How to Treat Dog's Dry Skin

Food allergies, flea medications and bathing can suck the moisture from your canine friend's skin; this article looks at how to treat dog's dry skin and restore that moisture.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Oatmeal shampoo
• High quality dog food
• Humidifier

1. Switch your dog to the highest quality dog food you can afford. This is probably one of the simplest steps to treating dry skin. Try to choose a food made with human grade ingredients and high in Omega-3. Ask your vet for the best choices. Some foods are even specially formulated for skin issues.

2. Add oil to your dog's diet. Adding a little oil to your dog's food can help moisturize skin from the inside out. However, make sure you discuss this option with your veterinarian. You'll want to be careful about the type of oil you use, so it's best to get his or her advice.

3. Bathe your dog with oatmeal shampoo for dogs. This is a gentle shampoo that won't be as drying to your dog's skin. Your vet may even have a special version that moisturizes at the same time.

4. Invest in a humidifier. Dry air from winter heating can cause your pet's skin (and yours!) to dry out. A humidifier places important moisture back into the air.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure your dog gets plenty of water and regular exercise to keep his coat healthy.
• Always check with your vet before changing your dog's diet and make any adjustments gradually.

Resources

• An interesting remedy

[4dogday]

on 4/3/2009 Great article on treating a dog's dry skin. I never realized their dogfood could be part of the problem.

[McGMom]

on 3/10/2009 I have a lab and this is a real problem - great tips! Thanks for putting this info out there.

[Walkaboutangel]

on 3/7/2009 Great tips for treating your dog's dry skin... Angel