10 Most Common Causes of Dog Dry Skin

There can be many different causes to dry skin in dogs which is why diagnosis can be slightly tricky. It may be something as simple as an allergy, whereas in other cases in can be a sign of a larger problem. Find out about the various potential causes of your dog’s dry skin and the treatment options available in this guide.

Why does my dog have dry skin?
Dog dry skin can be caused by a variety of issues, here’s some of the most common causes:

Allergies
Allergies are one of the most common reasons behind dry skin in dogs. This could be due to a variety of issues such as diet, environment, season or even flea saliva. Allergies such as these can result in atopic dermatitis, a non-contagious itchy skin disease which causes dry skin, itching, redness, inflammation, and secondary skin infections.

Parasites
If you’re wondering “why does my dog have dry flaky skin and scabs?” Parasites could be the answer. Some parasites such as the demodex mite, canine scabies and cheyletiellosis can cause mange. Lice can also cause dry and itchy skin in dogs.

Folliculitis
Folliculitis is the technical term for inflamed hair follicles which is very common in dogs. It’s most commonly caused by bacteria, but it can also occur as a result of parasites, fungal infections, systemic disease, immune system disorders, injuries, endocrine issues, canine acne or skin-fold pyoderma. With folliculitis your dog’s dry skin will be isolated to specific spots and they’ll likely scratch a lot.

Poor diet
Your dog requires high-quality nutrients to maintain a healthy coat and skin. Nutrients such as essential fatty acids like omegas 3 and 6 are very important for skin and coat health and as dog’s can’t make them themselves, they’ll need to be included in their diet. Good, easy to digest proteins are also needed as skin and hair use 30% of their daily protein intake to grow and develop. Additionally, vitamin A is vital for skin health as it helps to regulate the growth of skin cells and sebum production.

Yeast infections
If your dog has itchy skin around their ears or paws, it may be due to a yeast infection. This condition is usually identified by your dog excessively scratching their ears or licking or chewing their paws. The skin will usually be discoloured in these spots too.

Impetigo
Impetigo usually appears on the face or paws and first appears as a rash that eventually blisters with pus, then forms a yellow or brown crust when burst. This skin issue thrives in unsanitary conditions, making puppy farms a particular hot spot for it.

Excessive bathing
Where you may think you’re doing your dog a favour by bathing them frequently, you may actually be doing more harm than good. Excessive bathing strips your dog’s natural protective oils from their coat which can lead to dry skin, especially if shampoo isn’t followed up with a moisturiser.

Systemic disorders
In some cases, your dog’s dry skin can be a sign of a much larger issue such as Cushing’s disease or hypothyroidism. With both conditions dry skin, dry brittle hair, hair loss and skin infections are all likely symptoms. Auto-immune diseases and cancers can also cause dry skin in dogs.

Ringworm
Ringworm is a very common skin condition, especially in farm dogs or those that live or spend a lot of time outside. Ringworm displays as a red circle on their skin and despite the name, it’s not actually a worm at all, but rather a fungal infection that comes from dirt or soil. The infection is highly contagious and can be passed on to humans and will result in itchy and scaly skin which may scab, and excessive scratching can cause hair loss.

Seborrhoea
Also known as seborrheic dermatitis, seborrhoea is the dog equivalent of dandruff and is caused by the sebaceous glands making too much sebum. This cause of dog dry skin is typically seen on their back, face and flanks and tends to be worse in skin folds. The skin will generally be scaly, flaky, itchy and red.

Dog dry skin treatment
The treatment for your dog’s dry skin will depend on the cause, which is why it’s so important to take them to the vet for a thorough examination and diagnosis. Remember that dry skin is often just a symptom of another issue so your vet will need to treat both the symptom and the condition.

In some cases, medication may be required, whereas in other instances where an allergy is the cause, it will need to be identified and removed from their environment. If the allergy is food related, an elimination diet may be done where common allergens such as beef, soy, corn, wheat, dairy, chicken, and eggs are all removed until the cause is found. If it’s due to an environmental allergy, these will need to be identified, removed from your dog’s environment and the symptoms will need to be controlled.

Other issues such as excessive bathing will involve reduced bathing and/or using a vet recommended shampoo and moisturiser. Or if it’s a result of a poor diet, your vet may suggest switching to a high-quality diet or adding supplements.

Preventing dry skin in dogs
Some causes behind your dog’s dry skin can’t be prevented, but there are certain measures you can take to reduce the chances of your dog developing dry skin:

• Stay up to date with parasite treatments
• Feed a high-quality diet
• Schedule your dog in for yearly veterinary check-ups (this can be done at the same time as your dog’s booster)
• If you have a wrinkly breed, keep skin folds clean and dry them well after getting wet
• Groom your dog regularly to prevent dirt and debris from building up

That’s our guide to the common causes of dry skin in dogs. Remember to always get your dog checked out by a veterinary professional, as often it’s just a symptom of another issue and it’s always better to air on the side of caution.

Looking for more advice on caring for your dog? Find out why your dog might be itching, next.