It is imperative to keep the coat and skin of your dog moisturised aside from giving them flea and tick spray. Another way veterinarians can determine their overall health is through the condition of their skin and coat. The integumentary is one of the major bodily systems in dogs.
Some of the possible causes of dry, flaky and untidy coats on dogs include:
- Thyroid illness
- Hyperadrenocorticism
- Hormonal imbalances
- Nutritional abnormalities
- Ectoparasites
- Allergies
There will be times that the skin or coat irregularities hint at underlying problems in your dog.
Therapy will usually improve the health of their skin and coat quality considerably. A healthy dose of moisturizer for dogs and their coat is also a good solution. Obesity and osteoarthritis may also have a role in making it difficult for an animal to groom correctly.
What Can Cause the Skin of Your Dog to Dry
Pet health and dental care products are crucial, but so are products that moisturise their skin. Dry skin on your dogs can have various reasons. These reasons make it difficult to diagnose skin problems in dogs. You should know about the causes, symptoms, and best treatment choices for your dog if your dog’s skin is dry, itchy, or flaky.
Dry skin might not seem like a huge thing, but it can indicate a much more severe problem in your dog. The following are seven of the seven most common causes of dry skin in your dogs.
#1 Allergy
Allergies affect dogs in the same way that they affect humans. Some of the issues that can produce reactions in dogs are pollen, dust, feathers, grass, animal dander, grain, flea saliva, food allergies and seasonal allergies. These allergies can develop into a skin disease known as atopic dermatitis. Untreated allergies can cause dry skin, itching, redness, inflammation, and secondary skin infections.
The most prevalent skin ailment in dogs is flea allergy dermatitis. It can be an allergic reaction to flea saliva. The best method to avoid flea allergy dermatitis is to keep your dog and house flea-free. It is also best to discuss treatment options for your dog’s allergies with your veterinarian. They can also provide you with recommendations for the best flea and tick spray to use on them.
#2 Parasitic Infections
Another possible cause of dry skin in dogs is parasites. Dry, flaky skin can indicate parasites that cause mange, such as the Demodex mite, canine scabies, and cheyletiellosis (Walking Dandruff). It can also suggest that your dog has lice.
A trip to the veterinarian is required to diagnose parasites that cause dry skin in dogs. If your family veterinarian believes your pet needs expert care, he may send you to a veterinary dermatology specialist. Some flea and tick spray and spot medications also prevent these parasitic infections.
#3 Bacterial and Fungal Infections
Bacterial and fungal infections in dogs can result in various skin complaints. Veterinarians typically perform skin scrapings for cytology. It allows them to detect canine skin illnesses. You should always address the dry skin of your dog carefully. Some of these diseases are occasional links to more severe conditions. Some issues are transmissible to humans, such as the fungal pathogen ringworm.
#4 Metabolic & Systemic Diseases
Dry skin can sometimes be a symptom of a much worse issue. Cushing’s illness and hypothyroidism are the two most common metabolic conditions linked to dry skin in dogs. Dry skin frequently accompanies dry and brittle hair, hair loss, and skin infections in both situations. Auto-immune disorders and cancer can also cause dry skin in dogs.
#5 Nutrient Deficiencies
Dry skin in dogs can also be due to nutritional deficiencies. Your dog’s food may be deficient in the fatty acids that maintain the skin healthy. Most kibbles and diets lack the necessary fatty acids that act as a natural moisturizer for dogs and their coat. If you feed a homemade diet, engage with a veterinary nutritionist to produce a recipe that satisfies all of your dog’s needs. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid supplementation are beneficial to skin and coat health.
#6 Bathing Them Too Often
Another cause of dry skin in dogs is washing too regularly. It can deplete your dog’s skin with essential oils, leaving it delicate and dry. These essential oils naturally occur and are a moisturizer for dogs in their skin and coat. Most dogs can benefit from oatmeal-based shampoos, which are fantastic for healing dry skin.
Baths are only necessary for most dogs on an as-needed basis, generally a couple of times each year. Consult your veterinarian to check whether your dog is suffering from a skin issue causing the symptoms you are experiencing.
#7 Skin Conditions that are Breed-Specific
Some breeds are more prone to skin issues than others, especially when it comes to dry skin. Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, and fast-growing large-breed puppies can develop zinc-responsive dermatosis. Furthermore, hairless breeds like the Xoloitzcuintli and the Chinese Crested are prone to more varieties of skin-related issues. Veterinarians can help you figure out what’s causing your dog’s dry skin and provide you with moisturizer balms and ointments for dogs and their skin and coat.
Best to Take Necessary Preventive Measures
When it comes to skin diseases in dogs, the adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of treatment” holds. Ensuring your beloved pet lives a happy and healthy life is the best approach to keep their skin from drying out. Some skin disorders are unavoidable. However, by being a diligent owner who examines her pets regularly, you may catch your dog’s dry skin before it gets out of hand.
Do you want to protect your pet’s overall health? Pet Health Global provides a wide range of pet health vitamins and dental care products.
Pet Health Global is a company that specialises in pet health and wellness management. They are one of the top suppliers of pet products that can help you ensure the health of your beloved pet. They exclusively use the highest-quality natural chemicals, which provide nature’s wisdom in the form of pain relief for various conditions. They also sell dog shampoo, soaps and pet eye drops.
