Dog Skin Problems – Solutions
by Melissa Simmonds
One of the best things of having a dog is that you have so much fun playing around in the sun wherever and whenever the mood hits. Unfortunately though, the outdoor environment are major factors on one of the most common dog skin problems there is – dog dry skin. The good thing is that this is not a terminal sickness and can be easily remedied once it is correctly diagnosed.
Visit a licensed veterinarian first before anything to check if the dog’s skin condition is not of a more serious nature. When it is confirmed that the excessive skin dryness the canine is experiencing is not caused by fungal infections, allergies or parasites—then we can proceed in alleviating the dog’s discomfort by applying simple treatments for dog dry skin.
Sometimes people discount the importance of the diet to a dog’s over-all appearance. Serving your pet healthy food will positively affect his skin and coat. If you are serving commercial food, find brands with ingredients that are well-balanced and rich in omega 3 fatty acids. There are multi-vitamin dietary supplements available in the market that will also aid in replenishing your pet’s coat to its glossy shine.
As much as possible, always include a serving of fresh food daily to his meals. Fresh meat and vegetables will not only enhance the animal’s appearance; it will be good for his over-all health as well. Fresh vegetables are laden with moisture which will further hydrate your dog’s body. Use carrots, broccoli, celery and apples (with the seeds removed). Make sure you chop his food in small pieces to make chewing easier and to avoid any choking incidents.
You can also add water directly to his meals for that extra serving of hydration. Soak dry food in water or pour a teaspoon of olive oil to his meal dish daily. Olive oil will help in relieving your dog of itchy and flaky skin. Make sure he also drinks plenty of water every day, especially during days of strenuous physical activity.
Assess the grooming routine and products you use for your dog. If the shampoo contains harsh ingredients, this may be the culprit of his dry skin. Find natural products with features that specifically add moisture to the dog’s skin. Excessive bathing will also strip the dog of his natural oils so bathe only when necessary.
Oatmeal is said to be a very useful tool in alleviating itchiness caused by dry skin. Mix 1 teaspoon of chamomile, 2 teaspoons of oatmeal in 1 cup of boiling water. When the mixture is comfortably warm enough – place the oatmeal and chamomile paste over the itchy area and cover with a towel for ten minutes. Apply this regularly until you see the improvements after several days or weeks.
Making these simple adjustments in his routine and lifestyle goes a long way in improving your pet’s appearance. A good-looking dog is an easy task for us who know what to do. Apply these helpful tips today and say goodbye to dog skin problems for good.