Dog Skin Care Tips From Veterinarians

Dog skin care tips from veterinarians can help you understand your dog's skin. There are many things that can affect your dog's skin, which is one of the most sensitive parts of your dog. It is essential that you take exquisite care of your dog's skin and coat.

Diet and Supplements for Skin Health

Healthy skin and fur starts with the diet. A high-quality pet food full of protein and essential fatty acids will help you maintain optimum skin care. If a meat is not the first ingredient in your dog's food and his skin is looking dry and red, try switching his food.

With advice from the vet, you can add a vitamin supplement to your dog's meal. A teaspoon of olive oil a day can increase your dog's fur and skin health.

Grooming Is Vital

Grooming has a lot to do with healthy skin. Brushing will stimulate your dog's natural skin oil production and distribute it all over his coat, making it healthy and glossy. You should use a brush with rubber bristles or a grooming glove as not to irritate the skin. Brush your dog everyday for the best results.

Don't Bathe Your Dog Too Often

It is essential that you use dog shampoo and not human shampoo when bathing your dog. Our pH levels are different from their pH levels. Using a human shampoo can dry out your dog's skin, so can bathing your dog too frequently. You should not wash your dog more than necessary. No more than once a month.

Pests Detrimental to Skin Health

If your dog should become host to fleas, ticks, chiggers, mange, or the fungus ringworm take care of the problem immediately. Do not wait for further symptoms to develop if you have suspicions. Not only will this benefit your dog's skin and health, it will benefit yours.

Allergies Cause Dog to Scratch and Bite Skin

Many skin problems are caused by allergies. Common symptoms of dog allergies are scratching, licking, and hot spots. Check your dog for fleas or other pests. If there is no evidence of this, your dog may have an allergy.

Signs of a Skin Problem

The following are the most frequent symptoms:

  • Rashes
  • Hair loss
  • Dry, itchy skin
  • Red skin
  • Discolored skin
  • Greasy skin or coat

Other Possibilities

If all of the above have been ruled out, then the skin problem could be caused by an underlying, more serious illness. Examples are:

  • Hypothyroidism
  • Cancer
  • Cushing's Syndrome
  • Endocrine Abnormalities
 

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