How to treat dry skin in pets?

Like humans, animals also suffer from a myriad of skin-related issues. Dry and flaky skin is one of the most common skin diseases in pets diagnosed by Virginia Beach animal hospital veterinarians. Dry skin is a severe skin condition that should not be overlooked by pet parents. If not taken care of properly, the skin condition can cause a lot of discomfort to your pet. 

While there are various methods to treat dry skin, one must understand its cause for effective treatment. Your pet may develop dry skin due to plenty of reasons. Some of the most common causes of dry skin in animals are improper grooming, allergy to certain shampoo, nutrient deficiency, improper bathing, climate, etc. 

Offer your pet a balanced diet.

What you feed your pets affects their health and well-being. If you notice your dog is itching too much or have lost the shine of their coat, your pet could be suffering from nutrient deficiency.

Dry skin could be the result of insufficient protein or fatty acid in your pet’s food. If you feed your pet packed food, they are more likely to develop skin related-issues. Since branded pet foods lack appropriate nutrients, it is best to add protein and fatty acid to their usual diet. 

Giving too much dry food also results in dry skin as the food lacks moisture required to keep the skin hydrated. Fluid in food also helps the body retain all the nutrients and prevent it from breaking down before digestion. So, the next time you go shopping for pet food, ensure you pick the one that offers all the essential nutrients. Also, include wet food in your pet’s diet to maintain good health and a luscious coat.

Bathe your dog properly.

Proper cleaning and bathing your dogs is also essential when it comes to keeping their fur and skin from getting dry and itchy. Choosing the right shampoo for your pet also plays a crucial role in ensuring the fur’s quality. The shampoo you choose should not contain synthetic ingredients as it can do more harm to your pet than good. Using harsh shampoo on your pet’s fur can lead to loss of natural oil and moisture from their skin. This can lead to flaky, itchy, and dry skin. 

If your pet accidently ingests the shampoo, you should dial the emergency vet Virginia Beach hotline number.

When buying a shampoo for your pet, go for the one with natural components and essential oils. Avoid products that contain harmful chemicals and synthetic ingredients.

Proper grooming.

Proper grooming is as essential for our pets as it is for humans. Like humans, animals also shed dead skin. However, their dead skin often gets stuck in their coat and accumulates over a period of time. This can lead to dry and itchy skin. Grooming pets regularly is the best way to get rid of the dead skin and prevent further build-up. Depending on the breed and type of pet, you may need to groom them daily or twice a week.

There are cases when an allergy or infection is the cause of dry skin in pets. If you suspect your pet is suffering from any other health issues, it’s advised to see doctors from Virginia Beach vet hospital.