Dry Skin on Dogs

Just like the skin of humans, even dog's skin needs to be taken care off. Healthy skin for dogs is very essential, so that it doesn't affect its important functions, and also to make sure it remains cheerful always. It's very important that you know the importance of dog care and all of its basic needs; a proper nutrition, daily exercise program and above all love and affection. Dry skin on dogs is quite a common problem. This problem worsens during cold months as the exposure of the sun is minimum which causes the skin to become dry and itchy. We humans are very lucky as there are different kinds of skin creams, moisturizers and lotions to make sure our skin doesn't run dry. Fortunately, due to the advancements in medical science, there are many products which are in the market to make sure that dry skin doesn't prolong.

Dry Skin on Nose

A dog's nose is the most important part of the dog's entire personality. It is the nose which makes the dog special and if there's dry skin on dog's nose then its bound to create a lot of dog health problems.

• Sun's heat is the main cause of a dog's dry nose. Too much sun exposure is bound to make the dog's nose dry and sometimes it causes a severe burn. Dogs spending lots of time outside should also be given lots of water to drink, so that they remain hydrated.
• Sometimes a dry nose can also be a result of poor air circulation. Make sure there's proper air ventilation in your house so that your dog's nose remains wet.
• Another common reason for dry dog's nose is because your dog is spending a lot of time near an artificial heat source (a chimney or an electronic appliance).
• Dry nose may also be a symptom of lethargy, appetite loss, diarrhea and vomiting. Make sure you consult a vet as soon as you can.

Dry Skin on Elbow

Dogs which are slightly older are more likely to develop large calluses on their elbows. These calluses are nothing but areas of skin which have got thick because of constant friction and pressure on the elbow. There's no need to worry for your dog if it's suffering from calluses, provided there's no redness or inflammation. In severe cases, calluses leads to dry skin and then gradual bleeding from the elbows. If your dog's elbow has dry skin, you can use some lotion or cream after consulting your vet. Vitamin E oil is also a good healer for dry skin in dogs. Make sure your dog rests on soft surfaces for effective healing.

Dry Skin on Belly

Dry skin on the stomach of the dog can be a cause of concern. Dry skin on dog's belly can be for a lot of reasons, your pet must have consumed unhealthy food. There could be fleas inside the fur and the constant itching and scratching might have made the problem worse. It's usually during winter that dogs may suffer from a dry stomach. Another potential reason is consumption of unhealthy dog food. So it is always recommended that you feed your dog home cooked food.

Remedies for Dry Skin on Dogs

You can find remedies for dry skin in your kitchen itself. No need to worry, just implement the following tips.

• Make sure your dog's bath water is mixed well with 1 tsp of dried sage, thyme and a pinch of Epsom salt.
• Another great dry skin remedy for dogs is the usage of cold chamomile tea for bathing your beloved pet.
• Use fresh aloe vera juice for effective healing of dry skin patches.
• As your dog is already suffering from dry skin, make sure you handle your dog with care. Avoid rubbing the skin and use warm, not hot water for bathing. Use herbal dog shampoos and leave it on for several minutes, this allows the shampoo to work properly. Oatmeal bath for dogs is also a great way to get rid of dry and flaky skin.
• For drying use a hand towel and rub very softly. Make sure you brush your dog's coat after a bath.

Hope you now know how to treat dry skin on dogs. Follow the tips given in this article and your dog will be happy and cheerful within some weeks. If the problem persists, get him checked by a qualified and experienced vet.