The importance of dog skin care

Updated 25/09/2024

Our four-pawed pals are called furry friends for a reason – most are covered in lots of fur! But beneath all that fluff is the largest organ in the body: a layer of skin that plays a crucial role in keeping your pooch pal healthy. 

The skin is their first line of defense against dirt, bacteria, and other nasties, and it also helps furry friends regulate their body temperature. Keeping your pet’s skin healthy is extremely important, so we’re here to reveal the most common skin problems dogs face and guide you through the ultimate dog skin care regimen.

Dog skin care at home 

Dog skin care isn’t about anti-aging and dewy fur, it’s about keeping your pup healthy, comfortable, and free from irritation. Here’s how:

Get to know their skin

Take a few minutes each week to give your furry friend’s skin some attention – a practice that your dog sitter can easily continue while you’re away. Early detection of any pet skin conditions can make a huge difference! 

• Run your hands over your pup’s skin to check for lumps, bumps, cuts, or dry patches.
• Look closely for hot spots, hair loss, rashes, or flaky skin. 
• Don’t forget to inspect every nook and cranny – inside their ears, under folds of skin, between their toes, and on the bottom of their feet.

Regular bathing

A good scrub in the tub every now and then helps wash away dirt, bacteria, and allergens from your dog’s skin and coat, and keep bad odors at bay. Bathing your dog is key to keeping them clean and healthy, but be careful not to overdo it – too many baths can dry out their skin. 

Pick the the right shampoo

On that note, it’s important to choose a gentle, pH-balanced shampoo made just for dogs. Steer clear of human shampoos and anything with harsh chemicals and skin irritants – if you’re unsure, ask your vet for the best recommendation. 

Wipe between the folds

If your furry friend has skin folds, gently wipe them clean and dry every day. Keeping those folds fresh is essential to prevent irritation or infection.

Regular grooming

Regular grooming and brushing removes loose hair and spreads natural oils that help to maintain dog skin health. Talk to your vet about the best brush for your dog’s breed and how often you should groom them.

Stay safe in the sun

Dogs with light-colored fur or exposed skin need extra protection in the sun. Provide them with plenty of shade and use dog-friendly sunscreen to keep their skin safe from harmful rays.

Diet matters

Skin care for dogs isn’t just about what’s on the outside – what your dog eats plays a big role too! Make sure their diet includes plenty of vitamins and essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6, which are great for skin health. If you’re unsure what’s best for your dog, ask your vet for dietary advice.

Specialized canine skin care

For specific skin concerns, your vet may recommend targeted skincare products just for dogs. These could include medicated shampoos, special skin cleansing wipes, or topical anti-inflammatory treatments.

Common causes of skin problems in dogs 

Now we know all about skin care for dogs, let’s take a look at some of the reasons your furry friend may need a little extra TLC in the skin department.

Allergies and intolerances 

Just like us, dogs can have allergies or intolerances to certain foods or things in their environment like grass pollens, tree pollens, house dust mites, and flea saliva. These allergens can make your pup’s skin itchy, red, and sore, but with a bit of detective work (often through a trial elimination diet or allergy testing), the culprit can usually be identified.  

Parasites

Fleas, ticks, and tiny mange-causing mites can make your dog’s skin extremely itchy and uncomfortable. If left untreated, parasites like these can spread diseases and cause secondary infections from all that scratching. Routine flea and tick preventives and regular checkups should help keep these pests at bay.

Yeast or bacterial infections 

Some breeds, especially those with skin folds like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Shar-Peis, are more prone to yeast or bacterial infections. This is because moisture gets trapped in between their wrinkles, becoming a breeding ground for bacteria. In order to prevent infections like these, the folds should be cleaned and dried each day using vet-approved wipes.

Abrasions and cuts 

Even a small cut can turn into a big problem if it gets infected. Keep an eye out for any scrapes or scratches, and make sure they’re cleaned and treated promptly to avoid complications.

Dry skin 

Dry, flaky skin caused by things like allergies and poor nutrition can be itchy and uncomfortable for your four-pawed pal. Your vet may suggest a regular medicated shampoo regime and a balanced diet, which can work wonders to keep your pup’s skin smooth and healthy.

Seborrhea

Seborrhea, which causes the skin to become oily and flaky, is often seen in breeds like Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, and German Shepherds. Treatment usually involves antibiotics to clear the infection and regular use of medicated shampoos to keep the skin in check.

Poor nutrition

Proper nutrition is the foundation of your dog’s overall health and it’s key to maintaining healthy skin and fur. Make sure your pup’s diet is packed with the right balance of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals to keep their skin barrier strong.

When to go to the vet 

While caring for your dog’s skin at home, you might stumble upon something that needs a professional touch. Many pet skin conditions are actually signs of underlying problems, so it’s always a good idea to visit the vet if you’re unsure. In particular, watch out for the following symptoms:

• Excessive itching, biting, or licking
• Red or puffy skin
• Hair loss or thin patches
• A bad smell coming from the skin
• Sores, rashes, or open wounds
• Sudden changes in the look or feel of the skin

If in doubt, remember your vet can provide the best advice on how to care for your dog and their skin.

Meet our veterinary expert, Rebecca

This article has been checked by veterinarian Rebecca MacMillan, BVetMed MRCVS. Rebecca is a companion animal vet who has always had a passion for writing and client communication. Since her graduation from the Royal Veterinary college in 2009 she has gained a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, in both clinical and managerial roles. She currently works in the South West and deals with a variety of routine and emergency appointments, but particularly enjoys medicine cases. Outside of work and writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her bouncy flat coated retriever George!