Dog dry skin may be a problem for your pet as flaky skin is also itchy. Your pet may scratch his skin and cause infections. The cause of dry skin must be detected and suitable treatment must be applied. If there are no internal problems causing scaly skin, the problem can be treated with supplements and a change in diet.
Causes of Dry Skin
Dry skin on dogs may be the result of a poor diet but may signal an internal problem also.
Common causes of flaky skin include:
- Dehydration
- Allergies (to foods, chemicals, dust or pollen)
- Lack of essential nutrients in the diet, especially fats
- Parasites that feed on the dog’s blood and cause skin problems
- Internal or skin infections caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi
- Liver damage
- Hormonal imbalance (hypothyroidism)
Supplements for Dog Dry Skin
Diet and supplements are directly linked to the health of the dog’s skin. A healthy diet ensures a normal skin pH and no flaky skin.
The supplements recommended for dogs with dry skin are fatty acids and antioxidants.
The fatty acids needed by dogs are the omega 3 compounds. Typically, the commercial dog food contains a lot of omega 6 fatty acids, but not enough omega 3. Supplement your dog’s diet with a few gel caps of omega 3 or with fish oil or flaxseed oil.
The antioxidants that will ameliorate the dry skin on dogs are vitamin A and E. The antioxidants have a detoxifying effect and may prevent allergic reactions or irritable skin.
Other supplements that will stimulate cell reconstruction are the bioflavonoids such as quercetin, ginkgo biloba, coenzyme Q10 or grape seed extracts.
Get some immunity boosters such as Echinacea herb extracts.
Other Treatments for Dry Skin on Dogs
It is important to keep your dog hydrated, so keep a bowl of fresh water at sight at all times. Use some moisturizing cream to protect your pet’s skin from harmful wind and cool weather conditions.
Dry skin may also be treated with shampoos. Opt for a gentle formula or an all natural dog shampoo. Oat extracts are beneficial for dry skin. Avoid frequent baths during the cold season. Dry skin is more frequent during the winter.
There are also rinses for dogs with sensitive skin; these contain a diluted amount of hydrocortisone that will take care of the itchiness and the swelling of the skin.
If your dog is allergic to different irritants, make sure to reduce his exposure to these and administrate cortisone cream or antihistamines.
If your dog has a skin infection (bacterial or fungal), oral antibiotics will be prescribed.
Parasites will be removed with insecticides and special rinses.
Supplements are recommended for dogs with dry skin regardless of the origin of the condition. Dogs that have no internal problems or skin infections may be treated solely with supplements and perhaps with a gentle shampoo; however, if the skin condition is determined by an infection or other diseases, these must be treated first.