Is your dog having dry skin problems and is constantly scratching? A scratching dog may share his misery with everyone in the house. As pet owners, there is no escaping the tinkling of his tags when the dog scratches or the awful smell of infected skin. Though dog skin problems seem to be very common, there are actually a lot of different causes which means it can be tricky to figure out the exact one.
Some skin conditions in dogs are prevalent during the summer and autumn months. Usually they are often the effects of seasonal allergies to either tree pollen or grass. The list of things dogs could be allergic to is formidable as they could be allergic to almost everything including common cleaning agents and food ingredients.
The skin reflects your dog’s general health. Therefore dog health problems are often seen on the skin’s appearance.
Below are natural remedies that can greatly improve your dog’s health and soothe the skin problems.
Dog Skin Allergies
Skin allergies are common in smaller breeds of dogs but can affect all regardless of gender or age. Cod liver oil is an effective remedy that can help reduce the symptoms of dog allergies.
Many pet owners often ask, “My dog has dry skin. Is it normal?” Dry skin is common in dogs during the autumn and winter months. However, if your dog has dry skin it could also be a sign of an underlying condition.
Dogs with skin disorders can affect their fur and skin. Skin disorders may be due to bacteria, parasites, or allergies. Skin disorders may also be inherited. When symptoms start to appear, it is essential to consult with the vet as skin conditions may range in severity.
Itchy Dog Skin
Frequent biting and scratching may result in infections as well as hair loss. A course of antibiotics is helpful to fight the infection. Itchy dog skin treatments help relieve irritated skin.
Consult with the vet if you notice that your dog has rashes as it could be a result of a parasite, mineral deficiency, or an allergy. Dogs like Golden Retrievers commonly suffer swollen patches of skin called hot spots.
Dull Skin and Coat
Again, the skin reflects a dog’s overall health. As dog owners, we want them to have shinier and healthy coat. If your dog has dull skin and coat, Brewer’s yeast may be helpful since it is a good source of B vitamins, proteins, and amino acids which can help reduce shedding. Though you can find no such thing as a “totally” non-shedding dog, dogs shed off more hair when there is infection, disease, and other causes. Brewer’s yeast also promote thicker coat in dogs and it also helps in boosting the immune system.
Mites easily spread and they may cause severe itching, shedding, and skin sores. These symptoms may affect the ears, face, and legs. To help reduce these symptoms, omega 3 fatty acids and regular grooming can help.
Occurs when there is excessive oil on dog’s skin and may often lead to flaky and inflamed skin. Skin may also have foul odor. Although having greasy coat seems harmless, it is best to consult with a vet because it may be that your dog is suffering from seborrhea, thyroid disorder, or malnutrition.
Tips to Soothe Skin Problems
Bathe Dog Regularly
Though it may be a surprise to a lot of owners, dogs should get a weekly bath using a gentle shampoo recommended by a veterinarian. Avoid frequent baths as it would wash away your dog’s allergens. Cool but not cold baths and using an oatmeal shampoo for pets can also help soothe itching. For severe dog itching, veterinarians usually prescribe shampoo with antibiotic properties.
Even though you don’t see fleas, they are likely there. In fact, they are one of the reasons for skin irritation in dogs. At least once a week, wash pet bedding and vacuum the areas where they sleep. Also check with the vet for effective flea treatment.
If your dog has a food allergy work with a veterinarian to find a home-prepared diet or a specialty food that will help soothe the itch.