How to help dog with dry skin

Just as their human owners often do, dogs struggle with dry skin. Dogs can develop dry skin due to a number of causes. Some of these causes are more serious than others but regardless of why dogs' skin is dry, it's never a comfortable feeling. Knowing why your dog has dry skin and how it is treated can help you get your dog the relief it wants and needs while also ensuring any serious causes are properly addressed.

Dog skin is made up of layers and the outermost layer that we see is called the epidermis. This layer is responsible for holding in moisture, creating new skin cells, providing pigmentation to the skin, and other important functions. When the epidermis is inflamed or is not adequately holding in moisture, the skin becomes dry, cracked, and flaky.

Itching or scratching
Skin redness or irritation
Dandruff or flaky skin
Scaling
Hair loss
Skin odor
Pimples
Scabs
Increased oiliness

Just like when a person has dry skin, itching or scratching, and dandruff or flaky skin are commonly seen symptoms in dogs with dry skin. Scratching and licking dry skin may also lead to redness and hair loss from damage to the follicles. If the skin is irritated enough, scabs can form, an odor may develop, pimples may pop up, and the skin may become extra oily.

There are a variety of causes of dry skin on dogs. Many causes are related to environmental factors, poor parasite control, or ineffective grooming habits, but some are infectious, immune, or endocrine diseases that require veterinary attention.

Allergies and sensitivities
Drying shampoos
Hot baths
Low environmental humidity
External parasites
Poor diet
Atopic dermatitis
Contact dermatitis
Pemphigus
Cushing's disease
Hypothyroidism
Skin infections

If your dog has dry skin, figuring out the reason for it may involve ruling out several potential causes. Some of the easiest causes to rule out include flea infestations, low-humidity environments, excessive bathing, and shampoos that are not designed for dogs. Make sure your dog's food is a high quality food that is recommended by your veterinarian and your dog is on a veterinarian-recommended flea preventative regularly. If you are still unable to find the cause of your dog's dry skin, a vet visit may be warranted.

A full history of your pet will be obtained and a physical examination will be performed by your vet. Your vet may then perform skin testing to look for bacterial or fungal infections, parasites, and abnormal skin cells. They may also recommend bloodwork to look for immune and endocrine disorders.

Once the cause of the dry skin is determined, you can begin a treatment plan for your dog. If the dry skin is because of an environmental reason, moisturizing shampoos and sprays, an increase in environmental humidity, a higher quality food and flea prevention may be necessary alongside supplements designed to improve skin moisture and health. Omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil, ceramides, and regular brushing may be recommended if no specific medication is needed. If your veterinarian finds an underlying disease or infection causing dry skin, medications, dietary changes, and other treatments may be recommended.

There are several easy ways to prevent your dog from developing dry skin. Start by feeding a high-quality dog food and using flea preventatives every month. Avoid bathing your dog too often, especially in hot water or with shampoos that are not formulated for dogs as these can be very drying, but don't let dirt and debris build up. Ensure your home's humidity level stays between 40-60% and use moisturizing or conditioning sprays on your dog’s coat in between baths to keep the skin hydrated. Discuss supplements like omega-3 fatty acids or fish oil with your veterinarian, since some dogs may be sensitive and develop diarrhea at high doses.

Additionally, regular blood screenings at your dog's annual check-ups can help catch diseases that may cause dry skin before your dog even starts exhibiting the signs of dry skin.

Dogs with dry skin can be suffering for a number of reasons, including parasites and allergies. Itchy skin is not only unpleasant for your dog but can result in skin problems over time. If your dog is scratching more than normal, they may have dry skin and a possible health condition that contributes to it.

The team at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services will scratch the surface of why dogs have dry skin so that you can help give your best fur friend some relief.

Dogs with Dry Skin: Symptoms and Causes

Dry skin is itchy and uncomfortable, and can result in skin problems and potential infection when left untreated. If your dog has dry skin, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms emerge.

Scratching, licking, and biting at the skin
Rubbing body and/or head on floor and furniture
Scaly skin
Scabs
Rashes/inflammation
Bald spots
Bumps
Open sores

Skin conditions may seem like a small issue, but it can signal bigger health problems. Dry skin is hard to accurately diagnose without help because of the myriad causes that can contribute to this uncomfortable issue. Causes of skin dryness in canines include:

Changes in the season – When winter comes, and we make use of the furnace, many people and pets experience dryness of the skin. This is why hydration and humidity are so important any time of year.
Parasites – Fleas, mites, and other parasitic infestations can cause a number of skin problems (and health risks) that can result in dry skin.
Diet – Low-quality foods or food allergies often manifest as changes in the health of your pet’s skin and coat.
Seasonal allergies – Another common form of allergies in dogs comes from environmental or airborne allergens, such as pollen, grasses, and mold. Most allergies cause skin conditions in dogs, including that chronic itching you may witness in your pet.
Shampoos and chemicals – Some dogs are sensitive to ingredients found in shampoos, from dyes to chemicals, as well as laundry detergent, carpet cleaners, and cleaning supplies. This causes skin reactions, such as dryness.
Fungal infection – Ringworm and yeast overgrowth cause problems of the skin, such as rash, inflammation, scaling, and bumps.
Infection – Bacterial and fungal infections are caused by a preexisting condition, including skin problems as a result of chronic licking and scratching.
Hormonal imbalance – Skin problems are a common indicator of hormonal issues in pets.
Ichthyosis and other primary scaling disorders – A rare condition resulting from a recessive genetic mutation. It is seen in certain Terrier breeds, Doberman Pinschers and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

Dogs with Dry Skin: Treatment

How to treat dry skin on dogs? The first thing is to have them examined. Treatment depends on the underlying cause, and once treatment begins, the dryness should improve. Other ways to help your pet with problems associated with dryness are:

Keep your dog on a flea and tick preventative.
Feed your pet a high quality diet and address any food allergies.
Use a mild shampoo specifically designed for dogs, as well as a conditioner.
Use a gentle hypoallergenic conditioning shampoo and spray on conditioner.
Brush your dog regularly.
Avoid having your pet interact with dogs with scaling or itching, unless the cause is known to be non-contagious.
Use a humidifier in the home.
Speak with your veterinarian about your dog’s food and possibly supplementing Essential Fatty Acids (especially Omega 6) that improve skin and haircoat.

As always, if your pet is having skin and coat issues, it’s important that your veterinarian see them to rule out health problems. For more information on helping dogs with dry skin, or to schedule an appointment, please contact us.