What Are the Treatments for Dry Skin on Dogs?
When a dog has dry skin, it can lead to excess itching, resulting in hot spots or hair loss. The causes of dry skin in dogs can include allergies, parasites or fungus issues. If your dog develops dry skin, the first stop should be the veterinarian. She can take a quick scraping of the affected area to determine if there's an infection. If there's an infection, medication will be prescribed to treat the area. However, if your dog is suffering from dry skin, or allergies, a few easy treatments can resolve the issue.
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Change Your Dog's Diet
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Dogs who are experiencing allergies may suffer from dry skin. According to Pet Education, omega fatty acids can help with canine allergies, and reduce inflammation resulting from dry skin.
Dogs can get omega fatty acids through their diet, or a supplement designed for dogs. Before giving your dog any supplement, talk with his veterinarian. Diet changes are relatively easy to make; for example, choose foods that contain cold water fish. Also, when choosing a dog food, make sure it has omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, which both help with allergies in dogs.
Dry Skin Shampoos
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Bathing your dog too often can strip away essential oils from his coat and skin. Your dog's bathing frequency will depend heavily on his breed, so talk with your vet about what's appropriate.
Also, when choosing a dog shampoo, choose products that are designed to clean and moisturize a dog's skin. These products are widely available at mainstream pet stores. Look for shampoos that contain oatmeal, aloe vera or almond oil, which are excellent for soothing dry skin in dogs.
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Regular Brushing
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Whether your dog has short hair or long hair, make sure to brush him regularly. Brushing your dog helps spread oils out on the skin and coat, which can reduce overall dryness. This will also keep your dog's coat free from matting issues.
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