What to use on dogs for dry skin

Dogs are great to have around, but sometimes they get under the weather. It doesn’t always have to be a major illness, but a condition that is irritating and annoying. That is the case with dry skin. Your four-legged amigo may develop a case of it and that can drive your pet half crazy. You need not sit and watch, but can do something about it. Here are a couple of ways to take care of the dry skin your dog may have.

1. A little dose of vitamin E

This doesn’t need to be taken internally and vitamin E oil can be applied directly to the affected skin area. A little massage and perhaps a soak in the bathtub with vitamin E oil in the water can have that skin back in healthy condition rather quickly. Should you decide to give the vitamin E to your pet internally, you have to be careful. Different breeds of dogs require unique dosages of the vitamin. A veterinarian can tell you will be the proper amount.

2. Try some olive oil

Doctors encourage humans to a little olive oil in their food. It has some great benefits for dogs as well. All it takes is about a tablespoon of olive oil several times a week. The flaky skin should go away after a little while and your dog is left with a very shiny coat. Omega – 3 fatty acids are also a good way to combat dry skin. As with vitamin E, check with the veterinarian to see what the proper amount should be included in your dog’s food.

3. Grooming is extremely important

It can be the little things that cause the problem and the little things can be quickly corrected. Dirt and the oil which builds up in your dog’s coat can cause some of the skin problems you are worried about. Grooming includes brushing the coat carefully on a routine basis. That is going to allow the natural oils that are part of the dog’s body to be evenly distributed. It means that there is no oil buildup in one area that can cause skin problems to develop. Matting is something that can lead directly to dry skin. The grooming sees to it that the matting is removed and that skin is better able to receive the air that it needs.

4. Keep an eye out for the weather

This is both inside and outside for your pet. Dry skin can be made worse with low humidity. When the weather gets cold this winter it is not a bad idea to keep the dog inside as much is possible. The indoor weather can be just as dry, however. That is why investing in a humidifier is going to help your pet avoid problems with dry skin.

5. Bathing the right way

Everyone wants to have a clean pooch, but don’t overdo it. Set a routine and once established take a look at the shampoo. The shampoo should not be the ones that you use. Dogs may have thick coats but they are thinner skin than you have. The wrong pH level can cause serious skin problems for your animal. The right type of after bath conditioning spray can help by softening and moisturizing the skin of your dog.

All of the above are essential home remedies that you can use on your dog’s dry skin. It is also possible that the dog is having an allergic reaction to something. Arranging for a trip to the veterinarian is going to help in creating a strategy for taking care of the dry skin. The good thing about this is we are not talking any major surgery or therapy. In most cases it just requires using one or two of the above suggestions to get the dry skin off of your dog.

Incidentally, the fact that your pet has dry skin does not make you a bad doggie parent. This is a common condition that dogs will have and it isn’t life-threatening. It is simply a pain for the animal and needs to be corrected. The right food supplements or greater attention to grooming and bathing will be sure to have your dog back with healthy skin in no time. The treatments may result in a very nice-looking coat on that sweet little buddy of yours. That is a nice side benefit to treating the dry skin.

It's not difficult to spot a dog with dry skin. If the itching, scratching and biting don't give it away, the flaky skin and dry fur are easy to spot.

Not only will dry skin irritate your pet, it could lead to more serious health troubles if left untreated. These six dog dry skin home remedy options are easy to use, and you probably already have the required supplies.

Itchy skin can be caused by a number of factors, and some of those factors have been researched in scientific studies.

These studies show that the most common cause of itchy skin is dryness.

Dry skin on dogs could be linked to environmental factors, like cold winter air, or a nutritional deficiency.

Like humans, some dogs just have dry skin for no particular reason. In these instances, a dog dry skin home remedy could be just the cure your pooch needs. Just be sure that you're keeping a close watch on the condition to make sure it's not getting worse.

Veterinarians do warn that some of the causes of dog itchy skin may be serious and could lead to health issues if left untreated.

Usually, if your dog's itchiness is severe and doesn't go away, you'll need to do tests at your local vet clinic to rule out any serious health conditions.

6 Home Remedies for Dry Skin on Dogs

1. Colloidal Oatmeal Bath

Most of the over-the-counter products you will find to treat itchy skin contain oatmeal.

Studies have shown that the properties in oats have a positive effect on itchy skin.

You can make your dog an oatmeal bath at home to help heal dry or itchy skin.

Add 3 cups of colloidal oatmeal to a bathtub filled with about 6 inches of warm water.

Put your dog in the bathtub and use a cup to apply the oatmeal water generously to his coat.

Massage the mixture in to the skin with your hands.

Try to allow the oatmeal bath to sit on your pup for 20-30 minutes (if he will stay in the tub long enough).

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider has been shown to have antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral properties.

DO NOT use it directly on your dog's skin, as the high acidity could actually be harmful to him.

It could irritate the skin and cause a burning sensation for your dog.

Make a 50/50 blend of apple cider vinegar and water in an empty spray bottle.

You can apply the spray to your dog 2-3 times per day until the itching stops.

If your dog has chronic skin itchiness, you can use the apple cider vinegar spray once per day as a treatment remedy.

This spray should not be used if your dog has open wounds on his skin. It will sting and cause your dog pain.

You should also pay close attention to the itchy areas after applying this itchy dog home remedy.

If you notice any redness or the itchiness seems to get worse, stop using the spray and contact your veterinarian.

3. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has many effects on skin and coat health.

It can help with skin conditions like eczema, contact dermatitis, itchy skin and generally improve skin health.

It can reduce allergic reactions, especially when it comes to flea allergies.

Skin cuts and wounds can also be treated with coconut oil. It can disinfect cuts and promote their healing.

It can also help with the treatment of dry skin, hot spots, bites and stings.

Coconut oil can be given to dogs orally or applied topically. Including coconut oil in your dog’s diet can improve their health in general but for the best results regarding skin and coat health, coconut oil should also be used topically.

Coconut oil can be given to dogs daily with meals, one or two times per day.

The amount of oil in your dog’s meals depends on his size.

For example, many vets recommend that you introduce coconut oil slowly to your dog’s diet, like 1/4 of a teaspoon for small dogs on a daily basis.

For large breeds, start with one teaspoon with every meal.

Using coconut oil topically is rather simple. It is important to start with small amounts because your dog’s fur can get greasy if you apply too much.

Just rub a bit of oil between your hands and put in on your dog’s fur, like you are giving him a gentle massage.

Use your fingertips to rub the oil on his skin as well. It is best to apply coconut oil once or twice a week.

Coconut oil is very healthy for dogs, so you don't have to worry if your pooch licks this dog dry skin home remedy.

SIMLAR: 9 Ways to Improve Your Dog's Skin and Coat Health

4. Chamomile or Green Tea

Steep the tea bag in about 8 ounces of water and allow it to cool.

You can apply the wet bag directly to the affected area or use a cotton ball to apply the tea to the hot spot.

Apply it 3-4 times per day until the affected area has healed completely.

You can also give your Fido a bath in chamomile or green tea. Steep 6-8 tea bags in a bathtub filled with about 6 inches of warm water.

Bathe your pet following the same instructions I listed in the colloidal oatmeal section above.

5. Baking Soda Paste

Apply the paste to the affected area and allow it to sit for 20 minutes.

Rinse the area thoroughly.

If your dog is experiencing wide-spread itching, you can also create a baking soda bath by adding 2 cups of baking soda to a bathtub of water.

Bathe your dog using the same instructions as noted above.

6. Vitamin E Oil

You can purchase Vitamin E oil at most pharmacies or natural living stores. Applying the oil topically to sores on your pet's skin will help them heal faster.

You can also apply the oil to especially dry patches of skin to help moisturize and heal the area.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps to defend against free radicals in the skin.

It is also good for your dog's immune system, heart and liver health and overall skin and coat health.

Home Remedies for Dry Skin

READ NEXT: 9 Common Skin Problems in Dogs – How to Prevent and Treat Them

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