What are the causes of dry and flaky skin in dogs?
1. Allergies
The causes of allergies in dogs that result in dry and flaky skin can include environmental allergens such as pollen, dust mites, plants, household diffusers, cleaners, washing detergent, and flea and tick collars; contact allergens such as shampoos, laundry detergents, essential oils, flea and tick sprays, and carpet fresheners; and food allergens such as beef, lamb, chicken, soy, and eggs. Allergies can also be caused by grains and other protein sources. In some cases, a dog may be sensitive to the environment around them, such as smoke, dander, and mold. If left untreated, allergies can lead to further irritation, dryness, and flakiness of the skin.
2. Skin Infections and Infestations
Examples of skin infections and infestations that can cause dry and flaky skin in dogs include yeast dermatitis, staph infection, folliculitis, seborrhea, and ringworm. Yeast dermatitis is caused by the fungus Malassezia pachydermatis and can cause itching, red and inflamed skin, flaking, and odors in addition to dryness. Impetigo and folliculitis can result in bumps, sores, and scabs. Mites can cause a serious skin condition called mange, characterized by extreme itchiness, crusted skin, redness, and hair loss. Bacterial infections, such as pyoderma, can result in papules or pustules (little lumps filled with pus) on the skin. Ringworm can cause dry hairless patches of skin which can sometimes appear in circular lesions. Finally, a yeast infection can cause irritated or discolored skin and can usually be found around the ears or paws.
3. Yeast Infection
Yeast infection is an infection caused by a fungal organism called Malassezia pachydermatis, which is commonly found on the skin of many dogs. When an excessive amount of the fungus builds up in warm, moist areas on a dog’s body, it can cause outbreaks of irritated, itchy, and discolored skin that can lead to scabs due to incessant licking, chewing, and scratching. These symptoms can cause dry and flaky skin, which can be accompanied by lesions and extreme itching. To treat the infection, topical ointments or medicated sprays may be necessary, and it is recommended to see a veterinarian to determine the best course of treatment.
4. Internal Health Conditions
What are the internal health conditions that cause dry and flaky skin in dogs? [Expanded list]
Internal health conditions that can cause dry and flaky skin in dogs include: hormonal imbalances, allergies, bacterial and fungal infections, nutritional deficiencies, hypothyroidism, Lupus, Cushing’s disease, immune system disorders, and skin cancer. Bacterial and fungal infections can cause skin-related side effects, such as yeast dermatitis, staph infection, folliculitis, seborrhea, and ringworm. Symptoms of these conditions may include itchiness, redness, dryness, hair loss, scabbing, and discoloration. It is important to have your veterinarian look at any concerning skin issues your dog might be experiencing, as they could be due to an underlying condition, and they will not go away until the ailment has been addressed.
5. External Irritants
External irritants that can cause dry and flaky skin in dogs include pollen, grass, pollution, products like dog shampoo, soap and other cleaning products, laundry detergent, plastic bowls, fleas, ticks, mites, and lice. Pollen is the most common environmental allergen that can cause irritation on a dog’s skin and result in allergic dermatitis that can cause skin irritation, itchiness, rashes, redness, bumps, blisters, moist skin, abnormal odors, sores, and crusty scabs. Fleas are the external parasites that most commonly irritate a dog’s skin, causing them to excessively lick, scratch, and/or chew at their skin, resulting in sore, hot spots, and crusty scabs. Mites can also cause a disorder called mange in dogs, which can cause severe hair loss and skin disease. It is important to take proper preventative measures to avoid exposure to these external irritants, including avoiding contact with them, changing diets or household products if these are the trigger, and using flea prevention and control measures.
6. Moisture Reduction
The main cause of moisture reduction in dogs is low humidity in the air. This occurs most commonly during the winter season and in arid climates. Forced air heat can also decrease the humidity levels in a home, leading to dry skin in dogs. Bacterial and fungal infections can also lead to decreased moisture levels in a dog’s skin, resulting in itching, flaking, redness, and odors.
7. Poor Nutrition
The causes of poor nutrition in dogs that causes dry and flaky skin can include inadequate diet, lack of essential vitamins and minerals, and low-quality ingredients. Poor nutrition can lead to a waterfall of devastating health conditions in dogs, such as weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and weakness. Inadequate nutrition can also cause a dog’s skin to become dry and their fur to fall out. To avoid this, it’s important to provide your dog with a high quality, limited ingredient diet that is rich in protein and low in carbohydrates. Additionally, adding essential fatty acids and treating for parasites can help. If the problem persists, consult your veterinarian for further advice.
8. Stress and Anxiety
The causes of stress and anxiety in dogs can be a result of various circumstances such as changing households, introducing a new animal, or even something like losing a favorite toy. Symptoms that can indicate a dog is feeling stressed include frequent pacing, whining, or shaking. To help alleviate the stress, owners should remove the stressor and get their dog to exercise. Medication may be necessary in some cases to help manage the stress and anxiety. It is also important to keep in mind that when a dog is ill or injured, they will likely be less motivated to groom themselves, which can lead to skin and coat health issues.
9. Insect Bites and Flea Infestation
Dry and flaky skin in dogs caused by insect bites and flea infestation can be caused by a variety of factors. Flea bites and droppings can cause the skin to become irritated and itchy, leading to scratching and chewing at the skin which can result in sore, hot spots and crusty scabs. Fleas can be transferred from dog to dog, so canines can get them at boarding kennels, dog parks, or from other dogs in the family. Fleas can also cause an allergic reaction to the saliva that gets in and around the skin when they bite. Ticks can transmit infections through their bites which can become infected if the tick embeds itself in the dog’s skin. Mites can cause a serious skin condition called mange, characterized by extreme itchiness, crusted skin, redness, and hair loss. Lastly, mosquitoes, flies, and other small insects can bite and irritate the skin leading to dry, flaky skin.
10. Allergen Sensitivity
Allergen sensitivity is the body’s response to an antigen that the body perceives as foreign. In dogs, this can manifest itself as dry and flaky skin. Allergens can be anything from environmental allergens such as dust mites, pollen, plants, household diffusers, cleaners, washing detergent, and other compounds. They can also be caused by contact allergies from shampoos, laundry detergents, flea and tick collars, essential oils, flea and tick sprays, carpet fresheners, or even objects like plastic bowls. Food allergies are less common in dogs, but they can also cause the same types of skin signs. When a dog is exposed to one of these allergens, their skin may become dry and rough, even forming painful scabs if they scratch at them frequently. In addition to the dry and flaky skin, canine allergies can also cause sneezing, watery eyes, fur loss, nasal discharge, eye discharge, and even GI upset. To reduce the effects of allergies, it is important to identify the source of the allergy and to reduce the exposure to the allergen.
What are the symptoms of dry and flaky skin in dogs?
1. Flaky Skin
The symptoms of flaky skin in dogs can vary depending on the underlying cause, but some of the most common symptoms include itchiness, hair loss, inflammation, crusting, an odor, dry skin, a dull coat, brittle fur, and skin infections. Additional symptoms associated with parasites include scabs, matted coats, and extreme discomfort. If any of these symptoms are present, it is important to have your pet seen by a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.
2. Itchy Skin
The symptoms of itchy skin in dogs with dry and flaky skin can include: itchiness, red and inflamed skin, flaking, odors, scratching, licking, biting or scratching, hair loss, red skin, crusty or oily skin patches, enflamed ears, and dandruff. Additionally, the presence of fleas, mange, or lice may be the cause of the dry and flaky skin.
3. Skin Irritation
The symptoms of skin irritation in dogs with dry and flaky skin can include itchiness, rashes, redness, bumps, blisters, moist skin, abnormal odors, sores, and crusty scabs. In addition, bacterial and fungal infections can cause skin-related side effects, such as yeast dermatitis, staph infection, folliculitis, seborrhea, and ringworm. In the case of allergies, the symptoms can include skin dryness and itchiness, as well as the formation of scabs if your dog continues to scratch the irritated skin. Flea allergy dermatitis can also cause skin problems.
4. Scabs
The symptoms of scabs on dry and flaky skin in dogs include crusty scabs, redness and irritation, yellow or brown flaky areas, and excessive scratching and biting. Scabs can also indicate underlying allergies, skin infections, or other more serious medical concerns. In addition, if your dog is spending time outdoors without appropriate parasite prevention, they may develop scabs from tick or flea bites. If your dog is engaging in self-trauma or excessive itching, this can also lead to scab formation.
5. Colour Changes
The symptoms of colour changes in dry and flaky skin in dogs can vary depending on the underlying cause. For example, if the cause is a hormonal or endocrine condition, such as Cushing’s disease or hypothyroidism, the dog may show a dull, dry coat with hair loss, and changes in pigmentation. If the cause is the rare skin condition ichthyosis, the coat may be very dry, flaky, and peeling. Lastly, if the cause is a cancerous condition, such as epitheliotrophic lymphoma or melanoma, the dog may have other symptoms in addition to skin changes, such as lumps or bumps, scaling, or sores. It is therefore important to visit a veterinarian for any new skin lesions or conditions to be checked and properly diagnosed.
6. Oozing
The symptoms of oozing dry and flaky skin in dogs include: scratching, chewing and licking at the skin; scabs; red or irritated skin; dandruff in dog’s bedding or home; uncharacteristic hair loss or bald patches; hot spots, or localized areas that your dog keeps itching or biting; scales on the face and paw pads; dog rubbing against furniture; irritated areas secreting pus; scaly skin; uncharacteristically bad odor; and canine pyoderma which is a common problem that usually appears on the face or paws as a rash that turns into blisters with pus and then a yellow or brown crust.
7. Scale Formation
Dry and flaky skin in dogs is caused by a condition known as scale formation. This is when the outer layer of the skin becomes thicker and harder than normal, forming small, dry patches of skin. Common symptoms include itching, flaking, irritation, and redness. In more serious cases, the skin may become thickened and cracked, leading to hair loss and further skin irritation. To prevent scale formation, it is important to keep your dog’s skin and coat well-hydrated and healthy through proper grooming and regular bathing. Additionally, a balanced diet rich in fatty acids and vitamins can help to keep skin and coat healthy.
8. Skin Roughness
The symptoms of skin roughness in dogs can include dryness, itchiness, red and inflamed skin, flaking, odors, scaling, accumulation of oil, dander, and hair under the skin, greasiness, and secondary infections. In the case of seborrhea, the skin produces too many of its superficial epidermal cells, leading to an increase in sebaceous gland turnover rate. This can cause scaly skin over the trunk and axillae, as well as oily, smelly, itchy, inflamed, and infected skin.
9. Dogs Licking Skin
The symptoms of dogs licking skin with dry and flaky skin can include scratching, chewing, and licking at the skin, scabs, red or irritated skin, dandruff in dog’s bedding and the home, uncharacteristic hair loss and bald patches, hot spots or localized areas that the dog constantly itches and bites, scales on the face and paw pads, rubbing against furniture, irritated areas secreting pus, scaly skin, uncharacteristically bad odor, and in some cases, swelling or lumps. Additionally, dogs may paw or chew at the affected area, and may show signs of inflammation, redness or discoloration, lesions or scabs, rashes, dryness and flakiness, and bald patches.
10. Pit Craters
The symptoms of dry and flaky skin in dogs with pit craters include itchiness, hair loss, redness, crusty scabs, and flakiness. Other signs may include bumps and lesions, scaling, inflammation, and a red rash around the dog’s neck and abdomen. Additionally, you may notice the skin appearing dry, scaly, and flaky, and the dog may be excessively scratching, biting, and licking itself. To diagnose the condition, you should take your dog to the vet for an examination and for skin tests.
What are the treatment options for dry and flaky skin in dogs?
1. Shampoo
- Use a mild, soap-free shampoo containing sulfur-based compounds and salicylic acid to treat the symptoms of dry and flaky skin in dogs.
- Bathe your dog every 3-5 days using a shampoo specifically formulated for dogs.
- If necessary, use a benzoyl-peroxide or tar-based shampoo to reduce oiliness.
- After bathing, apply a moisturizing, dog skin-specific formula to help protect and nourish the skin.
- Consider supplementing essential fatty acids and/or oral retinoic acid as prescribed by your veterinarian.
- If necessary, use a combination of antibiotics, anti-fungal medications, and/or corticosteroids as prescribed by your veterinarian.
- For an added boost of relief and nourishment, try using a CBD dog shampoo.
- Finally, make sure to groom your dog consistently to reduce the risk of infection.
2. Ointments
When it comes to treating dry and flaky skin in dogs, there are many options available. Ointments can be used to help treat the skin and provide relief from itching, inflammation, and discomfort. These can include antibiotic and antifungal creams, shampoos, and ointments, as well as moisturizing formulas specifically designed for dogs. Over-the-counter strength ointments are widely available and can be found at most large retail stores, pet stores, and online retailers. Additionally, prescription-strength medicated shampoos and ointments can be prescribed by a licensed veterinarian. Other treatments may include oral medications, such as fatty-acid supplements, retinoic acid, Accutane, Soriatane, corticosteroids, cyclosporine, and Vitamin E. Softening crusty scabs with either water or coconut oil, and using a strong brew of chamomile tea cooled in a spray bottle are also mess-free solutions to help relieve discomfort. In addition, allergen testing, bacterial culture, cytology, fungal culture, physical exams, skin biopsies, and skin scrapings may be recommended by a vet to determine the underlying cause of the skin condition.
3. Supplements
When it comes to treating dry and flaky skin in dogs, there are several supplements available. These include fish oil capsules, topical medicated shampoos and dog moisturizers, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and a high quality, balanced diet. Fish oil capsules provide important omega-3 fatty acids that help keep a dog’s skin nourished and hydrated. Medicated shampoos and moisturizers can help to remove scales and improve skin condition, while essential fatty acids help to promote healthy skin and coat. Vitamins and minerals can help provide the nutrients needed to support the skin’s barrier function and maintain healthy skin. Finally, a balanced diet with proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and plenty of water are essential for keeping skin hydrated and nourished.
4. Bathing
Step 1: Use a quality dog shampoo and ask your vet if they recommend any special medicated shampoo for your pet. Bathing a dog too frequently can strip the skin of its natural oils, so a dog should be bathed no more than once every 4-6 weeks.
Step 2: Keep the dog’s home, yard, and bedding clean and pest-free. Pick up and properly dispose of feces in your yard and anywhere your dog plays, multiple times each day. Bathe your dog as often as needed, once every couple of weeks or once a month, at minimum. Wash all of your dog’s bedding at least once a week, and more often as needed. Wash your bedding and clean all furniture, carpets, rugs, and flooring in your home at least once a week.
Step 3: If your dog gets scabs, get rid of any parasites. This can be done by getting medication or spot-on treatments from your vet or bathing it with anti-parasite shampoo.
Step 4: Use an oatmeal bath to soothe dry skin. Fill a tub or a large bucket with warm water and add a cup of whole oat oatmeal to the water, then let your dog soak in the mixture for about 10 minutes.
Step 5: Use an oatmeal-based shampoo to soothe dry skin and hydrate the skin.
5. Flea and Tick Prevention
Step 1: Research the different flea and tick prevention options available, including collars, topical and oral treatments, and seek the advice of your dog’s veterinarian.
Step 2: Make sure to keep up with yearly wellness visits and all flea, tick, and parasite regime treatments.
Step 3: Educate yourself on how to deal with common parasites, such as how to remove a tick.
Step 4: Keep your dog, home, and yard clean and pest-infestation-free. This includes picking up and properly disposing of feces in your yard and anywhere your dog plays multiple times each day, bathing your dog as often as needed, washing all of your dog’s bedding at least once a week, and washing your bedding and cleaning all furniture, carpets, rugs, and flooring in your home at least once a week.
Step 5: Look for ticks on your dog when you return from places known to have them and remove any you find using tweezers, pulling the tick straight out without twisting it. Ask your veterinarian for advice if needed.
6. Grooming Products
When it comes to treating dry and flaky skin in dogs, it’s important to invest in quality grooming products to ensure your furry friend’s coat stays healthy and shiny. There are several over-the-counter (OTC) strength anti-bacterial and anti-fungal creams and shampoos available to help treat a variety of skin disorders in dogs, such as fleas, mites, lice, and general allergies. It’s important to do your research and ask your veterinarian to determine which shampoo and/or ointment has been shown to work best for the specific skin condition your dog is suffering from.
For general skin care, use natural dog shampoo with coconut+aloe and essential oils for a moisturizing effect to help keep your dog’s coat soft and healthy. Additionally, look for cleaning wipes specifically designed for dogs to help remove debris from their coat. For long-haired breeds or those with wrinkly skin, you may need a bamboo brush to help remove dirt and other particles from the coat. For extreme cases, you can use a veterinary formula shampoo to help treat more serious skin conditions. Finally, consider using natural balms that are specifically designed for dogs to help nourish their skin and keep it healthy.
7. Diet Changes
Dry and flaky skin can be an uncomfortable issue for dogs, but it’s possible to improve their skin health with diet changes. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:
- Choose a high-quality, limited ingredient dog food that is rich in proteins and low in carbohydrates. This will help provide balanced nutrition to your pet.
- Look for a dog food formula that contains essential fats and oils, as they help keep skin hydrated and moisturized.
- Ensure your dog’s diet is complete and balanced, with the right amounts of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
- Make sure your dog always has access to fresh, clean water, as proper hydration is essential for skin health.
By following these steps and choosing the right food for your pet, you can help improve their skin condition and keep them happy and healthy.
8. Dips
If you’re looking for remedies for dry and flaky skin in dogs, you can try these options with proven results. First is the CHEWY Dog Health Dry and Flaky Skin Relief, which is rated 4.50 out of 5. This product is made with natural ingredients like oat extract and aloe vera that are known to help soothe irritated skin while providing necessary nutrients to help heal dry and flaky skin. Another option is the SHOP FOOD Dry and Flaky Skin Relief, rated 4.91 out of 5. This food-based remedy has a special blend of natural ingredients like chamomile and rosemary extract to help nourish and restore the skin’s natural oils. Finally, the Medically reviewed by Dr. Zach Coston Dry and Flaky Skin Relief is rated 4.88 out of 5. This product is formulated with natural ingredients like coconut oil, which is known to reduce inflammation, and zinc, which helps to promote skin health. All of these products are available starting from $26.95 or with a subscription and 15% savings.
9. Medicated Foamcare Shampoo
Medicated Foamcare Shampoo is an effective way to treat dry and flaky skin in dogs. The process involves several steps:
- Visit your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and recommend the best treatment plan for your dog.
- Purchase an appropriate over-the-counter medicated shampoo for your dog’s particular skin problem. Be sure to research the product before making your purchase.
- Wash your dog with the medicated shampoo, carefully following the directions on the product.
- Use a quality dog shampoo and ask your vet if they recommend any special medicated shampoo for your pet.
- Bath your dog on a regular schedule as often as necessary but beware of overbathing.
- To help your dog feel more comfortable, make a strong brew of chamomile tea cooled in a spray bottle and apply as needed.
- If your dog’s skin condition is severe, your vet may recommend additional treatment such as oral or topical medications, fatty-acid supplements, or even retinoic acid.
- To keep your pup’s skin healthy, use quality products like Vetericyn Foaming Pet Shampoo, Spot Treatments, and Wound Care.
10. Topical Skin Irritants
Some examples of topical skin irritants for dry and flaky skin in dogs include soaps, detergents, shampoos, cleaning products, lawn chemicals and treatments, plastic bowls, pollen, and food items. Soaps, detergents, and shampoos can be irritating to a dog’s skin if used too often or if the wrong type of product is used. Lawn chemicals and treatments can cause skin irritation if the dog makes contact with them. Plastic bowls can cause skin irritation if the dog is allergic to them. Finally, both pollen and food items are potential allergens that could cause skin irritation in dogs.
FAQs
What is dry flaky skin and scabs in dogs?
Dry, flaky skin and scabs in dogs are caused by a variety of factors, including allergies, parasites, hot weather, and malnutrition. Fleas, mange mites, and lice are the three most common culprits when it comes to skin irritation, scabs, and other skin problems. Dry, flaky skin and scabs can be indicative of an underlying skin condition, and can be extremely uncomfortable for your pup. Dry skin occurs when the top layer of skin has been injured or when there is dehydration of the skin, and is usually accompanied by itching, dandruff, and hair loss. Scabs form as the injured skin begins to heal, and may be yellow or brown in color. If your dog is experiencing dry, flaky skin and scabs, it is recommended that you take them to the vet for treatment.
How do you treat dry flaky skin and scabs in dogs?
How do you treat dry flaky skin and scabs in dogs? [Step-by-step instructions]
Step 1: Take your dog to the vet to find out what is causing the skin condition. The vet may prescribe medication such as Benadryl or something else to treat it.
Step 2: Check what food your dog is eating and avoid feeding them anything that might be causing an allergy.
Step 3: Bathe your dog regularly, using a shampoo that is specifically designed for dry, flaky skin or is allergy-free.
Step 4: If parasites such as fleas or ticks are causing bumps on your dog’s skin, bathe them with a special shampoo to get rid of them.
Step 5: In hot weather and warm climates, keep your dog inside in a cool area or at least take them out to play or walk during the early morning or late at night.
Step 6: Brush your dog’s fur daily to promote natural oil production.
Step 7: Give your dog omega fatty acids or fish oil supplements as long as your vet approves.
Step 8: Make sure your dog is protected with an approved flea and tick prevention.
Step 9: Ensure your pup is consuming a diet that fits their nutritional needs.
What are some common home remedies for dry flaky skin and scabs in dogs?
What are some common home remedies for dry flaky skin and scabs in dogs? [Expanded List] Brushing your dog’s fur to promote natural oil production, supplementing their diet with fish oil or omegas, bathing them once a week with a soothing shampoo designed for dry skin, applying flea and tick prevention, ensuring that they are consuming a diet that fits their nutritional needs, applying coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, or baking soda, and consulting your veterinarian for allergy medication.
Are there any special shampoos or other grooming products that can help with dry flaky skin and scabs in dogs?
Yes, there are special shampoos and other grooming products that can help with dry flaky skin and scabs in dogs. Veterinary medicated shampoos can be used to eliminate parasites, soothe symptoms, and treat various infections. Additionally, switching your pup’s diet to one that is free of any potential allergens may help to relieve irritation. And, make sure your pup is protected with an approved flea and tick prevention. Finally, it is important to bathe your pup once weekly with an approved soothing shampoo that is designed for dry skin.
Could the dry flaky skin and scabs be caused by a parasite, bacterial infection, or allergy?
The dry, flaky skin and scabs seen on a dog may be the result of various causes, including parasites, bacterial infections, allergies, and even malnutrition. Fleas, mites, and lice can invade the fur and skin of a dog and cause itching, flaking, and redness. Bacterial skin infections may lead to dryness, dandruff, fur loss, open sores, scabs, and odors. Similarly, allergies can also cause itching, redness, and scabs. Finally, malnutrition may lead to dry skin, hair loss, and scabs. Therefore, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best course of treatment for the underlying cause.
Could the dry flaky skin and scabs be caused by a nutritional issue or food allergy?
It is possible that the dry flaky skin and scabs on your dog could be caused by a nutritional issue or food allergy. Poor quality dog foods with long ingredient lists, chemical preservatives, and additives can cause nutritional deficiencies and affect the skin and coat. Signs of a poor-quality dog food include low levels of protein and high amounts of ‘fillers.’ In contrast, high-quality foods have higher levels of protein, lower levels of carbohydrates, and limited, natural ingredients that meet AAFCO’s standards for a complete and balanced diet. Additionally, skin allergies can cause redness, itching and scabs. Common causes of dog skin allergies include fleas, mange, and lice, all of which can cause discomfort and additional skin damage. If your dog is experiencing allergies, it is recommended to visit your vet for allergy testing to pinpoint the exact cause.
Are there any medical treatments that can help with dry flaky skin and scabs in dogs?
Yes, there are a variety of medical treatments that can help with dry flaky skin and scabs in dogs. Your vet may recommend a special shampoo, a diet change, and/or medications depending on the cause and severity of the issue. Veterinary shampoos can help eliminate parasites and treat infections, while diet changes can help if the reactions appear to be food-related. Medications may be prescribed if necessary. Additionally, there are some home remedies that can be used to promote skin and coat health, such as bathing your dog with a special shampoo and giving them a complete health supplement.
Are there any special tips or considerations to keep in mind when dealing with dry flaky skin and scabs in dogs?
Are there any special tips or considerations to keep in mind when dealing with dry flaky skin and scabs in dogs? Yes, there are some tips and considerations you should keep in mind when dealing with dry flaky skin and scabs in dogs. First, you should take your pup to the vet and find out what is causing the skin condition to be treated as soon as possible. Second, you should make sure you are not feeding your dog any food that might be causing the allergy. Third, you should bathe your pup regularly and use a shampoo that is made specifically for dry, flaky skin or that is allergy-free. Fourth, if parasites like fleas or ticks are causing bumps on your dog’s skin, you should bathe your pup with a special shampoo that will help get rid of them. Fifth, if your dog has dry, flaky skin and scabs in the summer and warm climates, you should keep your pup in a cool area where it is not so hot. Lastly, to help soothe your pup’s skin, you can brush your pup’s fur daily to promote natural oil production, supplement their diet with daily fish oil or omegas, bathe your pup once weekly with an approved soothing shampoo, make sure your pup is protected with an approved flea and tick prevention, and make sure your pup is consuming a diet that fits their nutritional needs.