How to Prevent Canine Skin Problems
- 1). Feed your dog a nutritious diet. A well-balanced diet full of protein, vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids contribute to your dog's health, skin and coat. Veterinarians often recommend premium dry dog foods because they contain larger quantities of protein and vitamins than most grocery store brands. Sometimes a dog needs more essential fatty acid in his diet to prevent dry skin. Add an essential fatty acid supplement to the dog's diet if he suffers from dry skin. Ask your veterinarian to recommend an essential fatty acid supplement.
- 2). Consult a veterinarian about sore, dry, itchy or scaly patches of skin to rule out medical conditions or parasites. Health conditions such as allergies, thyroid disorders and bacterial infections can cause skin irritation. Parasites such as fleas and mites contribute to itching and hair loss.
- 3). Brush your dog's coat daily to remove dander and shed fur and stimulate sebaceous glands. The dog's skin produces sebum, the natural oil that moisturizes skin and fur. Use a slicker brush to detangle and remove the shed fur. Follow with a bristle brush to shine the coat and spread natural oils through the fur and skin.
- 4). Apply conditioner to the dog's fur periodically. Use a dog leave-in conditioner on her fur whenever her skin or coat feels dry. Spray the leave-in conditioner into her fur and brush it through the coat to distribute evenly.
- 5). Bathe your dog once a month or as needed. Your dog does not need a daily or weekly bath. Frequent baths can dry out a dog's skin and coat.
- 6). Use mild shampoos and a moisturizing conditioner designed for dogs. Select hypo-allergenic, soap-free shampoos. These types of shampoos keep skin hydrated and do not remove monthly flea and tick product applications during the wash. Choose conditioners with moisturizing ingredients such as essential fatty acids, protein and natural moisturizing factors. Ask your veterinarian to recommend a shampoo and cream rinse for your dog's specific needs.
- 7). Protect the dog's skin from fleas and ticks. Apply a flea and tick control product as directed by your veterinarian. Fleas and ticks irritate the skin and cause itchy, inflamed patches of skin. Since fleas and ticks feed on the blood, they can create serious health conditions such as allergies, anemia and Lyme disease. Fleas also carry tapeworms and can pass them to your pet.
- 8). Treat dry patches with an application of olive oil. Pour a drop of olive oil in a bowl. Dip a cotton ball into the oil and apply it to the dry patch. You can also use olive oil to condition the dog's entire coat between washes. Pour one drop of olive oil into your palm and rub hands together. Be careful not to use too much olive oil because a little goes a long way. Smooth the olive oil onto your dog's fur and brush to distribute the oil through the skin and coat.
Source...