My dog has dry, flaky skin. What should I do? Could it be allergies?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

  Veterinarian

  Published on February 19th, 2017

  This is probably due to a severe allergy, although it could also be fleas or mites. 

First of all, in order to rule out skin parasites, you will need to treat with a high quality flea treatment (advocate or advantage), then get him to the vet to perform a skin scrape - this might reveal an infection or a mite infestation.

 If all of those came back negative, the next step is to treat the allergy symptomatically and try discovering the cause of the allergy.



  

  2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on January 15th, 2018

  The best thing for dry skin is to add a fish oil supplement to the diet. Something like one of these products. It must be a product made for dogs, not a human product. https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/well-and-good-skin-and-coat-omega-3-dog-capsules If there is a lot of flaking/dandruff on his coat, you can use an anti-seborrhea shampoo or spray like this: http://www.allivet.com/search.aspx?SearchTerm=duoxo seborrhea Finally, if you try these things and the problem persists then I recommend you get Baby to your vet for an exam. Dry skin can often be a sign of underlying illness like thyroid disease. Hope this helps. Best wishes!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

  Veterinarian

  Published on March 8th, 2019

  The fish oil may help with the flakey skin and it will take at least a month to see the difference. Certain brands of food are also better for dogs with dry skin. You may also consider changing Nova over to Royal Canin or Nutro. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful