Healthy skin in a dog is just as important to him as your skin health is to you. Just like humans, dogs can suffer from a variety of skin conditions from infections to parasites and even dander or dry skin. For dog lovers, nothing is more comforting or enjoyable than running your fingers through a soft and clean dog coat with healthy, moisturized skin underneath. By following these easy and simple tips you can make your dog’s skin healthy and keep it that way.
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- Don’t overwash your pet. A dog that is bathed too often has all of his natural, protective oils stripped from his skin, leaving him itchy and dry. This makes him scratch more than he should, which can lead to open cuts and sores all over his body and opens him up to secondary infections. Aside from those dangers, you also end up with a stronger doggy odor smell from a dog that is washed too often as his body attempts to compensate for the major loss in skin and coat oils. Use puppy bath wipes or waterless shampoos in between your regular washings. The rule of thumb for dog grooming is every 6 to 8 weeks unless he gets into something like mud.
- Watch his diet. Read the labels on the dog food you are feeding your pooch and educate yourself on a proper canine diet. Kibbles in general are dry foods that are already more difficult to digest than wet foods. Dog foods high in carbohydrates, especially grains naturally dry out your dog’s skin, cause dander and exacerbate doggy odors. Fresh and raw diets are taking popularity among educated pet owners and pet professionals because the diet matches the biology of what our canine companions require. Raw diets are higher in moisture and provide the essential oils, vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fats that keep your pooch’s skin soft and healthy.
- Supplement, supplement, supplement. Almost any diet will require supplements meant for each individual dog, and skin supplements are essential. Fatty acids such as fish oil are highly recommended by both veterinarians and pet nutritionists to keep a dog’s skin moisturized from the inside out. Other oils that also benefit a dog’s skin and help combat poor skin conditions are coconut oil, flax seed oil, and even hemp oil. You can easily mix these oils in with your dog’s food or let him lick it off a spoon as a treat. Dogs love the flavor.
- A brush a day will keep skin disease at bay. Many dogs, especially those with shorter coats don’t need a full brush every single day, but using a soft bristle brush or rubber comb will knock out any loose fur, or debris and gently massage your dog’s skin. When your pet’s skin is massaged, it helps his natural oil production to keep his skin healthy. As a bonus, his muscles appreciate the massage, too. Double-coated dogs do well with a slicker or wire bristle brush to prevent matting and tangles which can lead to skin tearing, fungal and bacterial infections as well as harbor mites, lice, ticks, or fleas. When you brush daily, you are also able to catch any problems before they become full-blown medical expenses.
- Flea and Tick Prevention. A critical part of maintaining your dog’s healthy skin and coat involves protecting them against fleas and ticks. These parasites can cause severe irritation, allergies, and other health complications that can negatively impact your dog’s skin health. Regularly applying a vet-recommended flea and tick preventive treatment can help avoid infestations, ensuring your dog’s skin remains healthy and itch-free. Many of these treatments also help prevent other parasites like mites and lice, which can also cause skin problems. Additionally, during daily grooming sessions, check your dog’s skin for any signs of flea dirt or ticks. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, and by taking these steps, you can help to ensure your dog’s skin remains in top condition. It’s also important to consult your vet about the best flea and tick prevention methods suitable for your dog’s specific needs and your local environment.
- Choose the right bathing products. If your dog has healthy skin, he doesn’t need medicated shampoo. If your dog has dry skin, he will most likely benefit from a shampoo or doggy soap that has shea butter, oatmeal, or other naturally moisturizing ingredients in it. Use a conditioning spray every other time you brush through your dog’s coat to keep the fur healthy and his skin clean and supple. Never use human products on dogs, as the pH balance is all wrong for their bodies! It can cause more problems than you or your dog needs.
By taking just a few steps in the right direction you can improve on your dog’s skin health, keep disease and parasites away and make your dog more comfortable in his own skin. If your dog is currently suffering from poor skin conditions, consult a licensed veterinarian and get him started down the path of naturally moisturized and healthy skin.