Is your dog suffering from dry skin? If so, you may notice flaky dandruff-like patches, excessive scratching, and redness. Dry skin in dogs can be due to allergies, dry air during colder months, and so on. The good news is that there are many ways to cure dry skin in dogs. This comprehensive guide on how to moisturize dog skin by Sploot Vets tells you all you need to know!
Why is My Dog’s Skin Dry and Flaky?
Dry, flaky skin in dogs can be uncomfortable and is linked to symptoms like itchiness, excessive scratching, redness, dandruff, and hair loss. Dry skin in dogs can be due to the following:
- Seasonal shifts causing dry air — dry air can strip away the skin’s moisture and is particularly common during fall and winter
- Canine allergies — these can be food allergies, seasonal allergies, or flea allergies
- Dietary deficiencies — mainly deficiencies in vitamin E and omega-3 for dogs
- Bathing habits — too frequent bathing or incompatible shampoo
How to Moisturize Dog Skin [Curing Dry Skin in Dogs]
Moisturizing your dog’s skin relieves discomfort and restores skin health. Here are a few effective ways on how to moisturize dog skin:
1. Regular Brushing
Brushing your dog’s fur regularly is one of the simplest ways to help cure dry skin in dogs. Brushing helps stimulate the skin’s circulation and distribute natural oils over your dog’s skin and fur.
According to our comprehensive guide on routine dog care, here are the recommended frequencies for fur brushing:
- Daily brushing — for medium- and long-haired dogs
- Weekly brushing — for short-haired dogs
2. Bath Schedule Adjustments
When baths are done too frequently, this can strip away the natural oils from a dog’s skin and coat. Therefore, one of the ways to cure dry skin in dogs is to simply adjust their bath schedule to a vet-recommended frequency. At Sploot, we recommend bathing no more than once a month and/or when the fur is soiled.
Note: More frequent baths may be recommended for treating skin infections and for alleviating spring or fall allergies in dogs due to pollen, mold spores, and dust mites.
3. Choosing Dog Shampoos to Cure Dry Skin in Dogs
The shampoo you’re using on your dog may be contributing to your dog’s dry skin. Harsh shampoos are NOT ideal for long-term regular use as they disrupt the skin barrier and dry out the skin and fur.
We recommend oatmeal shampoo for dogs which act as natural moisturizers for dogs with dry skin. Oatmeal also soothes inflamed and itching skin, which are possible co-occurring symptoms when the skin is dry and flakey.
Note: Using oatmeal shampoo is not always possible, especially if you need to use a medicated dog shampoo (which tends to dry out the skin). Ask your veterinarian if you can use oatmeal conditioner afterward. This will help keep your dog’s skin moisturized and healthy.
4. Dietary Adjustments: What Food Helps Dogs Dry Skin?
Diet plays a crucial role in skin health. If your dog is suffering from dry skin, consider adding omega-3 (fish oil for dogs) and vitamin E to their diet. These two supplements promote a healthier skin and coat from within, offering the following benefits:
- Fish oil or omega-3 for dogs — a moisturizer for dogs with dry skin. Omega-3 also fortifies the skin barrier, locking in moisture and fortifying against environmental allergens (which can also contribute to further dryness).
- Vitamin E — a natural dog skin moisturizer and antioxidant that protects against cellular damage. Vitamin E is also a necessary component for collagen production, contributing to skin health and suppleness.
Note: Before getting vitamins for your dog, weigh the options with your vet. Vets will recommend a dog supplement and dosage that best suits your pet’s age, weight, and/or underlying health conditions.
5. Topical Solutions: Using Moisturizers for Dogs with Dry Skin?
Another way to cure dry skin in dogs is to use a topical dog skin moisturizer, which can be in the form of a spray, leave-on conditioner, or collar. Moisturizers for dogs with dry skin typically have the following ingredients:
- Oatmeal Extract — often used for its calming properties, oatmeal relieves itchiness and reduces inflammation while also serving as an effective dog skin moisturizer.
- Coconut Oil — rich in fatty acids, coconut oil moisturizes and improves the skin barrier, reducing dryness and flakiness in dog skin.
- Vitamin E — acts as an antioxidant, protecting skin cells and aiding in the repair of damaged skin.
Note: As always, consulting a vet for product recommendations for your dog’s skin type can ensure the best results.
.png)
What is The Best Moisturizer for Dogs with Dry Skin?
While using topical dog skin moisturizers isn’t the only way to cure dry skin in dogs, they can offer quick relief — and may serve as tangent treatment for most causes of dry skin in dogs. Here are a few of the best dog skin moisturizers that you can discuss with your vet, as part of your pet’s treatment:
Important Note: Before using a moisturizer for dogs, test a small amount on your pet's skin to check for any sensitivity. If any irritation or adverse reactions occur, rinse immediately and consult your vet. In addition, do NOT apply these products to open wounds or broken skin, as this may cause irritation or worsen the injury.
1. Dermallay Oatmeal Spray Conditioner
- Available on SplootRX online pet pharmacy & pet supply store. Get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code WELCOME
DermAllay™ Oatmeal Spray Conditioner is formulated with oatmeal, a dog skin moisturizer that also offers anti-itch and anti-inflammatory properties. This conditioner also hydrates your dog’s fur, leaving it softer and more manageable. All-in-all, this leave-on conditioner is formulated to soothe and refresh your dog’s skin.
2. Earthbath® 3-in-1 Deodorizing Spritz For Dogs
- Available on SplootRX online pet pharmacy & pet supply store. Get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code WELCOME
Earthbath® 3-in-1 Deodorizing Spritz features three powerful moisturizing ingredients —including colloidal oatmeal, organic aloe vera, and vitamin E, which work together to keep the skin healthy and supple. Available in various scents like vanilla, lavender, and mango, the Earthbath 3-in-1 Spritz offers a pleasant and nourishing grooming experience for your pet.
3. Atopivet® Skin Care Collar
- Available on SplootRX online pet pharmacy & pet supply store. Get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code WELCOME
The Atopivet Skin Care Collar features Biosfeen®, an innovative ingredient designed to support a healthy skin barrier. Using patent-pending technology, Biosfeen® is infused directly into the collar's polymer and spread through the skin’s natural lipids, allowing for continuous skin moisturization. Each collar is intended to rehydrate your dog’s skin for 2 months.
4. Dermoscent Essential 6 Spot-On
Dermoscent Essential 6 Spot-On is a treatment for dry skin in dogs, applied between the shoulder blades. This formula combines vegetable oils rich in essential fatty acids (Omega 3 & 6) to help strengthen your dog's skin barrier. It also features a blend of soothing, sebo-regulating, and anti-dandruff essential oils (e.g. rosemary, lavandin, tea tree, turmeric, etc.) to support skin health. A bio-diffusing agent ensures the ingredients spread evenly across the body, using the natural sebum, from a single application point.
Final Thoughts on Curing Dry Skin in Dogs
Dogs can experience dry skin at any point in their lives — whether it’s due to nutritional deficiencies, allergies, dry air during the colder months, or skin infections. By consulting a vet, you will be able to effectively cure dry skin in dogs by addressing underlying causes and using the right combination of treatments and dog skin moisturizers.
Sploot Vets: Your Go-To Provider of All-in-One Care
At Sploot Vets, we provide pet-centered, all-in-one care combined with a calm, Fear Free experience. If your dog is suffering from dry skin, allergies, nutritional deficiencies, or other health concerns, our experienced vets will be able to diagnose the underlying issue and recommend the best treatment plan.
We have numerous vet clinics in Denver and Chicago that provide primary, urgent, and emergency vet services. We support more than 95% of your dog’s vet care needs, using up-to-date veterinary techniques, ensuring that your dog gets the best care possible.
Book Your Appointment Today!
Ready to optimize your dog’s health? Conveniently book an appointment online or through the Sploot Vets app. We’re here to support your dog’s health and wellness, every pounce of the way!
