Table of Contents
Introduction
If you’ve got a dog, chances are you’ve had that moment when you find a flake of dry skin in your bed or under your couch. Your first thought is usually not “Oh my god, what’s wrong with my dog?” but it could be. Your dog may have an itchy, flaky skin condition. In this article, we’ll look at the most common reasons why dogs develop flaky skin and simple treatments that can help your pooch feel better fast.
Fleas
Fleas can be responsible for causing a lot of skin problems, including flaky skin.
- Fleas may cause secondary infections if they are not treated.
- Fleas can cause tapeworms, which can lead to anemia and malnutrition in dogs.
- Fleas can also damage the dog’s immune system if they are not treated properly or on time. This will result in an increased susceptibility to other illnesses such as allergies and tumors which may lead to death if left untreated.
Dry skin
Dry skin is common in dogs, and can be caused by a number of things. A dog’s skin may become dry if he has allergies or an underlying health condition. Other causes include:
- A drop in the temperature that makes his fur coat less effective at keeping him warm.
- A change in his diet, especially if he’s just started eating a new food brand and isn’t used to it yet.
- Stressful situations like moving to a new home or being introduced to another pet in the household can cause some dogs to scratch excessively—and this usually leads to dryness because their paws are getting irritated from all the digging around!
Allergens
Allergies are one of the most common causes of skin problems in dogs, and can cause flaky skin. Flaking can be an early sign of allergies, but not always. If your dog seems to be scratching or licking more than usual, this could be a sign that they have allergies. Allergies often cause hair loss as well.
Itchy, flaky skin is frequently accompanied by itchiness and scratching which leads to even more irritation and inflammation on the skin surface. In some cases dogs can also develop bacterial infections under their fur as well as ear infections from scratching so much over time (like my poor old Jack).
Improper diet
- Improper diet
The first thing you should look at when your dog has skin flakes is their diet. Dogs need a high-quality diet, so here are some things to avoid:
- Human food
- Table scraps (this includes people’s leftover french fries)
- Treats (unless it’s a truly healthy treat like fresh vegetables or fruit)
- Bones (any kind of bone can splinter and cause a serious injury to your pup’s mouth)
Psoriasis
Another common cause of dry, flaky skin in dogs is psoriasis. Psoriasis is a common skin condition that causes scaly, red patches of skin. The patches usually occur on the elbows, feet and tail area.
Psoriasis can be caused by an allergic reaction to an infection or stress (such as moving or illness). It can also be caused by autoimmune diseases such as hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone production) and diabetes mellitus (high blood sugar levels).
As always, consult your vet if your dog continues to show signs of flaky skin for more than a few days.
If your dog’s flaky skin condition lasts longer than a couple days, you should consult with your vet. As we mentioned before, dogs can develop many different skin conditions and we always recommend speaking to a professional before giving any home remedies. If you have any questions or concerns about your dog’s health, feel free to contact us at [email protected]
Conclusion
Dogs can have flaky skin for a number of reasons. If your dog is suffering from this condition, it’s important to get them checked out by a vet as soon as possible. Because these are all signs of serious conditions that need attention right away! It may not be easy to spot some of these symptoms in your pet but with proper care and treatment, they will heal quickly and return back to their normal selves