What should I check if my dog has dry, flaky skin? | arlo.® Atlas

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your dog has dry, flaky skin, start by checking their coat, grooming routine, washing habits, diet, and whether the skin looks red or sore as well as flaky. It’s often something fairly straightforward, but there are several possible causes, so it’s worth looking at the whole picture rather than just the flakes.

Things To Check

1. Check whether the flaking is all over or limited to one area, such as the back, rump, ears or belly.

2. Look closely for redness, scabs, broken skin, hair loss, smell, or any wet patches that could suggest the skin is irritated rather than just dry.

3. Think about any recent changes in shampoo, grooming products, bathing frequency or coat clipping, as over-washing or harsh products can sometimes leave skin drier.

4. Check whether your dog has been scratching, licking, rubbing, or rolling more than usual, since that can point to itch rather than simple dryness.

5. Look for signs of parasites such as fleas or flea dirt, especially around the base of the tail, belly and neck.

6. Consider whether the house has become drier, or whether your dog has been spending more time in central heating, cold weather, or muddy and wet conditions.

7. Think about appetite, thirst, energy and weight, because skin changes can sometimes sit alongside a wider health issue.

Common Causes

The most common causes are simple grooming or washing issues, seasonal dryness, and skin that’s become irritated by environmental factors.

Dry, flaky skin can also happen alongside allergies, flea irritation, poor coat condition, or an underlying skin problem that needs a vet to assess.

Less commonly, flaky skin may be linked with hormone issues, diet problems, or other general health concerns, especially if there are other symptoms as well.

What To Do

Make a note of where the flaking is, how long it’s been going on, and whether it’s getting better or worse. That makes it much easier to spot patterns.

Use a gentle grooming routine and avoid over-bathing unless your vet has advised it. Regular brushing can help lift loose skin and coat debris without being too harsh.

If your dog has been washing in muddy or very dirty conditions, rinse and dry them carefully afterwards, then avoid leaving the coat damp for long periods.

Keep an eye on the skin over a few days. If the flakes are mild and your dog otherwise seems well, simple routine care may be enough to help support things.

If the skin looks sore, your dog seems very itchy, or the problem keeps coming back, it’s sensible to get veterinary advice rather than guessing.

Products That May Help

For dogs with dry coats or skin that needs a gentler grooming routine, a suitable pet care collection can be useful as part of everyday coat and hygiene support.

Pet Care

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