How can i moisturize my dogs skin

Canine parasites can cause a lot of serious problems for your dog in terms of their health. Some common skin conditions caused by creepy crawlies include:. In addition to parasites, more serious chronic health conditions including food and environmental allergies , Cushing's disease , and hypothyroidism can also dry out your dog's skin. All of these conditions are typically accompanied by other symptoms in addition to dry skin, however. Seek veterinary attention if your dog is experiencing hair loss, pustules, scabs, open sores, greasy skin, excessive dandruff , itchiness, licking his paws , ear infections, lethargy, weight gain, vomiting , or diarrhea.

The underlying condition will need to be treated as well as the dry skin. As long as your dog doesn't have other signs of illness or discomfort, there are some remedies you can try at home to alleviate his dry skin without necessarily scheduling a vet visit. If you find yourself needing to repeat any of these remedies frequently or if they don't help, make an appointment with your veterinarian to make sure that something else isn't going on with your dog's skin.

Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission. Pin FB More. Seborrheic dermatitis Ringworm Demodectic mange Cheyletiella mange. Use a humidifier to resolve dry air in your home. Bonus: this will make your own dry skin feel better, too!

The grooming sees to it that the matting is removed and that skin is better able to receive the air that it needs.

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. 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. 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. Keeping your dog's skin supple and moist isn't just a matter of applying lotion or cream as you would to your skin. It's a total body effort that starts from the inside out.

You are what you eat, and so are our dogs. Feed a good quality balanced food , whether it's kibble, canned, raw or homemade. Read the label on the food you buy to be sure the protein source is first, followed by other whole ingredients.

Food should be free of wheat, corn, soy or by-products. Look for a food that includes fatty acids , such as omega 3 and 6. Food is the first step to the health of your dog's skin. If your dog's food isn't providing enough fatty acid, consider adding a good quality oil to supplement it such as salmon, krill or coconut oil. Sunflower, flaxseed or safflower oil can be used as well. Avoid over-supplementing with oils, though.

Too much can upset your dog's stomach. Discuss the addition of supplements with your vet before adding them to your dog's diet.