How to moisturize a dog s skin

How to Moisturize My Dog's Skin

With all the fur our four legged companions can have, especially long haired breeds like the Afghan Hound, it can be easy to forget dogs have skin at all. Like our own heads of hair, it is the skin underneath which affects the quality of hair as much as our hair itself. Most dogs have fur all over their bodies, so it can sometimes be difficult to see the condition of the skin underneath. This is unless the skin has become so dry and damaged, your poor pup starts losing its fur. If you think your dog has a skin condition, then a trip to the vet is necessary. If a disease has been ruled out, you will need to find ways of how to moisturize your dog's skin. Fortunately AnimalWised has you covered with these ideas to keep your pet's skin healthy and your dog happy.

Appropriate diet

Our first piece of advice in caring for your dog's skin is to know that healthy skin comes from within as much as without. If your dog has been eating a poor diet, too many treats or things they shouldn't be eating, then they may end up with bad skin. A lack of nutrients will affect the dog's overall health and poor skin, shedding and moulting are all signs of a deficiency.

However, sometimes your dog is generally eating well, but needs a little boost to help give them the natural oils which keep skin hydrated. Essential fatty acids help to keep the dog's coat and skin healthy. They include linoleic acid, omega-3 and linolenic acid. They can be found in different supplements you can add to your dog's normal food. Fish oils are particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acids, so ask your vet about the best option.

There are special dog foods which can be purchased to provide these for your pooch. They will have these nutrients added, but are often more expensive. You can buy it and use until your dog's skin improves and then return to a more affordable option. You can also provide some vegetable snacks for your dog to help provide the right nutrients. Carrots, sweet potatoes and squash will all help bring your dog's skin back to health.

Stimulating your dog's skin

Petting your pets is a wonderful practice for dog owners. It can be very relaxing and it helps you to feel close to your furry friend, not to mention the pleasant physical sensation. Fortunately, this is one of those pastimes which is mutually beneficial for you and your pet. Dogs not only enjoy the physical act, feeling cuddled and close to you, but their skin benefits from it also.

Protection from the cold

If you notice that your dog is trembling on particularly cold days, then it is likely their natural fur coat isn't enough to keep them warm. You will need to find a way to provide them with enough exercise, but also keep them warm doing so. This might mean investing in a dog coat which can be purchased from most pet stores.

By keeping your dog warm, you are protecting their epidermis (outer layer of skin) from the cold. Doing so will prevent the skin becoming dry and flaky, often resulting in a painful sensation or even cracked skin for your dog. The dog coats will also protect their skin from harsh winds and wet weather.

Bear in mind that some dogs shake for other reasons, such as Greyhounds and Yorkies, so don't assume it is the cold right away. Also, age and emotional state might be the route cause of your dog shaking.

Special shampoo for dogs with dry skin

While we might think we are benefiting our dog's skin by giving them a wash, doing so with the wrong product can make bad skin worse. Dogs, like us, can have allergies and being allergic to particular hygiene products is common. Also, if we over-wash our pets we can end up washing away the natural hydrating oils which should be present.

If you think this is what is leading to your dog's dry and sore skin, then you need to invest in a special medicated shampoo which is designed to mositurize skin. We also have some ideas for natural products to bathe your dog which might be just as suitable.

Conditioner for dogs with dry skin

The same as when we wash our own hair, shampooing can leave a dog with skin dryness, even with a good shampoo. If this is the case, you should consider conditioning your dog's fur after they have had a wash. These are special conditioners which provide extra hydration to your dog and can make sure their skin is protected from the elements. They can also help stimulate production of these natural oils which keep your dog's skin healthy.

Regular care of your dog's coat

If you are a dog owner, you should already know the importance of keeping good care of your dog's coat. It will not only keep your home free of annoying stray hairs, but it will greatly benefit your dog's overall health. Different dog breeds need to be groomed more or less often.

Check with your vet the type and frequency of grooming required for your particular pet. This will stop their fur from being entangled, dirty and of such a poor condition that it can damage their skin. You will likely be able to see the presence of dandruff when grooming and also get a better view of the dog's skin condition.

Brushing your dog's coat will also be good for checking other issues. Dry skin can be caused by insect or fungal infestation. Look at the quality of your dog's skin and see if you need a vet's visit. It can also help prevent certain diseases such as Lyme disease caused by ticks.

Olive oil on affected areas

If you are wary of some of the medicated oils and lotions which are prescribed and sold for your dog, there are alternatives. Olive oil is a great natural product which won't hurt your dog if ingested, but can help keep your dog's skin moisturized and prevent cracks. You should only put it on the affected areas and it won't be useful if your dog has cracked or dry skin all over their body (if this is the case, you need to go to a vet immediately). This won't help the dog and it won't be good for your walls and soft furnishings either.

Fresh water

One of the reasons your dog might have poor skin condition is because it is dehydrated. Making sure your dog has sufficient fresh water to drink can make all the difference. You can also add some essential nutrient supplements to the water to make it even more healthful. If your find your dog has dry skin in the summer, then the added heat might mean they need better hydration.

Limit their sun exposure

The sun is necessary for all life and, just like humans, we need sun to get certain vitamins and feel its benefits. However, overexposure to the sun can be detrimental to both our and our dog's skin. Excessive sun exposure can cause sunburn and irritation, especially when your dog's coat might be thinner thanks to summer shedding.

If you have a hairless dog breed, then you need extra protection. You can purchase special sunscreen for dogs and use this in the summer months. This is important as dogs can also develop skin cancer just as we can.

Consult a veterinarian

Each skin problem might have a different cause or treatment. The best advice you will get will be by going to the vet and asking their opinion. They will be able to recommend the best course of treatment and suggest some ideas from dry skin prevention also.

If you want to read similar articles to How to Moisturize My Dog's Skin, we recommend you visit our Skin care category.

6 Home Remedies for Dry and Itchy Skin on Dogs: Homemade Lotions and Moisturizers

It's not difficult to spot a dog with dry skin. If the itching, scratching, and biting don't give it away, the flaky skin and dry fur are easy to spot.

Not only will dry skin irritate your pet, it could lead to more serious health troubles if left untreated.

These six dog dry skin home remediesare easy to use, and you probably already have the required supplies.

Itchy skin can be caused by a number of factors, and some of those factors have been researched in scientific studies.

These studies show that the most common cause of itchy skin is dryness.

Dry skin on dogs could be linked to environmental factors, like cold winter air or a nutritional deficiency.

The best way to ensure your dog's skin and coat stay moisturized is to keep him well-hydrated and feed him a balanced diet.

Even if you provide these things, your dog may still suffer from dry skin.

Like humans, some dogs just have dry skin for no particular reason.

In these instances, a dog dry skin home remedy could be just the cure your pooch needs. Just be sure that you're keeping a close watch on the condition to make sure it's not getting worse.

Veterinarians do warn that some of the causes of dog itchy skin may be serious and could lead to health issues if left untreated.

Usually, if your dog's itchiness is severe and doesn't go away, you'll need to do tests at your local vet clinic to rule out any serious health conditions.

6 Dog Dry Skin Home Remedies

1. Colloidal Oatmeal Bath

Most of the over-the-counter products you will find to treat itchy skin contain oatmeal.

Studies have shown that the properties of oats have a positive effect on itchy skin.

You can make your dog an oatmeal bath at home to help heal dry or itchy skin.

Add 3 cups of colloidal oatmeal to a bathtub filled with about 6 inches of warm water.

Put your dog in the bathtub and use a cup to apply the oatmeal water generously to his coat.

Massage the mixture into the skin with your hands.

Try to allow the oatmeal bath to sit on your pup for 20-30 minutes (if he will stay in the tub long enough).

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple ciderhas been shown to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.

DO NOT use it directly on your dog's skin, as the high acidity could actually be harmful to him.

It could irritate the skin and cause a burning sensation in your dog.

Make a 50/50 blend of apple cider vinegar and water in an empty spray bottle.

You can apply the spray to your dog 2-3 times per day until the itching stops.

If your dog has chronic skin itchiness, you can use the apple cider vinegar spray once daily as a treatment remedy.

This spray should not be used if your dog has open wounds on his skin.

It will sting and cause your dog pain.

You should also pay close attention to the itchy areas after applying this itchy dog home remedy.

If you notice any redness or the itchiness seems to get worse, stop using the spray and contact your veterinarian.

3. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has many effects on skin and coat health.

It can help with skin conditions like eczema, contact dermatitis, and itchy skin and generally improve skin health.

It can reduce allergic reactions, especially when it comes to flea allergies.

Skin cuts and wounds can also be treated withcoconut oil.

It can disinfect cuts and promote their healing.

It can also help with the treatment of dry skin, hot spots, bites, and stings.

Coconut oil can be given to dogs orally or applied topically. Including coconut oil in your dogs diet can improve their health in general but for the best results regarding skin and coat health, coconut oil should also be used topically.

Coconut oil can be given to dogs daily with meals, one or two times per day.

The amount of oil in your dogs meals depends on its size.

For example, many vets recommend that you introduce coconut oil slowly to your dogs diet, like 1/4 of a teaspoon for small dogs on a daily basis.

For large breeds, start with one teaspoon with every meal.

Using coconut oil topically is rather simple. It is important to start with small amounts because your dogs fur can get greasy if you apply too much.

Just rub a bit of oil between your hands and put it on your dogs fur, like you are giving him a gentle massage.

Use your fingertips to rub the oil on his skin as well. It is best to apply coconut oil once or twice a week.

Coconut oil isvery healthy for dogs, so you don't have to worry if your pooch licks this dry dog skin home remedy.

SIMILAR: 9 Ways to Improve Your Dog's Skin and Coat Health

4. Chamomile or Green Tea

Chamomile or Green tea is one of the best dog dry skin home remedy options, and many pet owners have it right in their kitchen cupboards.

Steep the tea bag in about 8 ounces of water and allow it to cool.

You can apply the wet bag directly to the affected area or use a cotton ball to apply the tea to the hot spot.

Apply it 3-4 times daily until the affected area has healed completely.

You can also give your Fido a bath in chamomile or green tea.

Steep 6-8 tea bags in a bathtub filled with about 6 inches of warm water.

Bathe your pet following the same instructions I listed in the colloidal oatmeal section above.

5. Baking Soda Paste

Mix 1 part baking soda with 1 part water to create a paste.

Apply the paste to the affected area and allow it to sit for 20 minutes.

Rinse the area thoroughly.

If your dog is experiencing widespread itching, you can also create a baking soda bath by adding 2 cups of baking soda to a bathtub of water.

Bathe your dog using the same instructions as noted above.

6. Vitamin E Oil

You can purchase Vitamin E oil at most pharmacies or natural living stores.

Applying the oil topically to sores on your pet's skin will help them heal faster.

You can also apply the oil to especially dry patches of skin to help moisturize and heal the area.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps to defend against free radicals in the skin.

It is also good for your dog's immune system, heart and liver health, and overall skin and coat health.

Dog Dry Skin Home Remedy: FAQs

What natural oil can I use on my dog's dry skin?

Coconut oil can be a great dog dry skin home remedy.

It is an excellent natural moisturizer with strong antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.

To hydrate and calm your woofer's skin, warm the oil in your hands before applying it.

What causes dry skin in dogs?

Bacteria are most frequently blamed for dry skin, but parasites, fungal infections, systemic illnesses, immune system issues, or wounds can also be the cause.

Something is wrong if Fido starts scratching a lot or if you see other symptoms like hair loss, dry skin, scabs, irritation, or a bad odor.

It's time to make an appointment to bring your dog in for a checkup at the vet's office.

Can I put baking soda in my dog's bath?

Every time you give your dog a wash, you can add baking soda.

Simply adding it to the bath water can aid in deodorizing and calming the skin.

Pour 3 tablespoons of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of dish soap, and 1 teaspoon of baby oil into a spray bottle for a wet wash.

Your dog should be sprayed, then dried off.

Dog Dry Skin Home Remedy: Before You Go

Dog dry skin can be relieved with various natural remedies, but not all of them will completely fix the issue.

Finding out what is causing your dog's skin disease is the first thing you should do.

To ascertain whether there is an underlying issue, a vet should examine severe cases of dry skin.

If Fido is scratching a lot, a few of the above remedies may provide relief in the meantime.

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