Puppy
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When snuggling or playing with your pup, you may have noticed they have dry, peeling skin, or flakes in their soft fur. This is a common condition for puppies - some breeds are more prone to dryness, while young puppy skin in general can be very sensitive, so reactive to triggers.
Get ahead of your pup’s skin dryness and help them stay comfy and clean. In this article we’ll go into the causes of dry skin and offer some tips and techniques for preventing dry skin in your puppy.
There are a few reasons why your pup’s skin might be flakey or scaly…
Some puppies may inherit dry skin conditions from their parents, while certain breeds, such as Bulldogs, Boxers, Dachshunds and Chow Chows, are more prone to skin issues.
Your pup might have an allergy, either something in their environment or something they’ve eaten, and their skin is reacting to it.
If a pup has fleas or ticks or something similar, this can cause them to scratch more which leads to skin irritation and dryness. Flea bites themselves can also cause soreness and a nasty skin reaction.
Your pup could have a bacterial or fungal infection, or a yeast infection. These pesky bacteria can cause skin conditions, leading to dryness, soreness or inflammation.
This one is simple - if you’re bathing your puppy too often, their skin isn’t being left long enough to produce its natural oils, and it can dry out and get itchy.
If you’re unsure whether your pup has dry skin, look out for the following signs and symptoms…
A dead giveaway that your pup’s skin is dry is that it looks scaly, or is physically peeling. You might notice flakes coming away when you pet or rub your puppy, or see flaky bits in their fur.
Dry skin can be itchy. Your pup might have scratched their skin so much that it’s producing scabs or sores on parts of their skin. Otherwise, a skin infection or even fleas could be causing these scabs or sores.
Another certainty that your pooch has a skin issue is they’ll be scratching a lot more than usual. Keep an eye on your pup and examine their skin if they’re constantly in a scratching fit, or appear to be in general discomfort.
If you suspect your pup has dry skin, start out by taking them to a vet. They can give your puppy a thorough examination, and perhaps take some tests and swabs to understand the root cause of your puppy’s dry skin condition.
If they diagnose dry skin in your puppy, they’ll give you advice or maybe even prescribe treatment, but there’s a few steps you can take yourself…
The most effective way to treat your pup’s skin health is from the inside out - so making sure your pup is eating the right food is crucial. If your pup isn’t eating healthy food made with fresh, wholesome ingredients, that’s something to work on right away. If they already eat a healthy, well-rounded diet, it could be worth trying specialist dog food for itchy or sensitive skin. Supplements for dogs help a lot, too.
Hydration is key when improving the condition of the skin - just as it is for humans. Be sure your pup has access to a lot of water throughout the day, and offer them a drink regularly if they’re prone to avoiding the water bowl.
If your pup’s old enough, there are specialist dog shampoos made specifically for dry skin, so when you bathe your pooch, you can feel safe knowing the shampoo isn’t exacerbating their condition.
Some pooch owners swear by home remedies in keeping their dog’s skin in tip-top condition. You could use oil, for instance, which you can either apply directly to the skin or add to their meals in small amounts. These include:-
Vitamin E Oil - Contains vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps repair and protect the skin, promoting healing and reducing inflammation. '
Olive Oil - Rich in omegas 3 and 6 fatty acids, which help improve skin condition. Olive oil also acts as a natural moisturiser.
Coconut Oil - Has both moisturising and antimicrobial properties for skin. It also contains lauric acid, which helps reduce inflammation and irritation.
Apple Cider Vinegar - When diluted with water, you can spray this onto your pup’s skin to relieve irritation and restore pH balance.
Oatmeal Bath - An oatmeal bath helps relieve irritation and moisturise the skin by creating a protective barrier that locks in moisture.
After a bit of trial and error, you can hopefully get your puppy’s dry skin under control, having them feel calm and happy in their own skin. To maintain your puppy’s skin equilibrium, try these tips for preventing dry skin in puppies…
Either from your own research or advice from your vet, only bathe your puppy as much as their breed requires. Over-bathing your pup will exacerbate their dry skin, as they’ll need time between baths to produce their own natural oils. On the other hand, don’t leave it a long time between baths, as dirt and oil build up can also be responsible for uncomfortable, distressing skin conditions.
Parasites are one of your biggest enemies when it comes to your puppy’s comfort and skin health. Be sure to keep their flea prevention treatment up to date, and examine their skin for ticks after any walks in thick vegetation or wooded areas.
Do some research into getting your puppy on the right food. Healthy puppy food made with whole ingredients is always a good idea. However, it’s possible they might benefit from a grain-free diet (grain is known to trigger allergic reactions in some dogs), or a grain-free dog food for sensitive skin. Supplements can also boost your puppy’s health and wellbeing, such as Salmon Oil for Dogs which is great for skin.
Your home might be dry or dusty, or there might be an allergen in the air that’s triggering your dog’s skin condition. Consider what kind of fabrics they sleep on, or whether your home could benefit from a dehumidifier or dusting regime.
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