A dog's skin is prone to just as many problems as human skin. Just as you care for your skin, your dog needs a proper skin care regimine for overall health, well-being and appearance. Below are five ways to care for your dog's skin.

1. Choose a proper shampoo.
   Many varieties of dog shampoo are available to purchase.
   • For dry,flaking skin use a moisturizing or sensitive skin shampoo.
   • Medicated shampoos with oatmeal, papaya or aloe are also helpful for excessive itching resulting from dry skin.
   • For inflamed skin, an antiseptic shampoo is effective.
   • Certain shampoos are formulated to kill fleas and tick
   • If shedding is a problem consider a shampoo especially for shed control
   • A waterless shampoo is helpful if your dog is afraid of water or has an injury preventing full bathing
   • Some skin condition may call for a prescription shampoo prescribed by your vet


2. Treat parasites quickly.
   Fleas, ticks, chiggers, mange and ringworm all affect the health of your dog's skin.


• Fleas cause itching, skin irritation and in some cases, allergic reactions. Many flea shampoos and dips are available to treat your dog for fleas, but treating your whole house in addition to treating your dog will be necessary. This may include a spray or powder for carpet and upholstery or a fogger for an entire room. Once your house is rid of fleas, spot-on treatments applied one a month will assist in preventing reinfestation.


• Ticks may carry diseases that are dangerous to humans and dogs as well as cause itching and irritation. Many shampoos dips and once-a-month spot-on treatments are labeled to treat both fleas and ticks. Just as fleas, the entire house may need to be treated against ticks by using sprays, powders or foggers labeled for ticks.

To remove single ticks by hand

• Use tweezers and grab the tick as close to the skin as possible.
• Gently pull the tick out and apply antiseptic to the skin.
• Flush the tick down the toilet or immerse it in alcohol to kill it.
• Be sure to thoroughly clean your hands and sanitize the tweezers afterward to prevent the possible spread of diseases.


• Chiggers are mites that feed on blood and cause itching and irritation. Chiggers are most often found around the head and neck and can be red, orange or yellow in color. A veterinarian should be consulted if chiggers are suspected. The vet will then prescribe a cream that is applied to the infected area.


• Mange is a type of mite infestation under the skin that causes bald red patches and itching and could lead to secondary infection. A veterinarian's diagnosis and treatment is required to rid your dog of mange.


• Ringworm isn't actually a worm; it's a fungus that causes circular red or gray bald patches on a dog's skin. If you suspect that your dog has ringworm, see the veterinarian for diagnosis and prescription treatment of medicated shampoo and ointments. Ringwom can be transmitted to humans, particularly children, so avoid direct contact with the area. Always wear gloves when treating ringworm.


3. Feed your dog the right food.
   Many nutritional supplements for skin are avaiable. Be sure to read labels, as your high quality dog food may already contain the same nutrients as the supplement. To prevent an imbalance, giving your dog nutritional supplements should only be done under the advice of a veterinarian.

   It is possible that dogs can suffer from food allergies which may cause the skin to itch. Persistant fungal ear infections are another indicator of a food allergy. There are several factors to evaluate in the process of determing a food allergy and it is very important to ensure that the allergy does not casue a nutritional defficiency for your pet. Consult with your veterinarian before you proceed to try and solve an allergy situtation. You may be referred to a canine veterinary allergy specialist.



4. Brush your dog daily.
   Regular brushes help distribute the natural oils across the skin. These oils keep your dog's skin and coat healthy and shiny. Using a brush with rubber bristles or a grooming glove will better stimulate the skin's oil production without irritating the skin.


5. Inspect skin frequently.
   Regular checks of your dog's skin may allow for early detection of health problems. If anything is out of the ordinary such as lumps, discolored areas, sores or painful spots contact your vet immediately.