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It's not difficult to spot a dog with dry skin. If the itching, scratching, and biting don't give it away, the flaky skin and dry fur are easy to spot.
Not only will dry skin irritate your pet, it could lead to more serious health troubles if left untreated.
These six dog dry skin home remedies are easy to use, and you probably already have the required supplies.
Itchy skin can be caused by a number of factors, and some of those factors have been researched in scientific studies.
These studies show that the most common cause of itchy skin is dryness.
Dry skin on dogs could be linked to environmental factors, like cold winter air or a nutritional deficiency.
The best way to ensure your dog's skin and coat stay moisturized is to keep him well-hydrated and feed him a balanced diet.
Even if you provide these things, your dog may still suffer from dry skin.
Like humans, some dogs just have dry skin for no particular reason.
In these instances, a dog dry skin home remedy could be just the cure your pooch needs. Just be sure that you're keeping a close watch on the condition to make sure it's not getting worse.
Veterinarians do warn that some of the causes of dog itchy skin may be serious and could lead to health issues if left untreated.
Usually, if your dog's itchiness is severe and doesn't go away, you'll need to do tests at your local vet clinic to rule out any serious health conditions.
6 Dog Dry Skin Home Remedies
1. Colloidal Oatmeal Bath
Most of the over-the-counter products you will find to treat itchy skin contain oatmeal.
Studies have shown that the properties of oats have a positive effect on itchy skin.
You can make your dog an oatmeal bath at home to help heal dry or itchy skin.
Add 3 cups of colloidal oatmeal to a bathtub filled with about 6 inches of warm water.
Put your dog in the bathtub and use a cup to apply the oatmeal water generously to his coat.
Massage the mixture into the skin with your hands.
Try to allow the oatmeal bath to sit on your pup for 20-30 minutes (if he will stay in the tub long enough).
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider has been shown to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.
DO NOT use it directly on your dog's skin, as the high acidity could actually be harmful to him.
It could irritate the skin and cause a burning sensation in your dog.
Make a 50/50 blend of apple cider vinegar and water in an empty spray bottle.
You can apply the spray to your dog 2-3 times per day until the itching stops.
If your dog has chronic skin itchiness, you can use the apple cider vinegar spray once daily as a treatment remedy.
This spray should not be used if your dog has open wounds on his skin.
It will sting and cause your dog pain.
You should also pay close attention to the itchy areas after applying this itchy dog home remedy.
If you notice any redness or the itchiness seems to get worse, stop using the spray and contact your veterinarian.
3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has many effects on skin and coat health.
It can help with skin conditions like eczema, contact dermatitis, and itchy skin and generally improve skin health.
It can reduce allergic reactions, especially when it comes to flea allergies.
Skin cuts and wounds can also be treated with coconut oil.
It can disinfect cuts and promote their healing.
It can also help with the treatment of dry skin, hot spots, bites, and stings.
Coconut oil can be given to dogs orally or applied topically. Including coconut oil in your dog’s diet can improve their health in general but for the best results regarding skin and coat health, coconut oil should also be used topically.
Coconut oil can be given to dogs daily with meals, one or two times per day.
The amount of oil in your dog’s meals depends on its size.
For example, many vets recommend that you introduce coconut oil slowly to your dog’s diet, like 1/4 of a teaspoon for small dogs on a daily basis.
For large breeds, start with one teaspoon with every meal.
Using coconut oil topically is rather simple. It is important to start with small amounts because your dog’s fur can get greasy if you apply too much.
Just rub a bit of oil between your hands and put it on your dog’s fur, like you are giving him a gentle massage.
Use your fingertips to rub the oil on his skin as well. It is best to apply coconut oil once or twice a week.
Coconut oil is very healthy for dogs, so you don't have to worry if your pooch licks this dry dog skin home remedy.
SIMILAR: 9 Ways to Improve Your Dog's Skin and Coat Health
4. Chamomile or Green Tea
Chamomile or Green tea is one of the best dog dry skin home remedy options, and many pet owners have it right in their kitchen cupboards.
Steep the tea bag in about 8 ounces of water and allow it to cool.
You can apply the wet bag directly to the affected area or use a cotton ball to apply the tea to the hot spot.
Apply it 3-4 times daily until the affected area has healed completely.
You can also give your Fido a bath in chamomile or green tea.
Steep 6-8 tea bags in a bathtub filled with about 6 inches of warm water.
Bathe your pet following the same instructions I listed in the colloidal oatmeal section above.
5. Baking Soda Paste
Mix 1 part baking soda with 1 part water to create a paste.
Apply the paste to the affected area and allow it to sit for 20 minutes.
Rinse the area thoroughly.
If your dog is experiencing widespread itching, you can also create a baking soda bath by adding 2 cups of baking soda to a bathtub of water.
Bathe your dog using the same instructions as noted above.
6. Vitamin E Oil
You can purchase Vitamin E oil at most pharmacies or natural living stores.
Applying the oil topically to sores on your pet's skin will help them heal faster.
You can also apply the oil to especially dry patches of skin to help moisturize and heal the area.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps to defend against free radicals in the skin.
It is also good for your dog's immune system, heart and liver health, and overall skin and coat health.
Dog Dry Skin Home Remedy: FAQs
What natural oil can I use on my dog's dry skin?
Coconut oil can be a great dog dry skin home remedy.
It is an excellent natural moisturizer with strong antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
To hydrate and calm your woofer's skin, warm the oil in your hands before applying it.
What causes dry skin in dogs?
Bacteria are most frequently blamed for dry skin, but parasites, fungal infections, systemic illnesses, immune system issues, or wounds can also be the cause.
Something is wrong if Fido starts scratching a lot or if you see other symptoms like hair loss, dry skin, scabs, irritation, or a bad odor.
It's time to make an appointment to bring your dog in for a checkup at the vet's office.
Can I put baking soda in my dog's bath?
Every time you give your dog a wash, you can add baking soda.
Simply adding it to the bath water can aid in deodorizing and calming the skin.
Pour 3 tablespoons of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of dish soap, and 1 teaspoon of baby oil into a spray bottle for a wet wash.
Your dog should be sprayed, then dried off.
Dog Dry Skin Home Remedy: Before You Go
Dog dry skin can be relieved with various natural remedies, but not all of them will completely fix the issue.
Finding out what is causing your dog's skin disease is the first thing you should do.
To ascertain whether there is an underlying issue, a vet should examine severe cases of dry skin.
If Fido is scratching a lot, a few of the above remedies may provide relief in the meantime.
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