How To Deal With A Dog’s Dry Skin? A Complete Guide For Winters

As winter approaches, it is not just us human beings; dogs also suffer from the lack of humidity in the air. Thus, this kind of situation can lead to conditions such as dry skin in dogs. 

Dry skin in dogs makes their skin and coat much flakier, irritated, and damaged. This is one of the most common things to see in dogs. Hence, dog owners should not be worried at all. 

Hence, at The Pets’ Magazine, we have brought you a complete guide to managing dry skin in dogs, including recognizing the signs and types of dry skin. 

What Are The Main Reasons For Dry Skin On Dogs?

Dry skin on dogs can happen due to several reasons. Moreover, some reasons include nutritional deficiencies, environmental allergens, food allergies, parasites, and others. 

Let’s dig deep into the reasons that cause dry skin on dogs. Moreover, understanding the cause will provide us with the ability to find a better cure for the problems related to dry skin on dogs. 

1. Nutritional Deficiency In The Dogs  

Nutritional deficiency can often cause various types of problems related to dry skin on dogs.  

Moreover, dogs generally require nutrients like omega-3 and omega-6 for better coat, skin, nail, and fur health. Omega-3 and -6 are generally available in ingredients like fish oil and other ingredients. 

Thus, dog parents should provide their dogs with proper fatty acids to ensure the proper health of their coat and skin. 

2. Environmental Allergens  

We often purchase the wrong breed for the wrong place. We often see people influenced by internet images and videos, and getting dogs that do not really suit the place’s climatic conditions. 

Thus, the dog often develops environmental allergies due to the climatic conditions. Hence, this can soak up moisture from the dog’s skin and coat. 

Further, we often keep our dogs in air-conditioned rooms. Thus, prolonged exposure to air conditioning can also lead to dry skin and a dry coat in dogs. 

3. Food Allergies 

The canine gut often begins to identify certain nutrients as allergens. Thus, the animal’s immune system begins to resist that particular protein source.  

Hence, the dog’s body begins to react defensively to certain types of protein when it is given the same thing for a prolonged period. As a result, this can lead to dry skin on dogs. 

Thus, food with hydrolyzed protein or novel protein should be able to deal with issues related to dry skin on dogs. 

4. Frequent Bating  

The dog’s skin produces a natural oil that keeps the skin and coat moisturized. Moreover, preserving natural oils on a dog’s skin is very important. 

Beginners often make mistakes in bathing their dogs too frequently. Thus, this often removes natural oil from a dog’s coat. Hence, dog parents should bathe their dogs at proper intervals. 

The cleansing components of a dog shampoo can also cause various issues in the dogs. Moreover, harsh shampoos can often strip dogs’ natural protective oils. 

As a result, dog parents should always use shampoos containing moisturizing ingredients when their dog has dry skin. 

5. Parasite  

Flea bites, parasites, ticks, and dust mites can often cause irritation and itchiness. Thus, these things can lead to dry skin on dogs. 

Hence, dog parents should always visit a veterinary dermatologist when they find their dogs suffering from parasitic issues. 

6. Underlying Health Issues  

Dogs often suffer from several underlying diseases. Moreover, this includes hypothyroidism and autoimmune disorders.  

Hence, the dry skin in dogs can simply be a symptom of a major underlying sickness.  

What Are The Main Signs Of Dry Skin On The Dogs?

Several symptoms indicate dry skin on dogs. Thus, caregivers should always look for indicators to avoid sudden problems related to severity. Look for these indicators mentioned below. 

1. Itching Or Scratching  

Dogs generally bite or scratch their skin when they itch. The dogs generally groom themselves, lick their skin, and scratch it when necessary. 

However, excessive biting or scratching can indicate dry skin on dogs. Thus, the dog’s parents should take their dog to a veterinary dermatologist when they notice excessive biting or scratching. 

2. Flaky Or Scaly Skin  

Low humidity and dryness in the atmosphere or excessive oiliness can equally lead to flaking of dead skin cells. Hence, you can observe excessive dandruff on your dog’s coat. 

As a result, you should treat your dog with coconut oil and moisturizing shampoo. Keeping the coat well moisturized can be an effective dog dandruff treatment. 

3. Inflammation And Redness  

You can often find red patches on the dog’s skin that irritate it. These red patches on a dog’s skin are often caused by dryness. 

4. Sores And Scabs  

The dryness and irritation in dogs force them to scratch constantly. Thus, this results in scabs and open sores on the dog’s body. 

These open sores can easily lead to infections in dogs. Hence, the dog’s parents should take their dog to the vet whenever they notice open sores or scabs. 

5. Thin Coat  

The dog sheds a lot of hair when it has issues with molting. Moreover, this often results in patches with increased molting and shedding. 

This kind of situation requires immediate consultation with a veterinary dermatologist. A dull, thin coat often indicates underlying skin issues. 

What Are The Remedies For Dry Skin On Dogs?

Several underlying problems can cause problems like dry skin on dogs. The treatment for dog dry skin depends entirely on the underlying cause. 

Here are some habits you should adopt to avoid dry skin issues in dogs. 

1. Bathing Routine 

Follow a proper bathing routine. Moreover, frequent bathing often strips the natural oil from a dog’s coat. On the other hand, shampoos with harsh cleansing agents can also harm the dog’s skin. 

Bathe your dog only when it is necessary. Use a proper moisturizing shampoo to protect the layer of natural oil in the dog’s coat. 

2. Balanced Diet For The Dogs  

Provide your dog with a proper, balanced diet to avoid any issues. Incorporate the essential fatty acids in the meal. Ingredients like fish oil provide omega-3 and omega-6 to your dogs. 

Omega-3 and omega-6 work well for the coat of the dog. Additionally, it enhances the quality of dogs’ skin, nails, and vision. 

Dogs often suffer from food allergies. At times, the dog’s body can misinterpret certain protein sources as allergens. 

Thus, the dog’s parents should switch to an elimination diet with vet approval. They can also go for hydrolyzed or novel protein.  

3. Keep The Dog Hydrated 

Winter often dehydrates a dog’s body. Thus, proper hydration is important for ensuring better quality in the dog’s skin and coat. 

Provide your dog with fresh water frequently to ensure it remains hydrated. Follow a proper water intake schedule for the long-term health of your dog. 

Do not keep your dog in air conditioning throughout the day. Use a humidifier to help prevent skin health issues in dogs in dry climates. 

4. Choose The Right Grooming Products For Your Dogs  

The dog’s parents should always choose the right grooming products for their dog that are not harsh on the dog’s coat or fur. 

Different types of coats require different types of grooming products. You should always use a soft brush on a dog with dry skin. 

Regularly brushing your dog’s coat should remove all the dead skin cells from your dog’s body. Furthermore, brushing distributes natural oil in the dog’s coat. 

5. Consulting A Vet  

Several underlying issues often cause dry skin in dogs. Allergic reactions to food and conditions like hypothyroidism, among others, require proper veterinary supervision.  

Moreover, late treatment can lead to serious health issues in dogs. You should always ask your vet about the supplements and other products that can properly aid your dog’s recovery. 

What Are The Major Home Remedies For Dry Skin On Dogs?

While you explore several lifestyle changes, certain home remedies can cure issues related to dry skin on dogs. These home remedies also act as preventive measures. 

1. Coconut Oil Massage 

Coconut oil massage can be one of the most suitable solutions for dog dry skin. You should massage your doggo gently with virgin coconut oil. 

Coconut oil contains anti-inflammatory properties. Further, it moisturizes the skin and the dog’s coat. 

2. Oatmeal Bath For Your Furball  

Oatmeal can soothe the irritated areas on a dog’s skin. Thus, colloidal oatmeal can relieve itching in your dogs. Oatmeal also alleviates dry skin on dogs. 

My dog has dry, flaky skin and scabs. Thus, I personally use oatmeal baths for my dog. I have seen great positive results. 

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids 

Omega-3 has all the relevant and necessary qualities that shall enhance the quality of coat, skin, and hair in dogs. 

You should incorporate ingredients like fish oil, salmon, and others into your dog’s food. These ingredients are rich in Omega-3 and fatty acids. 

4. Home Made Healing Balm  

Check for all the natural ingredients that are safe for dogs. Then search for their healing capabilities. Based on this, you should make a natural homemade cream for your dog. 

Generally, shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax are safe for your dogs. Apply the balm on the dry and cracked areas of your dog’s skin. 

5. Humidify The Indoor Spaces  

You should always humidify indoor spaces to prevent dehydration from dry air. Do not keep your dogs in air-conditioned rooms for prolonged periods.  

Prolonged exposure to air-conditioned rooms can further dry out the dog’s coat. Dogs often suffer from dry coats and skin issues due to a lack of humidity during the winter. 

The humidifier’s water vapor should prevent the skin from completely drying out during winter.  

Things To Consider While Dealing With Dog Dry Skin

You can address dry skin in several ways. Moreover, this includes providing a balanced diet, routine grooming, and home-based remedies such as coconut oil.  

Hence, a combination of all these things should provide the dog with the best results, depending on its conditions. 

If the condition persists for a prolonged period, you should consult a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause. 

Frequently Asked Questions  

Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about dry skin on dogs.

Community Discussion And Forums About Dry Skin On Dogs  

Several discussions on this topic took place on platforms such as Reddit and Quora. Thus, we present a summary of all relevant discussions on the topic. 

We have exactly quoted all users to maintain the authenticity of all the topics. Here are some of the relevant parts from the discussion. 

1. Need Advice On How To Treat My Dog’s Dry, Flaky Skin 

A Reddit user named TL;DR writes, “My dog has really bad dry skin. It doesn’t look infected, no scabs, no missing hair.  

Changed to a different food for healthy skin and coat. It’s like a bunch of dandruff all over her back.  

More so, right on the top of her back. Looking for answers or advice on how to treat and or find the root cause of the dryness”. 

Replying To This People Have Written  

1. A user on Reddit named cornelioustreat888 states,” Dry skin is usually a result of diet. Dogs require a certain amount of good fat in their diet to process into skin oils.” 

2. Another user named p4nikval states, “I just changed out her food recently. She used to eat Purina One Chicken & Rice for at least a year.  

But I just switched to Purina One Healthy Skin & Coat, which says it’s high in Omega-6 and Vitamin E.” 

3. Another Reddit user suggests using “baby oil massage” for his Chihuahua. The user writes on Reddit, “Eventually, I used baby oil after being advised by a friend, and it worked a treat.  

It’s also not harsh on the skin and won’t cause issues when your dog licks itself”.  

2. What Could Be Causing My Dog’s Dry, Flaky, And Itchy Skin? How Can I Help Alleviate Her Discomfort? 

A discussion related to “dry skin on dogs” took place on Cora. Thus, several users participated in the discussion. 

Replying To This People Have Written 

1. A user named Jinnis Woody Wright suggests using a thin layer of coconut cream. She states, “ Have you tried a thin layer of Coconut Cream? It is sold in grocery stores in the Cooking Oil Aisle.” 

2. Abhina Ali suggests that the dog can be allergic to something “outdoor”. She further suggested checking the grooming products or ingredients in the food