If your dog has dry skin and dandruff, this can be caused by exposure to sun or windy weather, but may also indicate that the dog has an unsuitable diet or an internal problem. Some dogs have dry skin and shed more dandruff due to their skin type and genetic predisposition.
Causes of Dry Skin and Dandruff
If your pet has dry skin and sheds dandruff, you can suspect a few internal or external factors such as:
- Sun exposure
- Cold weather and windy conditions that dry the skin
- Presence of external parasites that live and feed on the dog's blood, and also interfere with the normal essential skin oils production
- Insufficient fats and proteins in the dog's diet, which influences the quality of the skin and production of the essential oils
- Allergies to pollens, food, chemicals, shampoos, soaps, materials
- Skin infections, such as fungal infections that disrupt the balance of the skin
- Excessive licking of coat
- Excessive cleaning (frequent baths)
- Hormonal imbalance
- Immune system mediated skin diseases, such as lupus or psoriasis
- Liver damage
- Diabetes
Other Symptoms
Dry skin in dogs causes irritation and itchiness. You can see your dog is licking, scratching or biting his skin. The skin will get red and the dog may also cause lesions and bleeding. The dry skin will also lead to excessive shedding of dander. If you are allergic to your pet, you will feel that your symptoms are worse. Your dog's skin may become rough and he may lose hair patches from certain areas of the body.
Treating Dry Skin and Dandruff
Dry skin can be treated once the causes leading to this condition are detected. However, you must know that all dogs shed dandruff, so even though his skin will no longer be excessively dry, he will still shed dander. The amount of dander shed will be less. The treatment of dog dry skin may be:
- A change in diet to introduce more fats, to stimulate the production of skin essential oils
- A change in shampoo, soaps or products used on a regular basis
- Limiting exposure to sun or outdoors, or using suitable sunscreen or moisturizing creams when outside
- Reducing the frequency of baths (each dog breed requires a different number of baths per month, so discuss this with your vet)
- Cortisone creams that can reduce rashes and skin problems
- Antibiotic creams that can eliminate infections
- Fungicides that can eliminate fungal infections and parasites
- Hormonal treatment
- Antihistamines or oral steroids
- Allergy shots
- Hypoallergenic diet
The vet will also recommend different supplements that can ensure the health of the skin and coat. Be sure to keep him clean and moisturized if your dog has dry skin.