Thursday, December 1, 2011

Dog's Dry Skin - Why Prompt Treatment Is Important For Your Itchy Dog

Dog Allergies Symptoms

Dog's dry skin can be an itchy affair for your pet. If the problem is left untreated, your dog could develop more serious skin problems overtime. Some dogs suffer from secondary skin infections and hair loss as the condition worsens.

Dog Allergies Symptoms

Pet owners may put off taking action, thinking that the skin condition will correct itself. Just like for human, using a moisturizing lotion would do the trick. Wouldn't it?

Dog Allergies Symptoms

Well, not always.

Dog Allergies Symptoms

The skin and coat condition is a reflection of your dog's overall health. There are many factors that could affect your dog's health, which is then manifested as dry skin problem. Learn to recognize the symptoms of dry skin. Often, you can effectively resolve a skin problem in its early phase.

What are the signs of a dog with dry skin?

Itching

Dogs have sensitive skin. Dry skin is easily irritable and makes a dog itch. Hence, you might find your dog's skin is now super sensitive. And easily develops allergy symptoms to ordinary substances that he comes in contact with. You see him scratching more than usual. And he licks and chews at his fur for a greater part of the day. If your poor fella has a hard to reach itchy spot, he might rub himself against the furniture or the walls. Or if he has a belly itch, he drags(crawls) himself across the carpeted room, so that his underside gets a good scratch. Watch your dog's behavior. And take note of where he is itching most.

Dull Coat

A dog with dry skin usually has a dull coat. When you get up close to cuddle him, you will notice the difference. The soft, smooth hair now has a coarse texture and feels dry.

Flaky Skin

Dogs have a variety of skin colors. Some dogs have pink skin, some dark, and others have blotched skin. That is all fine. Healthy skin is supple and smooth without scabs or red areas. Dry skin feels rough and looks scaly or flaky. You get a shower of doggie dandruff when fido sheds these tiny scales or flakes of dried skin and hair.

Why is it important to treat your dog's dry skin promptly?

The level of itchiness can disrupt sleep and normal life, for both you and your dog. Often, it would be hard for you to watch your dog scratching in distress. Fur loss and hair breakage can result from frequent scratching and chewing at the skin. If left untreated, hair loss can cause balding. In addition, hot spots develop quickly if bacteria finds its way into broken skin. These moist, oozing lesions can be painful and itchy for your dog. Because the sores hurt, your dog might growl or nip when you try to touch him. Hot spots are harder to deal with, and takes a longer time to heal.

Dog's dry skin can be caused by many factors:

Some causes are minor and easy to remedy.
Poor diet Improper coat and skin care Cold, dry weather

And other causes of dry skin are more serious and difficult to treat.
Parasites Allergies Underlying medical condition

The skin is the first line of defense between the outside elements and your dog. Dry skin would get worse without treatment. Whether your pet needs home remedies or a visit to the veterinarian depends on the cause of the skin problem. Either way, being able to spot the problem, and taking action in a timely manner, will make a huge difference to your dog's well being.

Dog's Dry Skin - Why Prompt Treatment Is Important For Your Itchy Dog

Dog Allergies Symptoms

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