Itchy, dry skin can drive your pup crazy, but it can also point to bigger problems. Here’s what to know about dry skin on dogs.

Key takeaways:

• There are many reasons dogs can suffer from itchy, dry skin.

• Most cases of dry skin can be successfully treated at home.

• Dry skin can typically be prevented but sometimes requires medication.

Humans and dogs have forged a relationship as best friends for many reasons. Dry skin is one of the not-so-pleasant things we have in common with our pups, however, and we even share some of the most common causes for it.

While dry skin is simply an itchy and uncomfortable condition, it’s important to understand what's causing it to help your dog feel more comfortable. This guide will walk you through the causes of dry skin on dogs, how to treat it, and how to prevent it from recurring.

Causes of dry skin on dogs

The causes of dry skin on dogs are many and varied. The condition manifests as dandruff or scurf, which is flakes of dead skin visible in the fur. Dog dandruff can be oily or dry and range in size. It can also be accompanied by red/scaly patches of skin and excessive scratching and licking.

Some causes include:

• Allergies – A young, healthy dog that regularly experiences dry skin could have an allergy. Canines can be allergic to foods, chemicals like pesticides, environmental allergens like pollen, and saliva from parasites like fleas, among other items. An allergic reaction causes skin irritation and inflammation, and dead skin is sluffed off in the process.

• Parasites – Fleas, ticks, and mites that cause mange plague pups in all sorts of uncomfortable ways, including dry skin. Their bites cause itchy skin, red patches, and sometimes infection that all contribute to dry skin.

• Under and over-bathing – Dogs don’t need a bath every day, but bathing at least once a month is typically enough as long as they don’t play outside or swim a lot. More active dogs usually need more baths.

• While it’s important to keep your pup clean, overdoing it is another problem. Too much bathing can also result in dry, flaky skin stripped of all its natural oils.

• Hypothyroidism – Older dogs that repeatedly experience bouts of dry skin could be suffering from hypothyroidism. This condition can occur when the thyroid ceases to produce enough hormones which can cause dry skin.

• Weather – Winter weather and cold temperatures can dry out even the supplest skin. Environmental humidity is at its lowest level in the winter, so skin dries out faster and stays dry longer. It might be necessary to use hydrating products to keep skin moist in winter.

Treating dry skin on dogs

Treatment for a dog’s dry skin depends on the cause. If a serious illness is behind it, your vet will discuss the treatments – typically an antibiotic cream, oral medication, medicated oil, or a special bath – available to you. Your dog’s dry skin can be treated at home by:

• Rubbing vitamin E oil into the affected area moistens a dog’s skin.

• Using olive and coconut oil, because they are also wonderful skin moisturizers for your pup.

• Baths or soaks in chamomile tea, oatmeal, and yogurt, which can also ease the itching and redness that accompany dry skin.

• Aloe vera is another effective home remedy for dry, itchy, and flaky skin.

One of the simplest ways to treat your pup’s problem skin is by bathing them with moisturizing shampoo. You can do this at home or visit a professional pup care specialist.

Preventing dry skin on dogs

Avoiding dry skin on your pup can be tricky, but basic precautions go a long way. One efficient option is a great bath and care routine. Regular routine care and grooming by dog care experts can be even more helpful, as an extra set of trained eyes will be on the lookout for problem areas.

In addition to regular care and grooming, a balanced diet can minimize skin issues. Feed your pup high-quality food with proteins and fatty acids. Alternating wet and dry food can supplement their moisture consumption, and adding fish oil to their diet supports their skin and coat.

Some TLC and a little moisturizing, and all that dog dandruff will be in your rearview. Ask your dog care specialist to watch for recurring spots and keep them at bay with conditioning shampoos. You might not be able to chase dry skin away forever, but you can prevent and treat it effectively when needed.

Prevent dry skin with monthly routine care

Itchy, flaky, dry skin is an uncomfortable nuisance and regular visits to your local Scenthound is a great way to help prevent it. As part of our monthly routine care and grooming services, we’ll check your pup out from tip to tail and you’ll receive our S.C.E.N.T. Check™ report detailing our assessment of your dog’s overall external health.

Find your local Scenthound location and get your pup scheduled today.