As humans, we love to pet our furry friends. Petting dogs can lower our cortisol, stress levels, and blood pressure while helping us feel calm and relaxed.1
But when our pooch's coat is dry and brittle with itchy and flaky skin, it can cause us to worry. If you see the following signs of an unhealthy dog coat, a skin and coat supplement for dogs may help if you see the following signs of an unhealthy dog coat:
- An increase in itchiness and irritation
- Excessively licking, scratching, or biting of skin, causing redness
- Flaky skin
- Dry, brittle hair
- Chewing or licking paws
Signs of an Unhealthy Coat
If your dog has an unhealthy coat and dry, itchy skin, it may be a sign of other issues. It's important to rule out causes that require veterinary care, such as parasites, fungal infections, and scaling disorders.
Apart from those more serious conditions, there are several common causes of occasional dry skin in dogs that can be easily supported with dog skin care supplements and proper nutrition.
Dry, Winter Heat
When it gets chilly outside and the furnace comes on, we all notice our skin getting a little drier. Your dog is no exception. The dry heat inside during the winter, combined with the cold winds outside, can remove moisture from the air and dry out skin. A dog supplement for itchy skin formulated with fish oils for dogs, collagen, vitamins, and essential minerals can help keep your dog's skin and coat healthy and hydrated.
Seasonal Allergies
The same pollen that makes some people sneeze can make your dog itchy. When the days get warmer, flowers start blooming, and trees begin showing leaves, that's when seasonal allergies kick in. The pollen, mold spores, and dust floating around in the air can cause allergic reactions in your dog from spring through the fall.
Allergic reactions can happen all year long. If your dog is itching and scratching when he or she is not outdoors in the winter, it may not be seasonal allergies but rather an allergic reaction to dust and mold inside your home.
Is fish oil good for dogs? Yes, your dog's allergies, just like allergies in humans, are caused by a hypersensitive immune system. Natural supplements that include salmon oil, which is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, can support your dog's immune system to help you maintain the health of your dog's skin and coat.
Shampoos
Bathing too often or using the wrong shampoo can lead to dry skin in dogs. Only use shampoos formulated for dogs—try not to bathe more than necessary. If you notice your dog's skin drying out after a bath, supplements for dogs with safflower oil and collagen can help you keep your dog's skin and coat healthy.
Low Quality Food or a Food Allergy
Mineral and vitamin deficiencies can cause hair loss in dogs. Talk to your vet about a higher-quality diet. Supplements with biotin, vitamin A, vitamin E, and zinc, plus omega-3 fatty acids can help provide the nutrition your dog needs.
For severe, chronic dermatological cases, your vet may prescribe Purina® Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets DRM Dermatologic Management® to help dogs with dry skin; it is formulated with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins to help a dog's immune system maintain a healthy skin and coat.
Parasites
Parasites are icky, but common for outdoor dogs to pick up. You can check for fleas and ticks at home and get treatments recommended by your vet. If your dog has mites, a bacterial infection, or a fungal infection like ringworm, you'll need to consult your veterinarian for diagnoses and treatment.
With a flea infestation, you may notice hair loss on your dog's belly or armpits, in addition to the itching and scratching. A severe infestation may necessitate a bath and/or treatments from a vet. Ask your vet about the benefits of giving your dog a natural skin and coat supplement while you clear up any infestations or infections.
Skin & Coat Supplements for Dogs
To keep your dog's skin and coat in top condition, consider EverRoot® Dog Skin & Coat Supplements. Made with the perfect blend of nutrients and oils, these supplements can help maintain the health of your dog's skin and coat.
EverRoot Dog Skin & Coat Supplements contain ingredients like wild-caught Alaskan salmon oil and cod oil, organic safflower oil, vitamin E, and vitamin B7 (biotin). They are specially formulated by Purina nutritionists to be rich in linoleic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients that support your dog's immune system and overall skin health.
The Benefits of Fish Oil for Dogs
The wild-caught Alaskan salmon oil, cod oil and fish oil blends in EverRoot Dog Supplements come from fisheries that are certified by the Marine Stewardship Council for sustainable fishing.
The salmon and cod oil blends are rich in vitamin A, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids that support many elements of a dog's health, such as easing joint stiffness due to normal daily exercise and activity, in addition to benefiting their skin and coat.
The formulas contain other ingredients including safflower oil for dogs, coconut oil, hemp seed oil, and essential minerals.
Safflower Oil
Derived from organic safflower oil, linoleic acid is an essential nutrient for dogs. The linoleic acid in EverRoot Skin & Coat Dog Supplements helps support your dog's sensitive skin health.
Coconut Oil
Rich in medium chain fatty acids, nutrient-dense coconut oil supports your dog's healthy skin and coat. EverRoot only uses organic coconut oil in their supplements. In addition to the benefits to your dog's appearance, the medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) found in coconut oil have been shown to promote alertness and activity in senior dogs.
Hemp Seed Oil
Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids to support skin health, organic hemp seed oil can also help your dog relax while supporting their appetite and joint health.
Essential Minerals Zinc and Biotin
Natural zinc powder supports your dog's immune system and cognitive function and the health of his or her coat.
Derived from brewer's yeast, biotin benefits dogs in a variety of ways, but you may notice an improvement in your dog's skin and coat.
Get Help for Dogs with Dry, Itchy Skin
With EverRoot Dog Supplements and a little proactive care, your dog can enjoy healthy, hydrated skin and a beautiful, shiny coat all year long.
Learn more about EverRoot Dog Skin & Coat Supplements
[1] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-friend-who-keeps-you-young