Dry skin is a very common issue in dogs, and can be of great concern for both the dog and the dog's care givers. If your dog's skin is extremely itchy and seborrheic you're most probably trying to figure out what could possibly be causing the dog skin reaction. Dry skin, or 'seborrhea ', can be either a primary issue or a secondary skin disorder. Primary seborrhea is triggerred by a problem in the dog's own epidermal cells, especially in the process of keratinization, or the formation of the keratin layer on the outer layer of the epidermal cells. The keratinization defect leads to too much keratin, which results in flaking and scratching and itching of the skin. Primary seborrhea is very rare, and is usually a genetic condition seen in certain breeds e. g; the cocker spaniel.
By a long way, the majority of 'dry skin ' cases in dogs are secondary, the result of an underlying condition. Likely causes of dry skin can include nutritional deficiencies, internal parasites, inappropriate bathing or skin therapy regimens, or allergic conditions.
Nutritional inadequacies are a reasonably typical cause of poor skin condition and hair coat in dogs. Dogs need a balanced, fine quality diet, which has the right proportions of proteins, fats, and carbs, as well as vitamins and minerals. Dogs who are being fed a 'table scrap ' diet or an economy-brand, low-quality dog food will often show it thru the dry condition of their skin.
Abdominal parasites, like roundworms, hookworms, and coccidia, and even other sorts of internal parasites like heartworms, can cause a low quality coat and poor skin condition in dogs also. These internal parasites cause dry skin by imperative nutrient elements from the dog's body, so depriving the epidermis cells of the materials they have to function normally. If your dog is a puppy or hasn't been solidly on a once per month heartworm and abdominal parasite preventive, then bugs may be the underlying issue and your vet will probably need a fecal and blood sample to reign out these parasites.
Allergic reactions are another usual trigger for dry skin in dogs. Flea allergy, food triggers allergens, and seasonally inhaled allergies are frequently seen and, although these conditions are not simply 'dry skin ', they can end up in irritation and flakiness that animal owners frequently interpret to be dry skin. Make sure your dog is on a monthly flea preventative, and if the itching becomes intense or if your dog starts experiencing balding or any hair loss or developing red spots, talk with a doctor.
Despite our good thoughts as pet owners, often our own dog grooming routine might be the underlying contributor to dry skin. Using shampoos that are made for humans that aren't formulated in the right way or pH balanced for dogs may contribute to dry skin or epidermal irritation. In a similar fashion, using OTC flea shampoos or alcohol-based skin products can cause irritation with resulting dry skin. Bathing your dog too many times per week can also lead to to dry skin in dogs, so try not to wash your dog more than twice a week.
By a long way, the majority of 'dry skin ' cases in dogs are secondary, the result of an underlying condition. Likely causes of dry skin can include nutritional deficiencies, internal parasites, inappropriate bathing or skin therapy regimens, or allergic conditions.
Nutritional inadequacies are a reasonably typical cause of poor skin condition and hair coat in dogs. Dogs need a balanced, fine quality diet, which has the right proportions of proteins, fats, and carbs, as well as vitamins and minerals. Dogs who are being fed a 'table scrap ' diet or an economy-brand, low-quality dog food will often show it thru the dry condition of their skin.
Abdominal parasites, like roundworms, hookworms, and coccidia, and even other sorts of internal parasites like heartworms, can cause a low quality coat and poor skin condition in dogs also. These internal parasites cause dry skin by imperative nutrient elements from the dog's body, so depriving the epidermis cells of the materials they have to function normally. If your dog is a puppy or hasn't been solidly on a once per month heartworm and abdominal parasite preventive, then bugs may be the underlying issue and your vet will probably need a fecal and blood sample to reign out these parasites.
Allergic reactions are another usual trigger for dry skin in dogs. Flea allergy, food triggers allergens, and seasonally inhaled allergies are frequently seen and, although these conditions are not simply 'dry skin ', they can end up in irritation and flakiness that animal owners frequently interpret to be dry skin. Make sure your dog is on a monthly flea preventative, and if the itching becomes intense or if your dog starts experiencing balding or any hair loss or developing red spots, talk with a doctor.
Despite our good thoughts as pet owners, often our own dog grooming routine might be the underlying contributor to dry skin. Using shampoos that are made for humans that aren't formulated in the right way or pH balanced for dogs may contribute to dry skin or epidermal irritation. In a similar fashion, using OTC flea shampoos or alcohol-based skin products can cause irritation with resulting dry skin. Bathing your dog too many times per week can also lead to to dry skin in dogs, so try not to wash your dog more than twice a week.
About the Author:
Cathy Doggins is the editor of multiple publications on dog health including the Dog Health Guide. She is a frequent writer on issues like dog dry skin and other issues that affect dog health. When not caring for her 2 dogs, Cathy can be found volunteering at her local animal shelter or working on behalf of animals with a few non-profit organizations.
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