Dogs may have dry skin and some dogs have dryer skin than others. There are dogs that may have only a few dry skin patches. The dog dry skin patches can be caused by allergies, windy weather, unsuitable bathing products or creams, or a health problem. The dry skin can lead to irritation and itchiness or secondary infections, so the dry skin patches should be identified and treated.
Causes of Dry Skin Patches
Dry skin patches can affect all dogs, regardless of their age and may be indicative of dry weather, wind or other possible problems including:
- Allergies (to food, fleas or inhalants)
- Fleas or mites that are not detected
- Skin infections caused by bacteria or fungi
- Hormonal imbalance and a lack of sufficient hormones
- Liver disease
- The use of a shampoo that is unsuitable for the dog's skin
- The use of ointments or medication that causes flaky skin
- Poor diet
- Unsuitable frequency of bathing
- Lack of regular grooming
Warning Signs
If you notice dry skin patches on your dog, you need to find the possible cause and make changes in your dog's lifestyle. If you suspect the dry skin patches are caused by the weather, you need to get a moisturizing cream that will keep the skin healthy. If the problem doesn't go away, you should visit the vet. Watch out for symptoms such as:
- Fervent scratching
- Bumps on the skin
- Thin pellicles of pus, causing a foul odor on the skin
- Hair loss
- Open wounds
Treatment for Dry Skin Patches
The dry skin patches will be treated according to the underlying cause. The vet will run a few tests to see if the dog is allergic, has a skin infection or an internal problem. The treatment may consist of:
- Antibiotics for infections
- Antihistamines, allergy shots or corticosteroids for allergies
- A change in shampoo or creams used
- A change in diet and supplementation with vitamins and minerals
- Elimination of parasite with sprays or powders containing insecticides
- Liver support and a cleansing diet, if liver damage causes the dry skin patches
- Ointments (antibiotic or antifungal)
Prevent Dry Skin Patches
Dry skin patches may be prevented in a few cases. You can prevent skin flakiness by following a few simple rules:
- Bathe your pet as often as required, using a non-allergenic shampoo
- Use a rich moisturizer if your dog has dry skin
- Keep your dog predominantly indoors during windy days
- Groom your dog at least once per week, which will ensure that the essential oils produced by the sebaceous glands will be spread on the entire surface of the skin, offering protection
- Talk with your vet about the dog's diet and whether this needs an improvement
- Offer immune system support with vitamins and fatty acids or herbal remedies