Why Dogs Shed Dry Flaky Skin

Dogs shed dry, flaky skin due to an array of potential dermatitis conditions and infections that may infiltrate a dog's skin. Diagnosing and treating the cause of chronic dry, flaky skin is recommended for improved canine health.

Identification

Dry skin on dogs can be identified as loose dandruff-like flakes that sit atop the skin and fur, most visible during bathing and grooming sessions and prevalent on canine-bedding and furniture.

Significance

Dry skin on dogs can indicate sensitivity to a dry environment, or can result from an array of dermatitis complications, including allergies, eczema or bacterial infections.

Considerations

Skin irritations caused by mange infections cause dry, scaly skin to shed from dogs, and may be accompanied by patches of hair loss and skin discoloration.

Effects

Dry, flaky skin sheds from dogs with allergies due to chronic itching, biting and licking in response to environmental, food or flea triggers that cause hives and hot spots.

Prevention/Solution

Allergic dry skin can be treated with topical and oral antihistamines, while infections-related, chronic conditions require antibiotics. Moisturizing sprays can be applied to skin and coats to reduce dryness and shedding.

References

• Causes of Dry, Flaky Skin on Dogs