Dry skin in dogs – cause and cure

Dry skin in dogs, in short: the usual causes are dry or changing weather, over-bathing, a nutrient-poor diet, and parasites like fleas or ticks; sometimes it points to an underlying allergy or thyroid problem. Most mild cases ease with a better diet, an omega-3 boost, gentler and less frequent baths, and a soothing oatmeal or coconut-oil rinse. If the skin stays flaky, itchy or raw despite that, see a vet, because dry skin is often a symptom of something treatable underneath.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Catherine Nicolaou, DVM.

Dry skin in dogs is fairly common but identifying the reasons behind it and treating them often get unnoticed. Dryness occurs when the skin is unable to retain moisture.

How to tell if your dog has dry skin?

• Is your dog troubled by itchiness?
• What about dandruff or hair loss?
• Is there inflammation?
• Body odour?

What causes dry skin in dogs?

1. Temperature variances Dry climate aside; AC, heaters can rob your dog’s skin of the essential moisture, resulting in dry skin.

2. Nutrient deficiency in diet – dry skin with a dull, brittle, thin coat could also be a sign of protein deficiency. Dogs need fatty acids in their diet for optimal skin and coat health, especially omega-3.

Dog nutrition – what you need to know about healthy dog food?

3. Excessive bathing – how often depends on your dog’s skin, for a dog with dry skin, once a month is good.

As for shampoos, you may try Erina EP Shampoo, enriched with herbal ingredients, to control ectoparasites like ticks, fleas, and lice and promote overall skin health.

4. Grooming related issues – for instance, not turning down the heat on the blow dryer or applying made for humans moisturizers on dogs.

Grooming tips for your dog.

5. In some cases, Neutering/Spaying may also result in dry skin. Consult your vet for the same.

How to treat dry skin in dogs?

1. Vitamin E can work wonders for your dog’s dry skin. Just break a capsule and rub the oil on your dog’s dry, itchy patches.

2. Yogurt helps boost your dog’s immune system – keeping skin infections at bay.

3. Oatmeal poured into a bath or shampoo is a potent remedy for itching, inflamed skin.

4. Baking Soda– Prepare a thick paste by using a 50/50 mix of baking soda and water. Apply to affected areas of your dog’s skin, leave for 20 minutes, and then rinse off.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar– Prepare a 50/50 mix of apple cider vinegar with water, and use a spray bottle to apply it to affected areas.

6. Brush your dog regularly as it helps distribute essential oils along the fur. (And also checks the buildup of dead flakes)

7. Coconut oil is excellent for your dog’s coat and general health

8. Keep your dog safe from ticks and fleas.

In case of severely dry skin-related issues – we recommend you to visit the vet at the earliest.

Also see: How to keep your dog safe from mosquitoes?

Got any recommendations or natural treatments to treat dry skin in dogs? Please share with us in the space below.

When to see a vet

Home care handles most everyday dry skin. Book a vet if the flaking is severe or spreading, if your dog is scratching raw patches or losing hair, or if it comes with other signs like weight change, low energy or a dull coat, which can point to allergies, a heavy parasite load, or a hormone problem such as hypothyroidism. In India, an itch that drags on through the monsoon is worth a skin scrape to rule out mites and fungal infection. See also our guides to dog skin allergies and tick fever.