Dogs' skin is highly sensitive to a variety of internal and external factors. Occasionally, digestive issues can lead to dry skin, while in other cases, autoimmune diseases or external factors like dry air from heaters may be the cause. The problem often worsens when intense itching occurs, as scratching further deteriorates the skin condition. Dry skin in dogs is more than just an aesthetic problem; it can be very distressing for the dog or even a sign of a serious illness.
In this article, we will explain the symptoms of dry skin in dogs, possible causes, and measures to promote healthy dog skin.
What Does Dry Skin Mean in Dogs?
Dry skin in dogs, medically known as seborrhea or seborrheic dermatitis, is a skin disorder where the skin's sebaceous glands produce too much waxy oil called sebum. This excessive sebum production leads to an imbalance, manifested in the form of flakiness and/or redness of the skin. The resulting flakes are actually dead skin cells. The dog's coat may appear either greasy or dry.
Causes of Dry Skin in Dogs
There are various factors that can cause dry or sensitive skin in your dog. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Inadequate Nutrition of the Dog: A common reason for dry skin in dogs is improper nutrition. If the dog does not receive sufficient nutrition or if his food lacks essential vitamins, enzymes, probiotics, and oils, this can lead to dull, lackluster fur and dry patches of skin. A lack of hydration can also negatively affect the skin.
- Inappropriate Grooming Products: Excessive bathing can dry out the skin and additionally irritate it, especially when using unsuitable grooming products. There are high-quality and low-quality dog shampoos. The dog's grooming products should be free of harmful chemicals and instead rely on natural ingredients. It is also important to avoid using grooming products in excessive amounts.
- Systemic Disorders: Sometimes, dry skin is an indication of a more comprehensive health issue. The two main metabolic disorders associated with dry skin in dogs are Cushing's syndrome and hypothyroidism. In both cases, dry skin often accompanies dry and brittle fur, hair loss, and skin infections, among other symptoms. Autoimmune diseases and cancer can also cause dry skin in dogs.
- Environmental Factors: Dry indoor air from heaters or air conditioners as well as seasonal changes can lead to dry and scaly skin in dogs, accompanied by mild itching.
- Allergies: Food allergies as well as environmental and seasonal allergies can cause a variety of symptoms in dogs, often including dry skin. If these allergies are left untreated, they can lead to a skin condition called atopic dermatitis, which causes dry skin, itching, redness, and inflammation and can also lead to secondary skin infections.
- Infections: Bacterial infections and fungal infestations can cause a range of skin symptoms in dogs.
- Parasites: Parasites such as fleas, demodex mites, and sarcoptic mange mites can cause intense itching in dogs.
Symptoms
Each dog is unique, and so are the symptoms associated with skin conditions. It is often a challenge to distinguish between the various symptoms, as many dogs may exhibit several of them. Some of the most common signs of skin problems in dogs include:
- Flakiness or Flaky Skin Areas: A certain amount of flakiness is a normal part of the skin renewal process. However, if a large amount of these flakes falls from the dog's coat, this often indicates a skin problem. These white flakes, resulting from dry skin, are usually loose in the fur and can be easily brushed out. In contrast, yellowish flakes are a sign of sebum production. Some dogs genetically predispose to excessive sebum production, a waxy oil that firmly deposits on the skin. However, it is important to note that high sebum production does not necessarily indicate the moisture content of the skin. While some dogs may have dry skin despite an excess of sebum, others tend to have an oily skin texture.
- Pimples: In dogs, inflammation-inducing bacteria can be the cause of skin problems, especially if the dog has bathed in dirty brackish water. Additionally, certain types of algae on the dog's skin can cause pimple-like inflammations. Finally, there are hormonal causes for the occurrence of pimples in dogs.
- Redness: Mostly indicative of an allergic or infectious skin inflammation.
- Crust Formation: Consisting of dead cells, deposits, or dried red blood cells and can indicate an infestation with fungi, bacteria, or parasites.
- Itching: Often caused by skin inflammations resulting from parasites, allergies, bacterial, or fungal infections.
- Hair Loss: Caused by scratching or by endocrine changes, autoimmune diseases, parasites, or fungal infections such as ringworm. These causes can be diagnosed by a veterinarian.
- Strong Odor: Mostly indicative of a fungal infection (Malassezia sp.), which often occurs as a secondary infection with bacterial or other infections.
These symptoms may be limited to a specific area, such as the paws or the base of the tail, or they may affect multiple areas of the body.
Breed-Specific Skin Issues
Certain dog breeds are more prone to skin problems, particularly concerning dry skin. Hairless breeds like the Xoloitzcuintli and the Chinese Crested Dog are susceptible to various skin conditions. Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, and rapidly growing large breeds can suffer from a condition known as zinc-responsive dermatosis. Veterinarians can narrow down the possible causes of dry skin in your dog.
Preventing Dry Skin in Dogs
The saying "Prevention is better than cure" particularly applies to skin diseases in dogs. Although some breeds are more susceptible to dry skin, there are various measures you can take to prevent dry skin in dogs:
- Nutrition: Feed your dog a high-quality, balanced diet from puppyhood.
- Skin and Coat Care: Regular brushing of the dog's coat is one of the most effective measures to prevent dry skin. Brushing removes dry skin flakes that have accumulated on the surface. Additionally, brushing stimulates the production of sebum in the dog's skin. These sebaceous glands are crucial to keeping your dog's skin and coat healthy and beautiful.
- Bathing: When washing your dog's coat, it's advisable to use a mild, moisturizing shampoo specifically designed for dogs. Human shampoo has the wrong pH for dogs and should be avoided. After washing your dog's coat, it's best not to dry the coat with a hairdryer, as even cool air from a dryer can dry out the coat. Instead, you can gently pat or rub your dog with a towel to remove excess moisture. Your dog will often take care of the rest by shaking itself.
- Environment: Does your dog spend a lot of time in dry surroundings or sleep near a heat source? Dry air can be part of the problem. A humidifier in the dog's living area could help.
- Supplements: Your veterinarian may suggest a supplement to your dog's diet. Many dogs require more fatty acids than are contained in standard dog food and show significant improvements in skin and coat when given a fatty acid supplement.
- Flea and Tick Prevention: Regular application of flea and tick prevention is particularly important, regardless of your location. These products often act against more than just fleas and ticks and significantly contribute to the health of your pet.
- Clean Paws: Cleaning your dog's paws after a walk can help reduce the risk of introducing allergens into your home that may have been picked up during the walk and could lead to dry skin in your dog.
- Fluid Intake in Puppies: Adequate fluid intake is extremely important for puppies, as it prevents skin problems due to dehydration. If your puppy does not drink enough on its own, be sure to consult a veterinarian, as this could be a sign of a serious health problem.
Depending on your pet's diagnosis, your veterinarian may recommend additional treatments, including antibiotics, antiparasitic medications, anti-fungal/yeast treatments, anti-inflammatory agents, as well as prescription topical products or special diets.
In Bellfor's range, you will find a variety of grooming products and supplements that can help prevent dry skin in dogs:
Treatments and Effective Home Remedies
To start effective treatment, it's crucial to identify the causes of dryness in the skin. In some cases, it's advisable to consult a veterinarian immediately, especially if the affected skin areas have a strong unpleasant smell. This could indicate a fungal infection that needs medical treatment. If your dog's fur has strong crusts or many bald spots are visible, it's also advisable to consult a veterinarian to determine whether a fungal infection, bacterial infection, or autoimmune disease is present.
For the treatment of dry skin, there are various home remedies and medical approaches. Natural oils such as coconut or olive oil can be applied directly to the skin to moisturize. Oatmeal baths are also a gentle way to relieve itching. In more severe cases, medications prescribed by a veterinarian or special diets may be necessary.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it can be said that dry skin in dogs is a treatable problem, but it requires attention. With the right care and preventive measures, you can help your dog maintain healthy and beautiful skin.
