The causes for dry skin in dogs can be as simple as dry winter air or as complex as an underactive thyroid. The first step is to determine the cause of the dry skin. Once this is addressed, there are a lot of home remedies and dietary changes that can keep your dog's skin supple and her coat shiny.
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Identification
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Dry skin may or may not cause itching. Itching and irritated skin almost always mandate a visit to your vet. Flea allergies, mites, mange and bacterial skin infections can all cause dry, flaky skin and irritation.
Dandruff is easier to see in black and dark-colored dogs. If your dog is white, brush her coat for a few moments, then wipe a damp, dark-colored towel over the area. If she's got dandruff you'll see it on the fabric.
Paradoxically, dry skin can cause greasy, oily fur in combination with dandruff. This is typically caused by seborrhoea sicca, where there's an overproduction of skin cells. It's common in bulldogs and Shar-Peis.
Causes of Dry Skin
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Allergies (to fleas, food or environmental factors), mites, mange and bacterial skin infections all require veterinary treatment. Underactive thyroid glands and some hormonal illnesses can also cause skin problems. If your dog's itchy skin and dandruff don't resolve with simple bathing and grooming, take her to the vet for a wellness check.
Frequent bathing in chlorinated or saltwater dries a dog's skin and coat. Freshwater is fine: if your dog is frequently in saltwater or a pool, rinse her well with a hose afterward.
Nutrition and Dry Skin
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Dogs commonly have dry skin from inferior diets. Whatever you are feeding your dog, make sure it has quality ingredients and sufficient fat. Dogs utilize fats in the diet differently than humans and require more for energy and healthy skin and coat.
It is common for dogs fed a "low fat" or "weight loss" kibble diet to not only remain overweight, but to suffer from dry skin and dull coats, according to Dr Susan Wynn, DVM. Most weight-loss pellet diets are only intended for short-term use at best, but many people use them for extended periods.
Supplements
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According to canine nutrition expert Mary Strauss, some supplements will help dry skin. Omega-3 essential fatty acids in the form of fish oil are a natural anti-inflammatory and nourish joints and connective tissue as well as the skin. The recommended daily dose is 1000 mg fish oil per 30 pounds of the dog's weight. Fish oil sold for human use is fine for dogs, and many dogs gobble the capsules up like treats. Another beneficial supplement for dry skin are iodine-rich kelp.
Bathing for Dry Skin
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Over-bathing a dog causes dry skin by stripping it of natural oils and altering the pH value of the skin. Regular brushing will keep his skin healthy, and a wipe-down with a damp towel cleans off surface mud when he's been playing in the dirt. Bathe your dog only when necessary using a mild dog shampoo, and rinse him thoroughly. Shampoos containing oatmeal and aloe vera may cut down on itching.
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