There are many skin and coat supplements for dog dry skin. Skin and hair conditions in dogs are also often caused by allergies or excess yeast. Thus, dietary changes may be an important part of helping your dog's skin and hair stay healthy. Certain grooming practices can also help with skin and hair conditions. This article will discuss all of these methods in improving your dog's skin and hair health.
Dietary Changes
Many dogs experience skin and hair issues as a reaction to food allergies or digestive issues. The most common allergies include poultry, beef and lamb. Many dogs are also allergic to grains and corn. The presence of too much grain or corn in your dog's food can also result in a slower digestive system due to excess sugar or yeast. Overly processed foods can also cause these problems. Try taking ingredients out of the diet one by one to see if it makes a difference. You can also switch to a raw food that's made with venison or buffalo and see if your dog's condition improves.
Dietary Supplements
There are several supplements that can help with skin and hair issues and can be added to food fairly easily. A good omega 3 complex in oil form is a good start. If vitamin E is included or added, that can work quite well. Grapefruit seed extract or GSE is another supplement that can be dropped into the food. 3 or 4 drops can do the trick.
GSE helps strengthen the immune system and cleans out the digestive system which can make all the difference in dog dry skin. The final supplement that can help is a good probiotic powder. Get one from the refrigerated section that has a bacteria count into the billions and put about half a teaspoon into your dog's food.
Specialty Shampoos and Conditioners
For a dog with dry skin, switching shampoos and adding a good conditioner to your grooming practice can make a huge difference. A medicated shampoo with oatmeal, tea tree, and vitamin E will soothe the skin and reduce flaking and itching.
Other soothing and healing ingredients to look for are:
- Papaya
- yucca
- slicylic acid
- aloe vera
- kiwi
For dog dry skin, use a good conditioner after each monthly bath. In addition to the above ingredients, shea butter, allontoin, and panthenol will help restore the moisture lost in the shampooing process. Essential oils of orange, eucalyptis, and citronella help discourage fleas naturally.
Topical Supplements
A dog with dry skin is likely to develop hot spots or other skin rashes and bumps. Your vet may prescribe a powder with an antihistamine that you apply directly to the inflamed area. You can also apply vitamin E or some of the probiotic powder. It's also important to cut away any hair near an infected area, especially if it's wet.
Regular Brushing
It's important to brush your dog at least every other day to stimulate the skin. This will help stimulate the skin's naturally healing oils. This will also help you be more aware of how your dog's skin is doing.