How do you fix dry skin on a dog?

Question

Our dog's had dry skin ever since he was a puppy. Even the vet said it's not fleas. We've tried a little baby oil in his bath water, but it helps only so long. Does anyone have any ideas on how to fix it?

We have to be careful about what he eats. Just about everything upsets his stomach. He's nine now and it's even worse. I'll try the shampoos though. If anything works I'm sure he'll appreciate it. He's bitten himself until his skin is raw because it's so dry sometimes. We bath him ever week to two weeks.

Answer 1

Has your veterinarian suggested a thyroid panel?

Is your dog scratching like he is itching? if so, I would hazard to guess a fungal, bacterial, or allergy problem. Did your vet do a skin scraping for mites, ringworm, etc. ?

These can be treated by special dog shampoos.

Washing too often ? Most dogs only need a bath every so often. Mine go 2 - 3 months at a time depending upon weather, etc.

Don't overbathe and wash away natural oils. A brushing several times a week will stimulate the skin blood flow.

Are you trying to get rid of odor ?

I hightly recommend using oatmeal shampoo (it may be with aloe) for dogs or tearless baby shampoo and use on a little. Mix a little water into a handfull of oatmeal and pat all over. If there is a particular bad place, cover/wrap with aluminun foil. Leave oatmeal shampoo on for about 10 minutes or until drying.

I use watered down Alpha Keri oil spritz, or tea tree oil spray, or a dog 'mink oil' they sell in catalogs or stores. The brand I use is BioGroom. Either spritz on lightly and work through with hands or spray on a fairly damp cloth and gently wash up and down.

Go ahead and laugh, but to save needing a bath, I do the above with a wet washrag, clean the ears, and lightly spritz on some Bath n Body Works! and run that through the coat. I like Cucumber & Melon. Remember it has some alcohol in it which is drying to skin.

IF this is not working, there are 2 other options: a bacteria spray and a fungal spray and/or shampoo that you will leave on your dog for about 10 minutes...... and hopefully treat in a week and clear it up.,

The other option is Prednisone. I do not like using it, because of how it suppresses the immune system, but sometimes it has it's usefulness for about a week - 10 days. My dog always 'tanks up' with water and wakes me up at 3 a.m. to go tinkle. Ugh.


The qualilty of dog food is very important. I do not recommend canned.....maybe mix a little in kibble.
Look up you dog foods and do some comparing. I like Solid Gold and Canidae. Sometimes Wellness. Watch the fat content, I had one girl that needed low fat, about 8 % some foods just have way too much! They spray an oil on top of the kibble to make it smell good to the dogs.

Supplements shouldn't be necessary if the food is of good quality. If anything, I would add virgin olive oil several times a week; amount depends on the size of the dog. My 45 lb. girl gets 1 tablespoon with each meal - I always do 2 feedings a day...... who wants to fast for 24 hours? That's stupid. Helps prevent woofing down and bloat, too.

My dog show friend feeds fish oil/salmon oil, and different servings of canned tuna, sardines, or salmon.

Good snacks are carrots and apple slices.

I order things from PetEdge.com and Jefferspet.com and a little more expensive is DrsFosterSmith.com

I go through those magazines like a candy store! Wait and watch for specials and sales, too!

Answer 2

You are bathing this dog far too often and is very likely a major part of your dry skin problem. Dogs need a proper bath only a couple times a year at most and on the occasions they get into a "mess". The frequent bathing takes the natural oils out of your dogs skin, that help keep it from drying out. Try doing a bath only every 6 months or so. If your dog gets into the mud, just rinse him off well, rather than bathing.

Answer 3

First, add some olive oil, salmon oil, (about 1-2 tablespoons shoud do) or even some cooked salmon to the dog's food. Salmon is rich in Omega 3's and also aids in digestion. You can also buy Vitamin E gel capsules and break open a couple of those and pour the liquid over the food. Any of these should work.

If after a couple weeks you don't notice a difference, your dog could have an allergy or infection.

Answer 4

Hi, I understand that you are looking for some advice or resources to help fully train your dog or fix behavior problems. If a professional dog trainer is not an option at this time, or if you want to trt training your dog on your own (a great way to bond), I'd suggest you https://biturl.im/aU8N7

A friend recommened it to me a few years ago, and I was amazed how quickly it worked, which is why I recommend it to others. The dog training academy also has as an excellent home training course.

Answer 5

My Vet recommended that I gave my dog 1 teaspoon of Evening Primrose Oil in her food once a day for dry skin.
It cleared up very quickly but I still continue to give it to her and the rest of my dogs to keep their coats supple and shiny.

I think Salmon Oil has the same effect if you can't get the EPO.

Answer 6

If you are using flea shampoo that will dry their skin out in an instant. I have been told to use only warm water and no shampoo and that will fix the problem.

Answer 7

Usually, it is recommended that you use a aloe and oatmeal dog shampoo. How often do you wash the dog? Washing him too much can cause dry skin, as well.

Answer 8

Omega 3 fatty acid capsules! They are awesome! You just break open the capsule and squirt the liquid inside onto his food. It will help moisturize his skin and coat. Ask your vet if they have them in stock or if they can order them for you.

Answer 9

Be sure you are feeding him a high quality dog food like Innova or Canidae.

Try fish oil supplements and essential fatty acids like EFA Z (ask your vet what the correct amounts would be for your pup)

Answer 10

it ant political correct but fry him up some bacon and give it to him over dry food bacon and fat .also put a egg in there .try head and shoulders it works for my lab and smells good to-and last thing is give him benadril regulry for a week and see what happens you may be surprised to see that he has alergys