Dry Dog Skin: Symptoms, Causes & Treatments

As their largest organ, a dog’s skin can reveal a lot about their general health and wellbeing, so it’s well worth paying attention to.

There are several reasons your dog’s skin might be feeling rough, flaky, or irritated. Let’s look at some common factors that link dogs and dry skin.

My skin always gets dry in the winter, when I turn on the central heating, and these environmental home factors can affect dogs too. Changes in the weather (especially hot to cold), low humidity and indoor heating can all affect the moisture levels in the skin. These changes are usually mild, however, and fairly short-lived.

The skin is a large organ which is constantly replenishing its many cells, and so it needs a constant and quality source of nutrition. Certain nutrients, such as fatty acids, are particularly important to maintain optimal skin health.

It seems counter-intuitive, but too much pampering of your dog’s coat can actually hinder, not help, their skin. A dog’s skin produces natural oils to protect and moisten the skin, and too much bathing can remove these and cause dryness and irritation.

A common cause of skin disease in dogs, parasites such as fleas, mites and lice can all cause skin irritation. A common symptom of external parasites is dry, flaky skin on dogs, but this can go alongside redness, itching and hair loss (alopecia).

Dogs can be allergic to certain foods, environmental allergens such as pollens and grasses or even indoor hazards such as dust mites and household cleaning products. Allergies affect the skin barrier, and can lead to dry, sensitive skin.

Although parasites and allergies are common sources of skin problems in dogs, dry and flaky skin can be a symptom of some other health concerns. Hypothyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease), diabetes and some autoimmune conditions can all cause skin-related symptoms.

Dry skin care for dogs starts with recognising the signs. While symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause, here are the most common things to watch for:

●      Itching, scratching and licking/biting excessively

●      Skin flaking, including onto bedding, soft furnishings and grooming equipment

●      Dry, rough patches on the skin

●      Redness (inflammation) or sore areas of skin

●      Scabs or sores

●      Hair loss

If your dog’s dry skin is persistent, severe, or is accompanied by other skin signs such as itching and hair loss, or more general symptoms such as weight loss or changes in appetite, then it’s time for a trip to the vet.

Your vet will ask you questions about your dog’s routine, diet, general health and parasite prevention. They may also use some tests to assess your dog’s skin and overall health. These may include:

●      Skin scrapes to check for mites and other parasites

●      Allergy testing

●      Blood tests to check for thyroid, hormone or metabolic issues

●      Swab for fungal or bacterial infections

Skin complaints in dogs can be difficult to diagnose, and the process can seem frustrating. However, getting an accurate diagnosis is really important, especially if you're trying to find a cure for dry skin on dogs that actually works long term.

Your dog’s dry skin will be uncomfortable for them, as well as indicating that something isn’t quite right, so it’s definitely worth getting some strategies in place to restore their shiny coat and healthy skin. The good news is that there’s plenty of small, simple changes you can make at home for dog dry skin treatment.

Firstly, start by checking the basics. Does your dog have access to a high quality diet that’s nutritionally complete and suitable for their age and lifestyle? Providing the right nutrition is so important for optimal health and wellbeing, and you may well see the results in your dog’s coat and skin.

There are some top tips for sourcing the best dry dog food for skin allergies and dry skin in dogs. Ensure there is a source of high-quality, easily digestible protein. For dogs with allergies, choosing a protein source which suits them is paramount (and can take a bit of trial and error!). Foods which contain good levels of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, as well as Vitamin E and zinc will be especially good for skin health.

If you don’t want to change your dog’s diet because it suits them well, but you want to add a little something for their dry skin, there are a large range of supplements that may add some benefit. Those which contain digestible sources of omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E may be most suitable, but always discuss with your vet before adding any supplements to your dog’s diet.

Fleas and other external parasites are a very common source of skin disease in dogs. There is now a huge range of effective veterinary products to suit all pets on offer - from spot-ons to tablets, collars and more. Speak to your vet about a safe, effective and reliable option for your dog - and remember to treat all pets in the household regularly.

Although over-bathing with harsher products can dry a dog’s skin out, choosing a dog-friendly and moisturising shampoo to be used at suitable intervals is a good choice. Human shampoos (including baby shampoo) are a big no for dogs, as they can cause irritation. Look for products based on oatmeal, aloe vera or other soothing ingredients, and only bathe dogs once every few weeks, unless directed otherwise by your vet.

Grooming our dogs can be excellent for their skin and coat health, as the action of brushing can help distribute the skin’s natural oils over their body. Try to get into a regular grooming routine with your pooch - it can be great for your bond with them as well as their skin and coat.

Dogs with allergies or other medical conditions may well need veterinary intervention. If your dogs’ dry skin isn’t clearing up, if the skin dryness is severe, or they have other symptoms such as hair loss, itchiness, sore or scabby patches of skin then it’s definitely time to seek veterinary advice. 

Our skin can be a reflection of our health, so taking care of it is hugely beneficial. Here are some useful suggestions for optimal dog skin and coat care:

●      Grooming and bathing: brush your dog’s coat regularly to remove dead skin and help spread natural oils. Don’t over-wash, instead stick to a schedule and use moisturising, dog-specific products.

●      Feed for skin health: if your dog has ongoing dry skin problems, consider choosing the best dry dog food for skin allergies or sensitive skin. Look for omega fatty acids and high-quality proteins.

●      Keep parasites at bay: speak to your vet about an appropriate parasite-prevention regime for your pets.

●      Keep hydrated: always provide plentiful sources of fresh, clean water. In dry climates, consider using a humidifier in their living space.

●      Avoid irritants: try not to use products which may be harsh on the skin, including laundry detergents and lawn treatments, and avoid potential allergens.

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