Dry Skin Relief for Beagles

Dogs are wonderful pets, and beagles are unique even among dogs. Independent but loyal, fun loving and playful, these big dogs in small bodies love to be active and enjoy life. Occasionally, they run into skin problems, just like people, and knowing some basics on how to relieve some of the milder symptoms can help you be a better beagle owner.

  1. Soothing Bath

    • Begin by trying a soothing oatmeal bath. Aveeno Oatmeal bath is a good choice, just as it is for people. Run warm water and add the bath soap to your water. Gently scrub the oatmeal soap into your beagle's skin, and then allow the dog to soak in the soothing water. Allow it to air dry after, and do not apply any chemicals or drying agents to the skin.

    Spray

    • There are many "anti-itch" sprays available for skin problems, and these are an excellent choice for the beagle with dry skin. Many contain a mild analgesic and also a cooling agent, such as menthol to ease the irritation of dry skin. It is important that these sprays not contain alcohol or other drying agents, but rather a moisturizing ingredient that will help to alleviate the dryness.

    Skin Products

    • You can apply a cortisone cream in the worst cases. Just remember these can build up and get messy quickly. The same goes for Vaseline or any other ointment you apply. There are herbal treatments and shampoos that can be helpful. Tea tree oil is especially useful for "hot spots" and other itchy areas. Campho-Phenique is another over-the-counter human drug you can use on extra-itchy skin.

    Diet

    • Another way to address the itchy skin is from the inside out. Try changing your beagle to a dog food that has some natural oils built into it, to help nourish the skin and coat. Look for dog foods rich in essential oils. The higher-end dog foods usually have a choice for dogs with allergies or skin problems. Check with your vet to see what he recommends for food to help your dog's skin. You can always add a teaspoon of fish oil to your dog's food, but you may need to cover up the bitter taste with something delicious. And be careful: Too much fat can cause explosive diarrhea!