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Skin conditions are a common problem in dogs, and a reliable source of unceasing frustration and irritation for dogs as well as their owners. When a dog lover notices that their pet is suffering from 'dry skin ', it typically means that the skin is mildly itchy and flaky. This inflammation and flakiness, which is also known as 'dry seborrhea ', can either be one of the many primary dog skin diseases, or a secondary condition caused by another problem.

So long as the difficulty is mild, and your dog isn't in any discomfort from the condition, you may want to try some home therapies to get your dog some relief. Bathing, diet and supplementation, and moisturising products are all parts of home therapy. Just follow some of the steps below and the specific website page on how to cure a dry skin condition in dogs and you'll be able to bring your dog's skin condition back to normal.

Bathing is a crucial part of your dog's upkeep. If your dog is suffering from dry skin, you may need to alter your bathing routine. To start, have a look at the shampoo you have selected. What ever you do, do not use shampoos made for humans on your dog unless specifically mentioned by your veterinarian, as human products aren't properly pH-balanced for dogs and can add further skin irritation. Be sure not to use over the counter flea shampoos or any products containing alcohol. Those products can be exceedingly irritating and generally do not serve to improve the condition of the dog in any way, shape or form. The right over-the-counter shampoos for canine dry skin are ingredients such as oatmeal that are mixed with the shampoo. These shampoos help to improve the levels of skin moisture and reduce flakiness of the skin. The shampoos may also contain pramoxine, an antihistamine or hydrocortisone, a steroid, which can improve the effectiveness of the colloidal oatmeal. Wash your dog a couple of times weekly, ensuring to totally lather the shampoo in and allow it to contact the skin for a few minutes before rinsing totally. You may also follow the shampoo with a moisturising conditioner or a spot-on moisturising canine product that can help extend the advantages of the shampooing.

Nutrition is imperative for pets with dry skin or other skin conditions, so take care you are feeding a top quality, balanced dog food. Some supplements can also be helpful in maintaining or restoring good skin. Fish oil is often used for both humans and dogs, and contains omega fatty acids which can help give 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 incorporates the losing of old epidermis cells and the creation of new ones. Ask your veterinarian before beginning any supplements, as they won't be appropriate in each case.

If your dog's dry skin is worse than a bit of flaking or itching, it is probably time for a veterinary visit. Any red areas, hair loss, or pus coming off of the skin are all warning signs that more intense care is required for the pet. Your veterinarian may suggest some or all the above, and could also prescribe oral steroids to help with the itching and red skin areas, or oral antibiotics to help with any infectious areas that have developed in the skin. Your veterinarian can also review potential causes of your dog's dry skin, and make suggestions to prevent flare ups in the future and to prevent future problems.