What To Do for Dry Skin on a Pet

Pets often develop dry skin due to exposure to temperature changes as well as washing them too often. Pets have more sensitive skin then we do, and when their skin is unbalanced it can lead to dry, itchy skin. There are some health problems that can lead to dry skin on your pet as well so you may want to have them seen by your local vet for a professional opinion.

• Do not wash your pet too often. Doing so can cause the essential oils to be removed from your pet's skin leading to dry and itchy skin. If you need to wash your pet often, it is best to choose a mild shampoo that is designed for young pets or for those with sensitive skin such as oatmeal bath. Using harsh products too often on your pet’s skin can cause a lot of damage to the sensitive balance of their skin.

• Check into the ingredients of your pet’s food. If you are choosing a brand of food that is cheaper than most, odds are your pet is not getting the quality nutrition that they would receive from a better quality pet food. You can also add omega 3 fatty acid supplements to your pets diet to help restore the natural oils on their skin.

• Your pet may have allergies. Many pets are allergic to certain plants and other things outside that can often trigger allergies in humans. If your pet spends a lot of time outdoors they may be experiencing an allergic reaction to one or more outside elements. Try keeping them indoors for a while to see if the condition of their skin improves over time.

• If you have tried everything else and your pet is still experiencing painful dry and itchy skin, it is best to take them into a veterinarian to get accessed. There are common problems such as fleas that could be the cause of your pets dry skin as well. A veterinarian will be able to help you determine the cause of the problem your pet is experiencing.