Natural Remedies for Dry Skin: How to Help Dry Skin on Dogs

Spoiler: the ingredients are probably already in your cupboard

31 October 2023

In this article:

Causes of dry skin on dogs Symptoms of dry skin on dogs Home remedies for dry skin on dogs When to visit the vet for dry skin on dogs

It’s winter. The air is dry, and our skin is even dryer. Your dog is no exception when it comes to these uncomfortable, itchy-scratchy months. But if your pup starts scratching more than occasionally, consult with your vet to find the root cause of the problem.

To help your dog’s dry skin, consider bathing them less frequently, using a moisturising shampoo made for dogs and applying coconut oil or vitamin E oil to their skin. You can also add omega-3 fatty acids to their diet and consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Read on for more suggestions to help your dog as you both welcome this cold, dry January.

What causes dry skin on dogs?

Doggie dandruff, or scaling, is often caused by some form of seborrhoeic dermatitis. Seborrhoeic dermatitis occurs when the sebaceous glands of the skin produce an excessive amount of sebum, leading to dry, itchy and flaky skin. Abnormal sebaceous gland function can lead to excessive greasiness or excessive dryness.

Some conditions that lead to dry skin in dogs require prescription medications and specific treatment. If your dog is severely itchy, consult with your veterinarian to determine the best course of action before jumping into natural remedies. Causes of dry skin on dogs include:

allergies: food allergies, flea allergy dermatitis, allergens such as pollen
environmental factors: low humidity climate, dry indoor heat
infection: yeast, bacteria
parasites: fleas, mites (Demodex, scabies, lice, etc)
excessive grooming (bathing too frequently or using harsh shampoo)
underlying congenital, immune-mediated or endocrine disorders

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What are the symptoms of dry skin on dogs?

Constant scratching is typically a dog parent’s first clue that their dog has dry skin. Symptoms of dry skin in dogs include:

scaling/dandruff
itching
abrasions (from excessive scratching)
red, inflamed skin
dull coat
odour

Which home remedy is right for my dog’s dry skin?

Before pursuing natural treatment for your dog’s dry skin, consult with your veterinarian. Underlying conditions, such as skin mites, infections or endocrine disease require specific treatment and could worsen while waiting to see if home remedies work. After your vet rules out certain medical conditions, you may try some homemade remedies for your dog’s dry, flaky skin.

How to use olive oil for your dog’s dry skin

Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the best choice for dogs. Cold-pressed, unrefined and made from the first olive pressing, it’s less acidic than other, more processed forms of olive oil and as a result, is easier on the canine digestive system. It also has higher levels of vitamins and antioxidants.

Dogs who may have a hard time digesting omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids usually do well with olive oil. Aside from its ability to repair dry, flaky skin and shine up your dog’s coat, olive oil may also perk up their appetite and help with constipation. The only downside is olive oil can go rancid quickly, which is why it’s sold in dark-coloured bottles. Store it in a cool, dark place away from heat sources (not on a sunny counter or near the stove) to ensure it lasts.

Olive oil daily dose guidelines:

small dogs: ½ tsp
medium dogs: 1 tsp
large dogs: 2 tsp
extra-large dogs: 1 tbsp

How to use coconut oil for your dog’s dry skin

You’re also likely to have coconut oil in your kitchen cupboard. It’s high in saturated fat and contains quickly-absorbed medium-chain triglycerides and fatty acids, which are thought to help with a number of canine conditions including itchy or dry skin, odour, allergic reactions and yeast and fungal infections. Like olive oil, the best coconut oils for dogs are organic, virgin and cold-pressed. This oil comes in a range of flavours – bold, buttery, bland, nutty – so you may need to experiment to see which one your dog prefers with their food. (Some dogs can be put off by a strong coconut flavour.)

Coconut oil can be added to food or – for a particularly dry or itchy patch – massaged directly into a dog’s skin. If applying topically, be super-conservative in the amount you use and supervise your dog afterwards until the oil’s been absorbed. Your dog will probably try to lick it off, and too much coconut oil at once can cause stomach upset.

Coconut oil daily dose guidelines:

small dogs: ¼ tsp
medium-large dogs: ½ to 2 tsp
extra-large dogs: 1 tbsp

Note: if your dog is prone to pancreatitis, check with your vet before adding coconut oil to their food. Otherwise, introduce it gradually.

How to use fish oil for your dog’s dry skin

Whilst it’s a less common item to find in your kitchen cupboard, fish oil is a go-to supplement thought to support canine heart health, reduce itching and skin flaking and relieve allergies and joint pain. When selecting a fish oil for your dog, check the manufacturer’s certificate of analysis. A blend derived from salmon, herring, sardines and other small fish will offer the most omega-3s and the longest shelf life.

Something to be aware of, though, is that fish oil can prolong blood clotting time, so if your dog requires surgery, be sure to tell your vet about this supplement. The vet may ask you to discontinue it for a few days before and after the procedure. Additionally, in processing fish oil, a dog’s system can use up its supply of vitamin E. This can leave the dog with a deficiency, which has its own set of problems. Ask your vet if this is something to be concerned about with your dog.

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How to use vitamin E oil for your dog’s dry skin

Vitamin E has antioxidant properties, meaning it can protect cells from damage from free radicals. This includes damage from UV rays and inflammation. Some dogs with canine atopy (allergic skin disease) have shown improvement with vitamin E supplementation.

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning it can build up in the bloodstream and lead to overdose. Too much vitamin E (acutely or over time) can cause nausea, muscle weakness, lethargy and impaired blood clotting. Vitamin E deficiency is rare in dogs, so talk to your veterinarian before starting oral supplementation.

How to use apple cider vinegar for your dog’s dry skin

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is made from fermented apple juice. It’s used for cooking, but is also believed to have many health benefits, including for skin. Apple cider vinegar has antiseptic properties, and its acidity can help manage mild yeast infections. But that acidity also means it can burn. Apple cider vinegar must be diluted and cannot be used on broken or irritated skin.

When using ACV for dry, flaky skin, dilute the apple cider vinegar (1:1 ratio) with distilled or purified water. Keep the mixture in a spray bottle and mix well before using. Just like when you introduce an acid to your own skincare regimen, patch testing is recommended to look for unexpected sensitivity.

Diluted ACV can be used as a leave-on or can be washed off. Understandably, not all pet parents appreciate the smell. Stick to topical apple cider vinegar for dry skin. Oral ACV is unlikely to benefit the skin and can cause GI upset, oesophageal irritation and tooth enamel erosion. Adding ACV to water may deter your dog from drinking enough water, leading to dehydration.

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How to use plain, unsweetened yoghurt for your dog’s dry skin

Probiotics, like Lactobacillus, have been shown to decrease itchiness in dogs with allergic skin disease. Probiotics help maintain a balanced microflora in the gut, promoting overall whole-body health. Plain, unsweetened yoghurt can be an easy source of probiotics for dogs. Be sure to only feed yoghurt that is plain and unsweetened. Without preservatives is best. Flavoured or sweetened varieties may have too much sugar or harmful artificial sweeteners such as xylitol, which is toxic.

A little goes a long way when giving yoghurt to your dog. A medium-sized dog can benefit from one tablespoon per day. Some pup parents may be tempted to apply yoghurt to their dog’s skin. Topical yoghurt can be pretty messy and its efficacy is not well-established. Plus, you may just be creating a moist environment for more organisms to grow.

Don’t go overboard with oil

The truism ‘a little goes a long way’ definitely applies here. Too much oil can result in the following:

diarrhoea, greasy stools or digestive upsets
weight gain: take the calories oil adds into account. Both coconut and olive oils clock in at about 40 calories per teaspoon.
pancreatitis: a large helping of oil can provoke an inflammation of the pancreas, particularly in dogs who are prone to it.

Start introducing oil slowly and see how your dog tolerates it. After a couple of weeks, if no problems arise, consider increasing the dose slightly.

When should I take my dog to the vet for dry skin?

Many small animal veterinarians can attest to the fact that skin issues make up a good portion of conditions treated in dogs and cats. So rest assured: you’re not alone when seeking help for your dog’s dry, itchy skin. Some dogs only have occasional issues with dry skin, while others really need medical intervention. See you vet if your dog:

can’t get comfortable because they’re scratching too much
has skin that is red, inflamed or broken
has a strong odour
seems unwell in any way

Your vet will perform a thorough physical exam and may recommend diagnostic testing to try to get to the bottom of your dog’s skin issue. Testing may include performing an impression smear (microscopic examination of what’s living on the skin surface), skin scraping, skin culture or blood work.

These steps ensure that underlying infections, infestations, and endocrine conditions are treated properly. Sometimes there is no ‘cure’ for dry dog skin; management is the only option. If your dog’s skin problems are chronic or severe, it might be time to talk to a veterinary dermatologist.

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Frequently asked questions

Are there specific breeds prone to dry skin?

Any dog breed can suffer from dry skin, but some breeds are more prone to the condition including English Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, Springer Spaniels, Doberman Pinschers and West Highland Terriers.

How often should I bathe my dog to prevent dry skin?

Bathing frequency depends on your dog’s coat, environment and how often they actually get dirty. To help prevent dry skin, be sure to not bathe too frequently, use gentle dog shampoo and skip blow drying.

Can diet help with dry skin on dogs?

Feeding your pup a complete and balanced diet formulated for dogs can help to prevent any nutritional deficiencies that can contribute to dry skin. Dogs with dry skin from food allergies can benefit from diet changes that eliminate potential triggers.

Are there supplements my dog should take to help with dry skin?

Fish oil is a commonly recommended dry skin dog supplement. Not all dogs can tolerate fish oil, though, so consult your veterinarian before starting any supplementation to determine the best options for your dog.

References:

Susan Tasaki

Freelance writer Susan Tasaki lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her Husky, who wishes they both got out more.

Natural Remedies for Dry Skin: How to Help Dry Skin on Dogs