What you choose to feed your dog will greatly impact on their health and mood. Here, our veterinarians at Picayune will discuss the effects of a poor diet and nutrition on your dog's skin and fur, and how you can manage these issues.
The Link Between a Dog's Diet & Skin Health
A dog's skin, along with its coat, makes up 12% of its body weight. This is why they need a lot of nutrients to keep their skin and coat healthy. If a dog doesn't get enough nutrients, their skin and coat won't be healthy. This can cause dryness, irritation, and a dull or patchy coat. So, providing your dog with a good diet is important to keep their skin and coat healthy.
How can a dog's diet and nutrition affect their skin and fur?
When your dog is experiencing a condition affecting their health, there is a good chance that there will be some noticeable impact from the outside, such as in the appearance of their skin and fur.
The most common skin problems in dogs are:
- Allergy (including flea bites and atopic dermatitis)
- Skin cancers
- Bacterial skin infection
- Seborrhea (greasy skin or dry, flaky skin)
- Parasites (e.g., demodectic mange)
- Food hypersensitivity / intolerance
- Immune-medicated skin disease
- Hormone-related skin diseases
Even if you think your dog's diet is generally good and a food allergy is absent, your dog may still experience skin issues.
A nutritional deficiency can greatly impact both your dog's skin and coat. This commonly happens with homemade dog foods that aren't professionally formulated and low-quality commercial dog foods.
What symptoms might a dog with a poor diet experience?
Poor skin conditions can show up in various ways, with some of the most common symptoms being:
- Dry, dull hair with 'split ends'
- Slow growth or no growth of hair from spots that have been clipped or shaved
- Accumulation of dry skin scales
- Pressure sores
- Change in or loss of hair color
Dog Skin Problems Linked to Poor Nutrition
A dog's skin and coat may suffer if they lack essential nutrients or have a dermatological allergy caused by certain ingredients in their food. If your dog shows symptoms of skin issues, it could be due to an allergic reaction to something in their diet rather than a lack of nutrition.
Some dogs are allergic to specific food ingredients and may have similar symptoms. Schedule an examination if you think your dog is getting enough nutrition but still has skin problems. They may test for allergies to try and help you find the best food for your dog's health.
How to Manage & Treat Skin Conditions in Dogs
Switching to a hypoallergenic diet or eliminating potential allergens from their diet may help resolve skin issues. For example, dogs with allergies may benefit from a diet that includes novel proteins, such as venison or duck, to reduce the risk of triggering an allergic reaction.
When trying to determine the cause, you may need to go through a process of trial and error. Ensure that you switch your dog's food gradually to avoid gastrointestinal distress. Also, consult your veterinarian to find out which dog diet food they recommend to keep your pup's skin healthy and their coat shiny.
Nutritional Supplements for Your Pup
By giving your dog certain supplements under the care of a veterinarian, you can help replenish vital nutrients that may be missing from their diet.
For example, adding a fish oil supplement can help provide additional omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and improve skin health. On the other hand, adding a probiotic supplement can help support gut health, which is important for overall skin health.
Keeping Your Dog Well-Hydrated
Water is essential for overall health and hydration, including skin health. Ensure your dog has access to plenty of fresh, clean water. Dehydration can lead to dry, flaky skin, contributing to itching and irritation.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.