Signs Your Dog Has Sensitive Skin

Just as your skin can become sensitive, so can your dog's. A dog can suffer from sensitive, itchy, dry skin just as you do from genetic factors, allergies, or environmental reasons. A small amount of scratching is normal with a dog, however, if you witness excessive scratching, it is a sign of an underlying issue.

Why Healthy Skin is Important for a Dog

Your dog's skin is important to their well-being and health. The skin is the first part of their immune system and creates a barrier between germs and your dog's body. It is important to make sure your pet is free from dog skin conditions, so they can live healthy and happy.

One of the easiest signs to recognize that your dog's skin is not healthy is if you observe them scratching excessively. The look and feel of their fur and skin are other key indicators of their overall health. It is important to know what to look for and know if your dog is suffering from a skin problem.

How to Know if Your Dog is Suffering From Sensitive Skin

As mentioned above, excessive scratching is a key indicator of your dog having sensitive skin. There are other obvious behaviors your pet will display if their skin is not feeling healthy:

• Abnormal, patchy hair loss or molting
• Headshaking or licking
• Rubbing on furniture, the floor, or other objects
• Scabs and bumps
• Itchy, red skin
• Flaky, scaly, dry skin
• Odor and/or greasiness

Some dog skin issues will give off a particularly unpleasant smell. If you are noticing any of these symptoms, you should contact the professionals at VetriMax and discuss a solution for your dog's skincare.

What Can Cause Sensitive Skin on Your Dog

Identifying and treating your dog's sensitive skin issues can be challenging. Some dog breeds, such as Retrievers, Terriers, Maltese, and Bulldogs often suffer from continuing itchy, dry skin, while others may be affected by one of these:

• Food Allergy
• Food allergies are commonly suspected as the primary reason for “itch” in dogs. The most common products a dog will develop an allergy to are soy, corn, chicken, beef, wheat, and preservatives. For these allergies, you should try a diet with non-processed foods including fish, rice, and vegetables. Before a diagnosis of food allergy can be made, it is important to “rule out” all other possible causes. 
• Environment
• Dust mites, pollen, grass, and dust can irritate dog skin. To avoid these allergens from becoming trapped on your dog, you should keep their coat short, wash the bedding regularly, vacuum carpeting, and wash your pet regularly. Vetuau is a shampoo made with oatmeal and aloe and works great for dry, itchy dog skin. This shampoo has been designed as a treatment for dogs suffering from seasonal allergies.
• Harsh Grooming 
• The proper pH level of dog skin (as compared to human skin) is quite different. Strong perfumes, dyes, and soaps can easily damage their skin. Command Shampoo is a veterinary prescribed shampoo for your dog. This is a clinically-proven deep-cleansing shampoo, with no artificial dyes or fragrances. If you suspect your dog has bacterial or fungal overgrowth, Command™ Shampoo should be considered. 
• Fleas
• Fleas are a common cause of irritation and itching with dog skin and is the source of thousands of veterinary visits across the country. Many of the best pet parents will find themselves in denial that their dog has fleas.  Even 1 flea can cause a pruritic flare (extreme itch) in dogs with a hypersensitivity to fleas!  If adult fleas or flea “dirt” is observed, start with a product that acts as an adulticide such as Capstar® tablets.  Once the adult fleas have been eliminated, then begin administering one of the new flea preventatives such as NexGard® or Bravecto®.  For many parts of the United States, year-round flea prevention is necessary.
• Gut Health
• Studies have shown an imbalance of bacteria in your dog's gut can increase their risk of developing allergies. A high-quality diet supplemented with probiotics helps to establish and maintain a healthy gut flora. 
• Fungal Infection
• If a dog scratches a sore or wound on its skin, it becomes vulnerable to fungus or bacteria entering its body's system. Try a treatment shampoo with antimicrobial actions to prevent this type of infection.

Where to Learn More About Dog Skin and Treatments

VetriMax is dedicated to making sure your dog lives the healthiest and happiest life with you. We have patented, proven, and unique products to help you make sure your dog's skin stays healthy, so their overall health is the best it can be. We have more than twenty years' experience in the animal health industry, and apply the latest ingredient-delivery technologies to all our products. Contact us today and learn how we can help keep your dog's skin healthy.