Dry Skin In Dogs

Dry skin in dogs is often caused by canine atopic dermatitis or atopy as it is also known.

Atopy is like eczema in people.

Dry skin in dogs can be seen as white flakes shedding in the coat of the dog. If you scratch at the skin of your dog, skin cells will flake off. This can look like "dandruff".

The reason for dry skin in dogs is water loss from the skin. Many canine skin problems are due to a faulty skin barrier. This is where the similarities with human eczema occur.

The surface of the skin has a barrier. If you imagine the outer layer of the skin is like a brick wall where the cells are bricks and between the cells is a layer of "mortar" called ceramide. Ceramide is made up of lipids and proteins.

In a dog with a barrier defect, the ceramide is missing sphingosine. The ceramide crumbles like old mortar. This layer normally traps moisture in the skin. Dry skin in dogs occurs when water escapes through this barrier.

Atopic dermatitis occurs in many breeds of dogs. Dry skin in dogs therefore occurs in dogs with atopic dermatitis. Some breeds commonly affected are Jack Russel Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, Maltese Terriers, Staffordshire Terriers, Bulldogs, Sharpei's, Boxer's, Labradores, Retrievers to name just a few.

Dry skin in dogs with atopic dermatitis is the first symptom of the trouble to come. You may notice this dry skin in the first year of the dogs' life. This is the beginning of the "allergy march". Dry skin in dogs frequently leads to canine skin problems.

Many of these dogs will go on to develop skin problems. An itchy rash may develop in areas where there is no hair covering. These areas are likely to be in the groin, abdomen, arm pit and on the feet and on the inside of the ears.

Dry skin in dogs is a symptom of canine atopic dermatitis. This skin barrier defect that allows water loss also allows allergens and bacteria to cross the skin barrier. Allergens such as pollen and dust mite cross the skin and trigger an allergic reaction. A red rash will develop once sensitisation develops.

A lot of atopic dogs will not develop an itchy rash until they are between one and two years of age because it takes time to become sensitised to the allergens that cross the skin.

If you dog never had skin problems until it was one or two years of age, it may have atopic dermatitis. Dry skin in dogs is often the first symptom you will see in the "allergy march".

You need to start treating the skin barrier fast or your dog will have a lifetime of skin problems.

Dry skin in dogs must be treated immediately to prevent a lifetime of
skin problems. You can save money on drugs and vet fees by following our
action plan to prevent your dog itching and scratching
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