Dogs shed dry, flaky skin due to an array of potential dermatitis conditions and infections that may infiltrate a dog's skin. Diagnosing and treating the cause of chronic dry, flaky skin is recommended for improved canine health.
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Identification
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Dry skin on dogs can be identified as loose dandruff-like flakes that sit atop the skin and fur, most visible during bathing and grooming sessions and prevalent on canine-bedding and furniture.
Significance
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Dry skin on dogs can indicate sensitivity to a dry environment, or can result from an array of dermatitis complications, including allergies, eczema or bacterial infections.
Considerations
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Skin irritations caused by mange infections cause dry, scaly skin to shed from dogs, and may be accompanied by patches of hair loss and skin discoloration.
Effects
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Dry, flaky skin sheds from dogs with allergies due to chronic itching, biting and licking in response to environmental, food or flea triggers that cause hives and hot spots.
Prevention/Solution
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Allergic dry skin can be treated with topical and oral antihistamines, while infections-related, chronic conditions require antibiotics. Moisturizing sprays can be applied to skin and coats to reduce dryness and shedding.
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