Causes of Dry Skin in Pets
The same problem can happen to your furry friends too. Due to various external factors, lifestyle habits, or diets, they may experience dry skin and the accompanying symptoms as well.
As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to get to the root of your pet’s dry skin issues so that you can find them the right treatment or make changes to their lifestyle and diet to help them achieve healthier skin and coat. For example, buying your pup a moisturizer for dogs’ coats to help hydrate their skin. In this article, we talk about the causes of dry skin in pets to help you learn more.
Symptoms of Dry Skin
- Itchy skin
- Excessive scratching
- Chewing or biting at the skin
- Hair loss and bald patches
- Flaky skin or dandruff
- Hot spots
- Scabs
- Scaly skin
- Increased oiliness in coat
- Foul odor coming from the coat or skin
1. Poor Nutrition
Your pet’s diet plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin and coat. Without proper balance of essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 fatty acids, and protein in your pet’s daily meals, your pet may suffer from dry skin and poor coat quality.
On top of the nutrients that they’re taking in, it is crucial for pets to be fed a balanced diet of both wet and dry food if you want to help them maintain healthy skin. This is because pets on dry food diets don’t get enough moisture and are at higher risk of developing dry skin problems.
2. Allergies
Just like humans, pets can suffer from allergies too. For example, environmental allergies like pollen and dust, food allergies, or flea allergy dermatitis—a leading cause of skin problems in dogs which stems from an allergic reaction to flea saliva. Allergies can cause itchiness, dryness, or irritation, and cause your pet to scratch or lick the affected area, worsening their condition.
3. Infection
Bacterial, yeast, or fungal infections (e.g. ringworm) can also cause dry skin in pets. These infections can occur due to a weakened immune system, unbalanced diet, contact with other animals, environmental exposure, or stem from an overgrowth of fungi naturally present in and on your pet’s body.
4. Parasites
Many parasites, such as fleas and mites can cause serious skin conditions in your pet that will lead to dry skin.
Learn More: Tell-Tale Signs Your Pet Has Fleas Or Ticks
5. Neutering or Spaying
Neutering or spaying your pets can cause hormonal changes, like a decrease in testosterone or estrogen levels, which are sex-related hormones normally produced by the testicles and ovaries. Fluctuating hormones can cause dry skin to develop, but this problem should resolve itself as your pet’s body begins to regulate their hormones.
Source: https://betterpet.com/dry-dog-paws-home-remedies/
If you notice signs and symptoms of your pet suffering from dry skin, it is important to find out the cause of the problem and work towards resolving it. The Jean-Paul Nutraceuticals Quintessentials Skin and Coat Moisturiser is a veterinarian-formulated moisturizer for dogs’ coats containing essential oils, natural antibacterial and antifungal agents that can help soothe and repair your pet’s skin. Shop this moisturizer or a range of other pet health products at Pet Health Global today.
