No matter their age, breed or gender, a dog’s skin acts as a barometer for his general state of health. It accounts for 24% of a young puppy’s body weight and 13% of an adult dog’s, creating a barrier between the vital workings of your dog’s body and the chemicals, bacteria and viruses of the outside world.
For these reasons – and many more – it’s vital that your canine friends are free from any nasty dog skin conditions, so they can be as happy and healthy as possible.
While a little scratching is totally normal, excessive scratching can be indicative of a serious underlying medical condition.
If your dog has sensitive skin, it isn’t the end of the world – here's how to identify the symptoms, causes and finally some of the ways you can help to keep your dog’s skin healthy.
Common Signs of Dog's Sensitive Skin
Along with your dog’s poo, the look and feel of their skin and fur is one the most obvious indicators of his or her well-being. Some of the most common dog's sensitive skin signs include:
- Excessive scratching, licking or head-shaking
- Rubbing on the furniture or other objects
- Dry, scaly and flaky skin
- Red, itchy skin
- Bumps and scabs
- Abnormal levels of moulting or patchy hair loss
- Musty, unpleasant kind of smell
- Irritated stomach
Common Causes of Dog's Sensitive Skin
As with any medical condition, the best road to treatment is to figure out first the root cause of your dog’s sensitivities. Look out for these common causes of Dog's Sensitive Skin:
1. Genetic factors
- Diet
A lot of the time, dogs can suffer allergies to foods such as gluten, corn and even meat, and this can precipitate skin issues.
- Allergies
Like humans, some dogs have a genetic predisposition to be more sensitive to some of the most common allergens, including the pollens of grasses, trees and weeds, dust mites, and molds.
2. Environmental factors
- Dry Environment
Indoor heating systems or air conditioning create excessively hot or cold environments which can irritate the dog’s skin, leading to dry skin.
- Seasonal Changes
Some dogs have skin that is very sensitive to changes in weather and temperatures.
In most cases, dry skin symptoms occur in cold weather months, whereas allergic reactions flare up in the summer when there is more pollen around.
- Parasites
A single bite from fleas or parasites can result in flea dermatitis in the form of hair loss, inflammation and scabs on your dog's skin.
3. Allergies and diseases
- Allergic dermatitis
- Yeast infection
- Folliculitis
- Impetigo
- Seborrhea
- Ringworm
- Alopecias
- Mange (or canine scabies)
- Hot spots (or moist dermatitis)
DIY Dog's Sensitive Skin Treatment
Regardless of the severity of your dog’s symptoms, these are some of the most common tips you should follow to help support your dog's skin and coat at home.
1. Clip Hair From Affected Area
The best way to allow the affected area to dry and heal is by clipping away the hair from it.
2. Use Specially-Formulated Dog Shampoo
Washing your dog with dog shampoo specifically designed for sensitive skin will help moisturise the skin and remove allergens – like pollen – from their fur.
3. Wipe Your Dog’s Feet
This can help remove outdoor allergens such as pollen and reduce any related skin sensitivity issues before your dog enters the house.
4. Supplements
There are many skin supplements available that are proven to strengthen the overall health of your dog's skin. The Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acid supplements are natural anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative agents – just ask your vet – then use it to rub directly onto your dog’s dry skin patches.
5. Regular Grooming
Booking an appointment with a professional groomer will help keep your dog’s coat (and skin) in tip top condition.
6. Change your dog’s diet
If the dog is allergic to an ingredient, your vet may recommend an elimination diet trial, which may clear up your dog’s skin issues.
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