Why do dogs get dry skin?

Your dog’s skin and coat should be one of their best features, so it’s natural to worry if things seem a little off. Don't worry: dry skin in dogs is actually a really common problem and usually treatable. But understanding the cause is key.

For this reason, we recommend a trip to the vets iif your pet’s dry skin is persistent or if it’s accompanied by other warning signs.

Read on to find out more about the signs of dry skin, the possible causes, and when to get veterinary help.​

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What does dry skin look like in dogs?

Dry skin can affect dogs to varying degrees. It can look like mild dryness throughout the coat, while other pets may struggle with distressing symptoms like patches of heavy hair loss and scaling.

You may notice other symptoms, like itchiness or hair thinning. It really depends on the underlying cause, as well as your dog’s breed and coat type.

What are the signs of dry skin in dogs?

• Dull, thinning, or brittle coat

• Flaking or excessive dandruff in their fur or on their bedding

• Hair loss in patches

• Itching, scratching, or biting at skin

• Redness or inflammation

• Scabs or sores from persistent scratching

Where does dry skin most commonly appear?

Dry skin can appear anywhere on the body, but common problem areas include:

• Back (especially near the tail)

• Ears

• Elbows

• Paws

Why do dogs get dry skin? Common causes

There are many reasons why a dog might get dry skin, so it’s worth chatting to a vet about it - it can get stressful to work this out on your own.

But working out why dogs get dry skin can help you identify signs sooner.

Can weather and environment cause dry skin in dogs?

Cold, dry air in winter can strip moisture from skin, and it’s made worse by central heating, reducing indoor humidity. This can lead to dry, sensitive skin for some dogs during the winter months or issues like cracked paw pads.

But perhaps one of the biggest impacts of weather is on dogs with seasonal skin allergies. For example, spring and summer can be particularly problematic for pets with tree or grass pollen sensitivities. It’s important to take note of when and where your dog’s dry skin issues are worse, as this will help your vet pinpoint the exact cause.

Is diet causing my dog's dry skin?

Diet can contribute to dry skin. Low-quality food or nutritionally incomplete meals can affect coat quality. For example, a lack of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is one of the most common problems.

Our guide on pet nutrition can help here.

Can allergies cause dry skin in dogs?

Allergies are one of the top reasons why a dog might have dry, sensitive, or itchy skin. Dogs can suffer from one or more of the following:

• Environmental allergies (also known as atopic dermatitis), such as pollen, dust mites, or grass.

• Food allergies with the most common allergens being chicken, beef, dairy, and wheat.

• Flea allergy dermatitis, which is a sensitivity to flea saliva.

You can find some foods that are good for skin allergies here.

Can over-bathing cause dry skin in dogs?

Bathing your dog is important, but doing it too frequently can strip their coat of natural skin oils. Dogs should only be bathed with shampoo when they are particularly dirty; about once a month is recommended.

Steer clear of human shampoos as these can be too harsh for dogs, andalways use a dog-specific product that will be the right pH for their skin.

Our article on bathing your dog can help here.

Can parasites cause dry skin in dogs?

Parasites can cause symptoms of dry skin, including itchiness, hair loss, redness, and increased scurf. These include:

• Fleas: Flea bites cause skin irritation, which is worse for dogs with flea allergic dermatitis.

• Lice: Not common, but can be found on puppies, sick dogs, or those kept in poor conditions.

• Mites: Demodex, sarcoptes, and cheyletiella ("walking dandruff") are all tiny parasites that can cause skin issues.

Vets usually like to rule out parasites first when treating a dog with dry or itchy skin. Year-round parasite prevention is often strongly recommended.

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Can underlying health conditions cause dry skin?

Yes, there are many underlying health conditions that can impact skin health in your tailmate. These include:

• Bacterial or fungal skin infections: Ringworm (dermatophytosis) is an example of a fungal skin infection that can cause dry, scaly patches. Bacterial infections can also contribute to inflamed, itchy, or dry skin too.

• Hypothyroidism and Cushing's disease: These endocrine (hormonal) conditions are both associated with dry, scaly skin and hair loss.

• Other autoimmune conditions: Pemphigus foliaceus is an example of this, causing severe crusting and hair loss, especially on the ears and face.

• Seborrhoea (dry or oily form): This condition causes issues like excessive scaling or dandruff, and secondary skin infections.

Your vet will be able to suggest diagnostics and treatment plans to deal with these issues. Some may require long-term management and medications.

Why does my puppy have dry skin?

Many puppies go through phases of dry, mildly scruffy skin, particularly medium and long-haired breeds.

But issues like zinc-responsive dermatosis, a condition seen in certain breeds like Huskies, need to be ruled out. Parasites are also common in puppies, as well as dietary issues. Speak to your vet if your puppy has dry or itchy skin.​

How to treat dry skin in dogs

If your dog has only mild symptoms of dry skin, you may want to try a few changes at home before a visit to the vets.

How do I treat my dog's dry skin at home?

• Discuss omega-3 supplements (fish oil) with your vet, which may improve skin and coat quality, as well as provide some anti-inflammatory properties.

• Make sure fresh water is always available.​

• Make sure your dog’s parasite treatment is up to date using a vet-approved product.

• Reduce bathing frequency and switch to a moisturising, dog-specific shampoo.

• Regular brushing can help improve coat condition by redistributing natural oils and removing dead skin cells.

• Use a humidifier in dry indoor environments.

What food helps with dry skin in dogs?

This one depends on whether your pet has any underlying food allergies or not. If this is the case, then your vet will talk you through recommended diets or supplements, as well as how to do a dietary food trial if necessary.

Otherwise, high-quality dog food with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is usually a good starting point.

What shampoo is best for dogs with dry skin?

For dogs with mild symptoms, oatmeal-based shampoos may be helpful for temporary itch relief. But some dogs will need medicated (vet-prescribed) shampoo, especially if they have persistent symptoms.

Never be tempted to use human shampoo on your pup. This is the wrong pH and can worsen skin dryness.

Are there treatments for dry skin on a dog's ears?

Ear dryness, redness or itchiness can indicate allergies or infection so get your vet to check your dog over. It’s important to avoid DIY treatments without a diagnosis, as you could do more harm than good.

When should I take my dog to the vet for dry skin?

You can just monitor mild, dry skin that isn’t itchy, inflamed or sore initially. But if symptoms don’t improve or your tailmate starts becoming uncomfortable, then a trip to the vets is needed.

When is dry skin in dogs a sign of something more serious?

If your pet shows any of the following symptoms, then their dry skin will need more urgent veterinary attention:

• Not responding to home care or treatment after 2–3 weeks.

• Their dry skin is accompanied by itchiness, hair loss, scabs, sores, or bleeding.

• Signs of infection, including odour, discharge, or redness.

• Your pet has weight loss, lethargy or changes in appetite and thirst, alongside skin symptoms.

• "Walking dandruff" or moving skin flakes - this could be a sign of mites (namely Chyletiella).

What will the vet do for my dog's dry skin?

Your vet may recommend:

• A physical examination and questions about diet, bathing, and parasite prevention.

• Allergy testing, if needed, or a strict dietary trial.

• Blood tests to rule out conditions like hypothyroidism or Cushing's disease.

• Prescription medicated shampoo, topical treatments, or oral medication - dependent on your pet’s symptoms and diagnosis.

• Skin biopsies, especially if conditions like autoimmune disease are suspected.

• Skin scrapes to check for microscopic mites or infection.

How to prevent dry skin in dogs

While you may not be able to prevent dry skin in dogs altogether, there are some things you can do to help.

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to stop your dog from getting underlying allergies, autoimmune disease, or endocrine disorders. But there’s plenty you can do to support your dog’s skin and coat health more generally.

How can I prevent my dog from getting dry skin?

• Brush your pet regularly.

• Feed a high-quality, nutritionally complete diet.

• Keep up year-round flea and parasite prevention.

• Maintain a regular (but not excessive) bathing routine with appropriate products.

• Monitor for early problem signs and act quickly.​

Common questions about dry skin in dogs

Can dogs get dry skin like humans?

Most dogs with dry skin have an underlying issue like a skin allergy, parasites, or dietary deficiency. So it’s important to rule these out first before presuming your dog has the same sorts of dry skin issues that we see in humans.

Why does my dog have dry, flaky skin and scabs?

Dry, flaky skin and scabs can be caused by a number of issues, including skin allergies, parasites, infections, and health issues. That’s why a vet check-up for an accurate diagnosis is essential.

Why does my dog have dry skin on their back?

Dry skin on your dog’s back could be due to issues like over-bathing, poor diet, parasites, flea allergic dermatitis, seborrhoea, or fungal infections. A vet check may be needed to determine the exact cause.

Why does my dog have dry skin on their ears?

Dry skin on your dog’s ears could be due to issues like a bacterial or fungal ear infection, allergies, or autoimmune disease. If your dog’s ears are sore, inflamed, or very crusty/scaly, then a vet appointment is recommended.

Is dry skin in dogs painful?

Dry skin in dogs can be painful, especially if your dog is excessively itchy or suffering from secondary infections. Seeking help sooner rather than later can avoid unnecessary suffering and stop problems from worsening.

What home remedies help with dry skin in dogs?

Mild symptoms may respond to a change in diet or shampoo. Increasing your dog’s brushing regime and making sure your dog’s preventative parasite treatment can also help.

Can I put coconut oil on my dog's dry skin?

Coconut oil may help soothe dry or irritated skin, due to its moisturising and anti-microbial properties, but it’s certainly not a cure-all product. Its effects will depend on the underlying reasons for your dog's dry skin.

Is my dog's dry skin an allergy?

It certainly could be. Allergies are one of the most common reasons why dogs suffer from dry or irritated skin. If your dog has persistent dry skin, with increased itchiness, redness, or hair loss, then make sure you speak to your vet.