Dry skin can be so irritating, and especially when you have an entire coat of fur! Even pets can get dry skin, but they can’t tell you what’s bothering them. If your dog is always scratching or biting, they may be suffering from dry skin.
If dry skin isn’t treated, it can lead to further suffering and skin infections. However, it isn’t as easy to fix dry skin on a furry pet as it is a person. You can’t really rub lotion over their skin anytime they’re itching, and it isn’t safe to use products made for humans on animals..
Thankfully, there are remedies that will help your dog to feel less itchy.
Symptoms of Dry Skin on Dogs
No two dogs are alike, and not every dog will show discomfort in the same way. If you treat your dog for dry skin and it doesn’t seem to help, there may be an underlying cause or condition that will require a visit to your veterinarian.
Dry skin on dogs can be caused by different factors, including environmental surroundings, poor diet, or allergies.
Dandruff
If white flakes come off when you pet your dog, it’s a sign of dry skin. Also, if you see little flakes in your dog’s fur, or find them in your dog’s brush or comb, dry skin is the likely culprit.
Other signs include:
- Excessive itching
- Scabs
- Inflammation
- Pimples
- Hair loss
- Oiliness
- Odor
Dry skin in dogs can also be caused by underlying health conditions, yeast infections, mange, or old age. It’s always best to consult with your vet if your dog’s itchy skin has lesions, is raw, or is bothering them excessively. Your pup may need a medicated shampoo or antifungal medicine.
Remedies for Dry Skin on Dogs
Leaving a dry skin problem unaddressed can cause infection, hair loss, and misery for your poor dog. Whether the dry skin is from allergies or something else, the sooner you catch the problem and try various remedies, the better your dog will feel. Luckily, there are several great home remedies you can try that require little expense or preparation.
Shampoos for Dogs
If you give your dog frequent baths, you may already use specialized dog shampoos. However, they’re not always formulated to moisturize your dog’s skin. You can substitute an oatmeal shampoo very easily and add it into a warm bath for your dog. Take a cup of oats and grind them into powder, then mix the powder with a cup of milk and a tablespoon of olive oil. Add this mixture to a warm bath and the combined ingredients will soothe and moisturize your dog’s itchy skin.
You can also add several teabags of chamomile or green tea into a warm bath, then let your dog soak in it for around ten minutes. Likewise, a few tablespoons of epsom salt added to a warm bath may soothe your dog’s aches, soften the dry skin around paw pads and elbows, and exfoliate and moisturize the coat and skin, making it feel softer and smoother.
Rubs or Lotions for Dogs
People lotions aren’t good for dogs. They can lick and bite at their fur and end up ingesting a product that isn’t good for them. There are some dog-friendly options that will help with dry skin and are safe, and even beneficial, for dogs to lick.
Coconut Oil
One of the top choices and it offers numerous benefits, including its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. It also soothes and moisturizes. All you need to do is warm up the coconut oil in your hands and rub it into your dog’s skin.
Vitamin E Oil
Another great option that is dog-friendly. It’s an antioxidant and can even be given orally to protect from cellular damage and relieve inflammation. Since ingesting it won’t harm your pup, you can rub it into your dog’s dry patches of skin to soothe and moisturize.
Apple Cider Vinegar
A perfect option for applying directly to the driest patches on your dog’s skin. However, vinegar can sting, so be sure that there are no scabs or sores when applying, or your pup may not appreciate the “spa time!” Combine the vinegar with equal amounts of water, then apply with a small cotton ball or spray bottle directly over the dry patches to relieve painful itching.
Olive oil
This can be applied directly to your dog’s skin as well. It is also recommended to add into your pup’s daily diet, so it’s safe to ingest. Olive oil will help moisturize your dog’s skin and give them a shiny, healthy coat.
Your Dog’s Daily Diet
Another way to help heal your dog’s dry skin is to ensure they receive a healthy, nutritious daily diet. You can also add in vitamins and minerals, like essential fatty acids, that will help your pup maintain moisturized skin.
Yogurt
A great addition to your dog’s diet, as long as it’s plain and unsweetened and without potentially harmful additives. Yogurt is a probiotic and contains healthy bacteria that will help balance your dog’s digestive system. Since skin issues sometimes originate from digestive issues, the benefits may also help improve your dog’s skin and coat.
Your dog needs a balanced diet that includes proteins, fatty acids, plenty of water, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. As long as your dog gets enough of these in their daily diet, they should be able to maintain soft, healthy skin and coat. Fats especially are essential in maintaining moisturized skin.
Humidifiers
Air conditioners in the summer and dry winter weather can damage your dog’s skin, just like they damage yours. In addition to ensuring your pup has a proper diet, bathing them in moisturizing shampoos, and rubbing their skin with oils, you can also add a humidifier to the rooms your pup stays in.
Humidifiers add moisture into the air, which can help prevent dry skin in both yourself and your dog. Be sure to monitor how your dog acts around the new humidifier, and remember that an environment that’s too moist can cause problems as well.
Final Thoughts
Just like with people, there are plenty of home remedies and pet-friendly products that will soothe your dog’s dry skin. You can experiment together with your dog and enjoy a day of pampering together.
Your pup will appreciate the care and attention, and they just might feel so good afterwards that they’ll watch an entire movie with you without scratching once!