The Best Dry Skin Treatments For Dogs
Watching your pup suffer from dry, itchy skin is heartbreaking. Whether they have sensitive skin from the weather or a chronic condition, there are things to help them get some relief. From moisturizing balms to treats filled with nourishing ingredients, the market is full of products to help you help your pet. We've rounded up a few of our favorite dry skin treatments to help you determine which one will give your dog the most relief.
What to Look For
After researching dry skin treatments for dogs, we found the best ones are moisturizing, affordable, and easy to apply. Based on these requirements, our top pick is the Natural Dog Company soothing stick. This thick balm contains nourishing ingredients, such as cocoa butter, vitamin E, and chamomile, that will provide instant relief and heal your pup’s itchy skin. It is also simple to apply anywhere on your dog’s body since it comes in a convenient stick form. As a more affordable option, we love the oatmeal conditioning spray from John Paul Pet. This budget-friendly spray is easy to apply and helps to moisturize your dog’s skin, whether their coat is wet or dry. Keep reading to discover your new favorite dry skin treatment for dogs.
Natural Dog Company Skin Soother Stick
Pampered pooch
Whether your dog deals with flaky skin or hot spots, the Natural Dog Company’s soothing balm will offer relief. It comes in stick form and easily twists up when you want to reveal more product. And it contains hydrating ingredients, such as vitamin E and cocoa butter that will instantly make your pup’s skin feel moisturized. You can swipe this natural balm on any exposed skin, including your dog’s nose, paw pads, and belly.
Pros:
- Safe to apply up to three times per day
- Vegan ingredients
- It won’t harm your pet if they eat some of the balm
Cons:
- Not as affordable as other options
Warren London Hydrating Butter Leave-In Pet Conditioner
Hydration station
After thoroughly washing your dog’s skin and fur at bathtime, the next step should always be applying a conditioner to add moisture. Warren London’s leave-in conditioner is specifically designed for dogs and has a fruity guava scent. The conditioner isn’t oily and doesn’t require any rinsing after application, so it can soak into your pup’s skin. It works best when rubbed onto a dry coat to ensure it soaks in and does its job to the fullest.
Pros:
- Works on all coat types
- Relieves dogs that suffer from itchy skin and dandruff
- Hydrates for up to 24 hours
Cons:
- Can be challenging to spread through long fur
Bark&Spark Omega Skin and Coat Salmon Oil Treats
Healthy treating
If your dog deals with a painful or uncomfortable skin condition caused by dry skin, a daily supplement may help rejuvenate their skin over time. Bark&Spark’s salmon oil treats contain omega fatty acids that help with allergies, joint health, and heart health, in addition to curing dry skin issues. These tasty treats are safe for all breeds and ages. And there is a helpful serving guide on the container to ensure you give your dog the correct amount of treats daily.
Pros:
- Contains up to three months’ worth of treats
- A safe option for picky eaters
- Helps improve coat quality
Cons:
- They have a strong scent that dog owners may not love
John Paul Pet Oatmeal Conditioning Spray
Satisfying spritz
This leave-in conditioning spray from John Paul Pet is easy to apply on any fur type and won’t leave any greasy residue behind. You can spray it directly onto your dog’s coat and skin when wet or dry to add moisture to their dry, itchy skin. Conditioning ingredients such as aloe, panthenol, and chamomile are nourishing and also help detangle long fur when brushing the product through. But the best part is that this affordable spray is concentrated, so you don’t need to apply very much with each use.
Pros:
- Free from parabens and phthalates
- Cruelty-free product
- Safe to use on dogs and cats
Cons:
- It isn’t designed to help with dandruff
Wahl Oatmeal Shampoo Concentrate for Dry Skin
Squeaky clean
Even though your dog deals with dry skin, it doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t give them regular baths. Wahl’s moisturizing shampoo was developed for dry and itchy skin. And it contains oatmeal, which is a gentle ingredient that won’t cause further damage to sensitive skin. This concentrated formula is pH balanced and doesn’t contain alcohol or parabens that could disrupt your pet’s body. After using this shampoo a couple of times, your dog will be excited and ready for their next bath.
Pros:
- Affordable option
- Creates a thick lather that is easy to spread
- It has a fresh scent that lasts
Cons:
- It may not help with severe skin conditions caused by eczema or allergies
Why does my dog have dry skin?
In most cases, dry skin shows up when the weather gets cold and dry. But in more extreme cases, your dog could be dealing with dry skin as a result of allergies, parasites, a bacterial or yeast infection, and maybe even a disorder, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease. If you’ve tried various moisturizing lotions and balms on your dog and haven’t noticed any improvement, we recommend taking them to the vet for a more thorough diagnosis.
What should I use to treat my dog’s dry skin?
If you’ve determined that your dog is simply suffering from a case of dry skin from a change in the weather, there are plenty of moisturizing options. For dry paws, noses, and elbows, a thick balm is the best option because it will double as a protective layer when your dog goes outside. For all-over care, we recommend using a moisturizing shampoo and finishing up bathtime with a leave-in conditioning lotion or spray. Once the conditioner is brushed through your pup’s fur, it will soak into their skin and provide relief as it soothes.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
DogTime is a leading resource for dog owners & pet lovers. Our goal is to give every dog & pet a happy, healthy home by providing the best advice to owners.