Dog dry skin is no fun and may cause discomfort, itching, and further skin issues down the road. Amazingly, skin conditions are among the leading causes of veterinary visits for dogs (1). Since the skin is your dog’s biggest organ, caring for it is crucial to their overall good health.
While regular grooming and a balanced diet are important to a dog’s skin health, a well-nourished coat can also help keep skin supple and healthy. The skin helps regulate the body temperature and maintain proper hydration, protecting against environmental threats.
In this article, we’ll provide expert tips on helping your dog’s dry skin and how to keep your pup’s coat healthy.
Symptoms of Dry Skin on Dogs
You may notice flakes, dandruff, or scaling while running your fingers through your dog’s coat or giving them a tummy rub. These are some common signs of dry skin in dogs.
Like human skin, dandruff in dogs appears as flakes of dry skin that build up and become noticeable as you pet or scratch your pup. Dry skin affects all dogs, regardless of age, breed, or size, but there are other symptoms:
- Scaly skin
- Odor from the skin
- Hair loss (in spots or all over)
- Scabs on the skin
- Redness or irritated skin
- Dull coat or coat without luster
These symptoms may also be from other conditions, as dry skin is often a side effect or a secondary case of something else, such as Cushing’s disease, mites, bacterial or fungal skin infections, or an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
7 Possible Causes of Dry Skin
Each dog is different, so what causes dry skin in one dog may be entirely different for another. According to veterinarian Dr. Jeff Feinman, a holistic veterinarian in Connecticut, dry skin is more than a surface issue. He says it may be an early warning sign of internal imbalance. Here’s what Dr. Feinman says may contribute to canine dry skin:
Zinc Deficiency
As indicated by a veterinary checkup, blood tests, and possible skin biopsy, dogs with a zinc deficiency may have dry skin along with a dry, dull coat.
Dehydration
Dogs not consuming enough water or eating dry food may not get enough moisture in their diet, leading to dry skin.
Low Humidity, Indoor Heating, Improper Products
“Dry air pulls moisture from the skin,” Dr. Feinman reports. When home heating systems are going full force in the winter, dogs may experience dry skin as a result. Adding humidifiers to rooms where your dog spends the most time can help.
Bathing Too Often
While regular bathing and grooming are important for your dog’s overall health, bathing too frequently can cause more problems for your pet’s skin. “Overbathing and harsh shampoos can also strip the skin of natural, protective oils,” says Dr. Feinman.
Allergies and Parasites
Food and general allergies can cause dry skin in dogs. Some dogs may also be allergic to fleas, which are external parasites. Other external parasites like mites can cause dry skin.
Endocrine Disorders
Things like hypothyroidism, Cushing’s Disease, and other endocrine disorders cause skin changes. A dog’s endocrine system involves glands and organs that produce hormones.
Genetics and Breed
Some dog breeds are prone to dry skin due to genetics. These include, but are not limited to, Golden Retrievers, Boxers, Chinese Shar-Peis, and some Spaniel breeds.
When to See a Vet About Dog Dry Skin
While mild skin dryness can often resolve with topical moisturizers or changes to grooming or lifestyle habits, there are times when veterinary intervention is needed.
Pet parents should worry about dry skin in dogs if:
- There is no improvement after dietary changes.
- There is excessive licking, chewing, or scratching, which may indicate gut inflammation, allergies, or early immune dysfunction.
- Hair loss, redness, or scabs appear, which may signal hormonal imbalance or secondary infections.
- Energy levels change (e.g., hypothyroidism makes dogs more tired).
- Digestion is affected (diarrhea, stool changes, etc.).
- The coat is dull, brittle, or there is excessive shedding.
Diagnosing the Cause of Dry Skin
Dry, itchy skin can lead to skin infections if left untreated, so it is important to seek veterinary intervention when dealing with skin health concerns.
When pet parents visit the veterinarian for help with their dog’s dry skin, vets will likely perform some or all of the following:
- A physical examination
- Ask about your dog’s diet and any medications or supplements they take
- Perform a skin scraping or skin biopsy to view affected skin cells under a microscope
- Run blood tests to determine if anything is abnormal, including zinc and thyroid levels
- Perform allergy testing or refer you to a veterinary dermatologist or specialist
Your veterinarian may also ask you about your dog’s lifestyle, habits, and environment at home to assess whether there are factors that may impact your dog’s skin health.
How to Treat Dog Dry Skin
Treatment depends on the cause of your dog’s dry skin, but here are the most common and not-so-common ways to treat dog skin problems, including dryness:
Brush your dog’s coat more often. Brushing your dog helps to release the natural oils in their skin, which can help with dryness.
Review your dog’s diet. Talk to your veterinarian if you’re concerned about how your dog’s diet may be impacting their skin health.
Use moisturizing grooming products. Consider switching to a specialty shampoo for dry skin. These shampoos typically contain ingredients such as oatmeal and aloe vera that soothe and moisturize the skin. Make sure not to over bathe your dog. Your veterinarian will advise you on how often to bathe your dog.
Increase the humidity in your home. Use a humidifier in dry climates or where the humidity in the home is less than 50 percent.
Follow your vet’s instructions. Depending on the cause of your dog’s dry skin, your veterinarian may prescribe certain medications or topical treatments.
Home Remedies to Help Dog Dry Skin
Additionally, Dr. Fineman says there are home remedies to help restore the moisture and balance from the inside out for mild cases of dry skin in dogs:
- Include omega-3 fatty acids in the diet from sardines, salmon, or a high-quality fish oil
- Lightly apply shea butter to dry patches for natural moisture
- Use an oatmeal rinse to soothe itch and inflammation
- Apply aloe vera, which acts as an anti-inflammatory to cool dry skin
Discuss these home remedies with your veterinarian for guidance on using them along with the rest of your dog’s dry skin treatments.
How to Help Prevent Dry, Flaky Skin on Dogs
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. While dry skin on dogs can’t always be prevented, there are some things you can do to help keep your dog’s skin healthy.
- Keep skin clean, brushed, and bathed, but avoid overbathing
- Use year-round parasite prevention (fleas, ticks, intestinal parasites)
- Increase the humidity level in your home
- Feed a high-quality diet with the proper balance of vitamins and minerals for your dog’s life stage
Keeping a clean home and environment can make a world of difference to dogs with dry skin. Air purifiers with HEPA filters can capture airborne particles before they can affect your dog. Particles such as pet dander, dust, and pollen are captured, resulting in cleaner air.
Dusting and vacuuming your residence remove potential skin irritants. Regularly washing your dog’s bedding, blankets, and sheets in hot water also removes potential irritants and allergens.
Bonus tip: Savvy pet parents should examine their dog’s skin regularly. Log any changes in your pet’s journal and/or take pictures to show your veterinarian.
Maintaining Moisture for Dog Skin Health
Dry skin in dogs is often temporary or related to seasonal or environmental changes. Making small adjustments to your home environment and your dog’s care routine can help. However, if the condition is ongoing or there are additional symptoms such as scabbing, redness, or odor, seek veterinary intervention.
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