Stop the scratching with common and proven remedies for dry skin on dogs

Is your pooch always scratching like a maniac? You might have suspected fleas but upon further inspection, there are no nasty little parasites on your pet’s fur that could cause all that itchiness. So what is it then? The most common reason for dog scratching is dry skin.

We all know how annoying it can be to have dry or itchy skin, so it’s the last thing you’d want for your dog. The good news is that most skin complaints of this type clear up fairly quickly with a few tweaks to diet or environment. Many dry skin complaints can be down to nutrition, so adding some appropriate supplements to your canine companion’s diet can do wonders for the health of his skin.

Omega 3 fatty acids are known to help not only with general skin health in dogs, but with skin complaints such as dryness and itchiness. Inflammation can be the cause of dry or itchy skin in dogs, and Omega 3 oils are noted for their anti-inflammatory properties. Many commercial pet foods don’t contain large enough amounts of these essential fatty acids, so supplementation is the way to go. Common supplements that are high in omega 3s include fish oil, flaxseed oil, hemp oil and coconut oil.

Nordic Naturals Omega 3 Pet

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Many dog parents have had success using digestive enzymes to treat their four-legged friend’s dry or itchy skin. Digestive enzymes are needed to break down and use various nutrients which can stop or relieve allergy symptoms. These enzymes are contained in raw food, but are destroyed while food is cooked and processed. By adding a supplement of digestive enzymes to your dog’s meals, you can bring about a drastic improvement in just a couple of weeks.

NaturVet – Digestive Enzymes

Garlic has antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which means it can help tackle various bacteria or infections that could be causing dry, itchy skin. It’s also known to help ward off fleas and ticks, allergies to which are a common cause of itchiness in dogs. While garlic is generally safe for dogs, it can have unwanted effects if fed in high quantities, so always make sure you check the correct amount to feed for your dog’s weight.

Nutri-Vet Brewers Yeast with Garlic Chewables

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There are a number of supplements that have natural anti-inflammatory properties. Sometimes dry and itchy skin can be caused by inflammation, in which case, these substances can help to relieve the issue. Dog-safe natural anti-inflammatory supplements include: bromelain, boswellia, curcumin, vitamin E and nettle leaf.

Vet’s Best Aspirin Free Aches + Pains Dog Supplement

Rich in antioxidants and B vitamins, brewer’s yeast is highly beneficial for dog skin and coat. It will help balance out the moisture levels and bring back the state of your pet’s skin to optimal, which also means no itching or dryness. To boot, brewers yeast also contains minerals such as selenium, potassium, chromium, iron, zinc, and magnesium that will support your pet’s overall health.

Brewer’s Dried Yeast Formula Plus Vitamins

What Else Can You Do For Dry Skin on Dogs?

Supplements aren’t the only way to help tackle your fur baby’s dry, itchy skin. Oatmeal baths can help to soothe itching and also to get some much-needed moisture into the skin. Aloe vera is an outstanding topical treatment for dry or itchy skin, as it both soothes and moisturizes. Switching to a high-quality, hypoallergenic dog food can also improve these kinds of issues, as skin complaints can sometimes be caused by food sensitivities or by reactions to fillers and additives in lower quality foods.

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