Dogs can develop various skin conditions, just like humans. While your dog doesn’t need to be using moisturisers and exfoliants and skin serums, it’s still important that you care for their skin to prevent skin problems. This post lists a few ways in which you can keep your dog’s skin healthy.
Know how often to wash your dog
Dogs occasionally need to be washed to get dirt and other debris out of their fur – some of which could irritate the skin if left in the fur too long. At the same time, you don’t want to wash your dog too often as this could strip natural oils from their coat and lead to conditions like eczema.
So just how often should you wash your dog’s coat? Dogs with a long coat need to have their fur washed every four to six weeks, while those with shorter coats can get away with being washed once per month to every three months. This could include bathing your dog, or simply hosing them down outside.
Use dog shampoo
Never use human shampoo on a dog. Dogs’ skin has a different PH level to ours, which can result in regular shampoo being too harsh – leading to dry skin and infections.
Dog shampoo is much kinder on your dog’s skin. You can explore dog shampoo brands online. Some may be better suited to certain types of coat.
Don’t use a hairdryer
If your dog’s coat is wet, don’t try to dry them off with a hairdryer. A dog’s skin is very sensitive and can get easily burnt by the heat.
There are specialist cool air hairdryers used by dog groomers that are less harsh. Alternatively, just use a towel.
Watch your dog’s diet
Some skin problems can be the result of food allergies. If you’ve noticed that your dog is scratching a lot and their skin has become inflamed, consider whether there have been any recent changes to their diet. Avoiding certain snacks or brands of dog food could help their skin heal.
There are hypoallergenic dogs foods that can be worth looking into. There are also dog foods that can help the skin to heal including dog skin recovery chews. Look into these food options if your dog is encountering skin issues.
Take action against mites, ticks and fleas
Mites, ticks and fleas are a common cause of skin infections in dogs. Almost all dogs will get fleas at some point. Getting treatment early will prevent skin problems – you can make sure that you get treatment early by regularly examining your dog’s fur and looking out for signs of parasites. Looking out for symptoms like scratching can also help to get a parasite problem diagnosed early.
There are over-the-counter treatments for fleas, ticks and mites. If the problem has already got quite serious or over-the-counter treatments aren’t working, be prepared to see a vet who will be able to recommend more effective treatment. This could include prescription medicine or injections if necessary.
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