Treatment Options When A Dog Has Very Dry Skin
Caring for dogs with dry skin
Skin conditions are a very common problem when it comes to dog health, and a source of constant concern and irritation for dogs as well as their family. When a dog owner sees that his or her pet is suffering from ‘dry skin ‘, it commonly indicates that the skin is just starting to feel itchy and flaky. This irritation and flakiness, which is also called ‘dry seborrhea ‘, can either be one of the many primary dog skin diseases, or a secondary condition caused by another medical issue.
As long as the disorder is just starting and your dog is not in any pain from the condition, you might need to try some home remedies to get your dog some relief. Bathing, the food your dog eats and the use of supplements and moisturizing products are all parts of home care. Just follow some of the suggestions below and the specific online page that describes how to eliminate a dry skin condition in dogs and you’ll be able to bring your dog’s skin condition back to normal.
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Bathing is a very important part of your dog’s upkeep. If your dog is affected by dry skin, you may need to alter your bathing routine. First, take a look at the shampoo you have selected. Don’t use shampoos made for humans on your dog unless specifically mentioned by your vet, as human products are not properly pH-balanced for dogs and can add to your dogs irritation. Don’t use over the counter flea shampoos or any products that contain alcohol. Those products can be particularly irritating and typically don’t serve to benefit the dog in any way. The best OTC shampoos for canine dry skin are products that contain colloidal oatmeal. These shampoos help to bring back skin moisture and reduce flakiness of the skin. The shampoos might also contain pramoxine, an antihistamine or hydrocortisone, a steroid, which can improve the effectiveness of the colloidal oatmeal. Bathe your dog a few times weekly, ensuring to totally lather the shampoo in and allow it to contact the skin for a couple of minutes before rinsing thoroughly. You can also follow the shampoo with a moisturizing conditioner or a spot-on moisturising product that will help extend the advantages of the shampooing.
Balanced nutrition is important for pets with dry skin or other skin problems, so be sure you are providing a first quality balanced dog diet. Some supplements absolutely will also be helpful in maintaining or restoring healthy skin. Top quality salmon oil is commonly used for both dogs and humans, and contains omega fatty acids which can help contribute to relief to dogs with dry skin. Another supplement that helps in a number of cases of skin disease is Zinc Methionine. Zinc is very important to standard cellular function which includes the normal flaking of old epidermal cells and the creation of newer ones. Ask your dog health advisor before beginning any supplements, as they would possibly not be appropriate in each case.
If your dog’s dry skin is a bit more than a bit of flaking or itching, it is maybe time for a veterinary visit. Any red blemishes thinning of the hair or oozing of the skin are all warning signs that more specialized care is required for your pet. Your vet may recommend some the above, and could also prescribe oral steroids to help with the itchiness and red skin areas, or oral antibiotics to help with any infections that have developed in the skin. Your doctor can also outline potential triggers for your dog’s dry skin, and make suggestions to prevent flare ups in the future.
Cathy Doggins, has authored variety of helpful articles for the well known online dog health resources, the Dog Health Guide. She frequently writes on common issues and useful guidance which can be helpful at home such as ways to cure dog dry skin. When not caring for her 2 dogs, Cathy is a famous activist for the humane treatment of dogs.