh for your dog.

      If your dog has sensitive skin, look for a hypoallergenic shampoo that won't irritate your dog's dry skin. It isn't necessary to bathe your dog every day. Most dogs only require a bath once a month or less, but it depends on your dog's living conditions and how dirty he gets.

    Grooming

    • Regularly brush your dog's fur to encourage the production of oils that will keep your dog's skin healthy. A good brushing every day will help to alleviate dry skin patches and give your dog a shiny, healthy coat. Brushing your dog helps keep him clean between baths.

      Most cases of dry skin can be alleviated with these home treatments. If your dog regularly has skin problems or develops infections, it's time to bring him to the vet to find the underlying cause of the skin problem.