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Our canine companions can get dry skin just like us and for a variety of reasons. And just like when we have dry skin, it can be uncomfortable, itchy, and even painful if it gets bad enough. But what can you do to remedy the problem?
Can you use human lotion on dogs? You absolutely cannot. However, you can use dog-specific lotion. Read on to learn why and what you can do to help—safely!
Can You Put Lotion on Your Dog?
Human lotions can often contain chemicals, such as dyes or fragrances, that could be harmful to your pup. Some can irritate the skin, but the bigger worry is if your dog happens to lick some of the lotion off. Ingesting some human lotions can cause drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea.
However, there are a few lotions made specifically for canines that are safe. There are also other ways you can help keep your pet’s skin healthy and moisturized (more on that later!).
Why Do Dogs Get Dry Skin?
What causes dogs to get dry skin in the first place? Dry skin on dogs can be tied to a variety of underlying conditions, so it’s advisable to talk with your vet to see if they should be examined or tested for these. Just some of the health issues that can result in dry skin include:
- Allergies
- Infections
- Parasites
- Skin conditions specific to your pup’s breed
- Metabolic disorders
- Cancer
- Autoimmune disorders
- Poor diet
- Frequent bathing
You should also be aware that dry skin in canines doesn’t always present the same way. Individual dogs may show different signs of dry skin. These include:
- Itchiness
- Scabs
- Hair loss
- Odor
- Dandruff
- Inflammation
- Flaking
- Increased amounts of oil
Tips on How to Help Your Dog With Dry Skin
So, how can you help your dog if they suffer from dry skin? Your first step should be visiting your dog’s vet to see if an underlying health condition needs to be treated. If so, your vet can tell you what steps to take next to help your pet’s dry skin. If their dry skin isn’t due to an underlying disorder, there are other ways to help, too. Here are some tips on what to do and what to use for your pup’s dry skin at home.
Diet
You’ve heard the saying, “You are what you eat,” and that doesn’t only apply to people! A dog’s health and well-being depend, in large part, on consuming a healthy diet that provides them with the nutrients they require. If your pup has dry skin, they could lack certain nutrients in their diet. Ensure your dog is eating high-quality dog food with plenty of protein, as well as essential minerals, vitamins, fats, and carbs.
Canine-Safe Oils
Vitamin E oil is soothing and moisturizing for the skin and can be safely used on your dog as it is all-natural and won’t harm your dog if licked off the skin.
Products Designed for Dogs
Some lotions and balms were made specifically with canines in mind, so you might consider using one of those on your pup’s dry skin. Burt’s Bees makes lotions for dogs, like this olive oil-infused lotion for nose and paws. 4Legger makes an organic balm that can be used on paws, snouts, elbows, and more. Look around, and you’re sure to find a lotion or balm suitable for your pet! If you have any questions, ask your vet.
Change Your Dog’s Shampoo
Sometimes, overly harsh shampoos and soaps can damage your dog’s skin, resulting in dryness, so you might want to change their shampoo. Try a shampoo made for dogs with sensitive or itchy skin. Oatmeal is fantastic for helping keep skin healthy, particularly if there is itchiness along with dry skin!
Our Favorite Products
Selecting the right shampoo and conditioner makes the world of a difference when grooming your pup. Our favorite products are the duo by Hepper. The Oatmeal Pet Shampoo is formulated with aloe and oatmeal to soothe skin and hydrate the coat. The Pet Conditioner works at eliminating tangles and taming frizz and static. Both products are pH-balanced and formulated with pet-friendly ingredients, free of harsh soaps, chemicals, and dyes. Give this duo a try to heal and nourish your dog's coat, and leave them with an irresistible just-left-the-spa cucumber and aloe scent.
At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool pet company!
Can I Prevent Dry Skin in My Dog?
There are also steps you can take to prevent dry skin in your pup. You may not be able to prevent things like metabolic or autoimmune disorders, but you can help your dog by preventing parasites, keeping them well-groomed, and more. Here are a few tips on how to prevent dry skin in your dog.
- Find out if your dog’s breed is prone to any particular skin disorders and if those disorders are preventable.
- Feed your pup high-quality, nutritious dog food.
- If your dog has skin folds, keep those folds clean to prevent irritation and infection, which can lead to dry skin.
- Ensure your pet is up-to-date and consistently takes preventative medicine for fleas, ticks, and other parasites.
- Make and keep routine vet appointments.
- Keep up with your dog’s grooming! Grooming them regularly keeps them free of dirt and debris that could cause dryness.
Final Thoughts
While you can’t put human lotion on your dog, as it could be dangerous if eaten, there are other ways to help your pup with dry skin. You can help prevent dry skin by taking steps to keep your pet as healthy as possible. You can also moisturize your pup’s skin at home through various means to soothe dryness. However, sometimes dry skin happens due to health issues that can’t be avoided. In that case, follow your vet’s instructions on how to treat the problem.
Dry skin is no fun, but you can help your dog feel better in no time!
Featured Image Credit: ElenaYakimova, Shutterstock
