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Wondering How to Soothe Your Dog's Dry Skin

Mar 31,2025 | puaintapets

Dry skin in dogs is a common problem that can cause itching, irritation, and discomfort. If left untreated, it may lead to scratching, hair loss, and even infections. Understanding the root cause is the first step toward effective treatment.

dog skin infection

Causes of Dry Skin in Dogs

I. Dietary Causes

Nutrient Deficiencies

Essential Fatty Acids: A lack of omega - 3 and omega - 6 fatty acids in a dog's diet can lead to dry skin. These fatty acids are crucial for maintaining the skin's lipid barrier. For example, if a dog is fed a diet mainly consisting of low - quality grains without sufficient fish or plant - based sources of these fatty acids, the skin may become dry.

Vitamins: Vitamin A deficiency can affect the normal growth and maintenance of skin cells. Also, insufficient vitamin E can make the skin more vulnerable to oxidative damage, contributing to dryness.

Dehydration from Diet

If a dog doesn't consume enough water - rich foods or has a diet that is too dry (e.g., excessive kibble without proper moisture content), it can lead to overall body dehydration, which may manifest as dry skin.

II. Environmental Factors

Low Humidity

During winter months or in arid climates, the air has low humidity. This can cause the moisture on a dog's skin to evaporate quickly, leaving the skin dry. Central heating systems in homes during winter can further exacerbate this problem by reducing the indoor humidity level.

Excessive Sun Exposure

Prolonged exposure to sunlight, especially without proper protection, can damage the skin. Ultraviolet (UV) rays can strip the skin of its natural moisture and damage the skin cells, resulting in dry skin. This is more likely to occur in dogs with short coats or those that spend a lot of time outdoors.

Allergens in the Environment

Pollen, Dust Mites, and Mold: Dogs can be allergic to these substances. When exposed, their immune system may react, causing skin irritation. The resulting itching can lead to the dog scratching or licking its skin, which can damage the skin barrier and cause dryness.

dog skin infection

III. Grooming - Related Causes

Over - Bathing

Washing a dog too frequently can strip the skin of its natural oils. These oils play an important role in keeping the skin moisturized. For example, if a dog is bathed more than once a week without proper skin conditioning, the skin may become dry.

Harsh Shampoos

Using shampoos that are not formulated for dogs or are too harsh (e.g., human shampoos or shampoos with strong detergents) can disrupt the skin's pH balance and lead to dry skin.

IV. Medical Conditions

Parasites

Fleas, Mites, and Ticks: The presence of these parasites can cause skin problems. For example, flea saliva can cause an allergic reaction in some dogs, leading to intense itching. The dog's constant scratching can damage the skin and result in dry, scaly skin.

Related: Understanding Dog Skin Parasites: Types, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Skin Infections

Fungal or Bacterial Infections: These can disrupt the normal skin function. For instance, a fungal infection like ringworm can cause skin inflammation, which may lead to dryness as the skin's normal structure is affected.

Also Read: How to Treat Ringworm in Dogs at Home

Endocrine Disorders

Conditions such as hypothyroidism can slow down the dog's metabolism, affecting the skin's ability to produce and maintain moisture, resulting in dry skin.

dog dry skin

How Often Should I Bathe My Dog If They Have Dry Skin

If your dog has dry skin, it is generally recommended to bathe them less frequently to avoid further drying out their skin. Here are some guidelines on how often to bathe a dog with dry skin:

Frequency: Most dogs with dry skin can be bathed every 4-6 weeks or even less frequently, such as every 2-3 months. However, the exact frequency may vary depending on the severity of the dry skin and other factors.
Considerations:
Skin condition: If your dog has a skin condition that requires more frequent bathing, such as a skin infection or allergies, follow your veterinarian's advice on the appropriate bathing schedule.
Coat type: Dogs with longer or thicker coats may need more frequent bathing to keep their coats clean and healthy, but this should be balanced with the need to avoid over-bathing.
Activity level: If your dog is very active and gets dirty frequently, you may need to bathe them more often, but try to use a mild, moisturizing shampoo and rinse thoroughly.
Environmental factors: If your dog lives in a dry climate or is exposed to harsh environmental conditions, such as cold or windy weather, less frequent bathing may be necessary.

In addition to bathing, there are other steps you can take to help soothe your dog's dry skin, such as using a humidifier, providing a balanced diet with essential fatty acids, and applying a veterinarian-approved moisturizer or coconut oil to their skin. If the dry skin persists or worsens, it is important to consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

How to Treat Dry Skin on Dogs

1. Provide Proper Nutrition

A well-balanced diet with omega-3 fatty acids helps support healthy skin and coat. Adding a high-quality supplement like Krill Salmon Oil Skin and Coat Health for Dogs can:

✔ Moisturize dry skin naturally
✔ Reduce itching and flakiness
✔ Support overall skin and coat health

Simply mix Puainta® Krill Salmon Oil into your dog’s food daily for noticeable improvements.

Krill Salmon Oil Skin and Coat Health for Dog

Fish oil promotes healthy skin and shiny coat for pets, helps relieve itching and irritation in dogs

View Product

2. Use a Gentle, Moisturizing Shampoo

Avoid shampoos with harsh chemicals or fragrances. Instead, use a hypoallergenic, moisturizing dog shampoo with aloe vera or oatmeal to soothe dry skin.

3. Apply Coconut Oil or Oatmeal Baths

✔ Coconut oil hydrates and soothes irritated skin. Massage a small amount into dry areas.
✔ Oatmeal baths can relieve itching—simply add finely ground oatmeal to warm water.

4. Keep Your Dog Hydrated

Make sure your dog has access to clean, fresh water at all times. Dehydration can make dry skin worse.

5. Protect Against Harsh Weather

✔ In cold weather, use a humidifier indoors to add moisture to the air.
✔ In hot weather, avoid prolonged sun exposure and keep your dog cool.

6. Regular Grooming & Brushing

Brushing your dog’s coat stimulates natural oil production and removes dead skin cells. Use a soft-bristle brush or grooming mitt.

When to See a Vet

If your dog’s dry skin doesn’t improve with home care or if you notice redness, sores, or excessive scratching, consult a veterinarian. Skin infections and allergies may require medicated treatments.