Dachshunds are also prone to dry skin, which can be a problem year-round, especially in the winter. Dachshunds have short hair and thin skin, which means they don’t have much protection from the cold or dry air. If you’re looking for ways to help your dog, this article will tell you all about Dachshund dry skin remedies, including what causes it, common causes, prevention, and treatments.
If you’ve noticed that your Dachshund’s skin looks dry or scaly (even when he’s been licked clean) and you’re wondering why that might be the case, we have some bad news: it could be a sign of canine allergies. If your Dachshund is scratching, licking, biting, and otherwise being bothered by something (like fleas), those are some of the more visible signs that your Dachshund may have a problem with dry skin. Other symptoms can include an oily coat and thick or hard patches of dead skin or even dry, flaky patches.
Contents
- Dry Skin Symptoms
- Causes of Dachshund Dry Skin
- Common Issues With Dachshund Dry Skin
- Best Practices for Dachshunds with Dry Skin Problems
- Home Remedies for Dachshunds with Dry Skin Issues
- Veterinary Care
- Summary
Dry Skin Symptoms
Dry skin symptoms are typically associated with the winter season when the humidity level is at its lowest, and the temperature is at its lowest. During the winter season, your pet’s skin may become dry and flaky because of severe weather conditions. Allergies can also cause dry skin that shows symptoms similar to those seen in humans suffering from eczema.
These symptoms include:
- Skin that feels tight and uncomfortable
- Skin that is more flaky than usual
- A dull, dry coat that is susceptible to breakage.
- Hair loss
- An itchy scalp
- Skin infections such as hot spots (usually in dogs with allergy issues)
- Dogs were scratching their skin excessively etc.
Dry Skin Development Causes
While these symptoms are typical of dry skin issues, some dogs never show any symptoms. It is especially true in dogs with deficient levels of the sebaceous glands that produce oil (sebum). Typically when a dog is dehydrated, the skin becomes very dry, and the skin can crack and flake and become more prone to infection.
Sometimes very active dogs can also become dehydrated. More active dogs produce more water; hence they become dehydrated faster than inactive dogs. While many different skin conditions can cause dryness, it is often possible to see the common causes of skin dryness from the symptoms that dog owners describe.
Causes of Dachshund Dry Skin
Dachshunds have a predisposition to dry skin because of their short, fine hair and low-fat content.
- Low-fat diet
Dachshunds need to receive high-quality, grain-free dog food that is all-natural, and providing them with fresh, clean water will ensure that they hydrate well.
- Allergies
Dachshunds may also suffer from seasonal and food allergies that cause dry skin and itching.
- Cool, dry weather
Dachshunds may also suffer from seasonal allergies that cause dry skin and itching.
- Aging
As Dachshunds age, they appear to become more susceptible to dry skin.
- Stress
Dachshund’s skin and coat may become dry and itchy when kept in bad weather or otherwise under stress.
- Genetics
Some Dachshunds may be born with a predisposition to dry skin. It can be transmitted to offspring, negatively affecting the pup’s health.
- Different coat colors
Specific coat colors are more susceptible to dry skin than others. For example, black Dachshunds suffer from dry and itchy skin syndrome more than any other color.
- Inbreeding
When Dachshunds are purposely bred together for specific traits, they can become more susceptible to genetic disorders. One such disorder is dry skin and itchy skin syndrome.
- Other diseases
Dachshunds with other medical problems may be prone to dry and itchy skin problems as well. The same is true for senior dogs who are particularly susceptible to this condition because of their age.
- Improper grooming
Dry skin is more common in Dachshunds who are not appropriately groomed or have been shaved down to the point of having no protective hair coat whatsoever.
Common Issues With Dachshund Dry Skin
- Scratching
Scratching is a common problem for Dachshunds with dry skin. The itch is similar to flea bites, and often, their nails will be worn down when this is the case.
- Dirty coats
Another issue from Dachshunds’ dry skin is an unclean coat. As it gets worse, it becomes harder to keep clean and, over time, can start to smell depending on the severity of the scaling.
- Dry, flaky, dandruff
Dry, flaky dandruff is a common issue of Dachshunds with dry skin. That often occurs when their skin becomes too dry and can make your dogs’ coats look dull. Before you can treat your Dachshund’s dry skin, it is vital to understand the cause.
- Dry Skin
Dry, cracked skin is a common issue with Dachshunds. However, depending on the coat’s size and thickness, dogs can vary. It is more common in long-haired dogs or chubby dogs. They have a much thicker coat, and that it’s harder for them to keep warm, which can cause dry skin.
- Dry, itchy skin
Dry, itchy skin is another issue with Dachshunds that has caused issues over the years. It is because of a lack of licking or over-grooming and bathing habits to keep the skin clean and moisturized, which is why they get this dry, itchy skin.
Best Practices for Dachshunds with Dry Skin Problems
It is not uncommon for Dachshunds to have dry skin problems. But you don’t have to live with this condition. Here are the best practices for treating and preventing dry skin in Dachshunds.
Exercise
Dachshunds tend to be complete couch potatoes. They are great pets for people who are disabled or elderly because the dogs will keep you company and get their exercise simply by running around in the house. Dachshunds can also become overweight, which can exacerbate dry skin problems. Take your dog for daily walks, and do some activity with your Dachshund every day.
Bathe Your Dog
Dogs naturally have oily coats that help keep them from drying out and getting sunburned. But these oils can also make the dog’s coat excessively oily and prone to tangling and matting if not kept under control. Dog baths are a must in the summer. Bathing your dog with a mild shampoo will help prevent dry skin problems. Be sure to use a shampoo formulated for dogs and refrain from using human shampoos on your dog’s coat.
Change Your Dog’s Diet
Dogs are omnivores, and they will eat about anything. The problem is, most dog foods are not formulated to be nutritionally complete. Take your dog to the vet and have a professional formulate a complete meal plan for him. Be sure to include fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet because these are nutrient-rich foods that your dog needs. If you feed him dry food made for dogs, make sure that it is 100% meat-based (instead of “meat meals”).
Keep Your Dog Clean
Dogs need attention and love, but they also need care. Bathe your dog regularly if he isn’t naturally oily or sensitive to washing himself with a mild shampoo. Cut his nails regularly, and brush his teeth at least once a week. Dry skin can cause your dog to itch – and the more he itches, the more dry skin he gets.
Avoid Chemicals
Dogs are highly susceptible to reactions to chemicals found in household cleaning products. When the dog is exposed to chemicals like bleach or ammonia in the same room as them, they inhale these toxins and develop allergies or respiratory problems. Just think about how much bleach it takes to sanitize a room: one cup in five gallons of water! Use natural cleaners instead of chemical cleaners, and keep your dog out of areas where you’re using harsh chemicals.
Keep Your Dog Cool
Dogs are meant to be active. I know people who just let their Dachshunds hang out in the kitchen. But this can lead to dry skin problems for many dogs. Give your dog access to cool areas in your house, such as the refrigerator or freezer, and don’t let this access interfere with his daily routine.
In Conclusion
Dogs are a lot like children, so they require special care and love like any other pet. They need exercise, proper nutrition, and cleanliness – all of which can impact dog health and skin.
Home Remedies for Dachshunds with Dry Skin Issues
Dry Skin Remedies
There are several dry skin remedies that your veterinarian can use to treat these conditions:
1. Medicated Shampoos
These are made specifically for dog’s skin problems caused by allergies or bacterial infections. They may contain antibacterial agents, antifungal agents, and anti-inflammatory agents. These products should be used two to three times a week instead of regular shampooing.
Dogs with dry skin may benefit from the daily use of medicated shampoo or compounded products that contain essential fatty acids ( EFAs ).
2. Essential Fatty Acids
These omega-3 are added to the diet to help restore the skin’s barrier function and reduce inflammation. In addition to being available in commercial pet raw foods, EFAs can be compounded as liquids or capsules for easy administration if desired.
3. Kelp
It is obtained from the kelp plant, available from several commercial sources. Like EFAs, it can be given as a liquid or capsule to your pet if you feel it would benefit their skin and coat.
4. Antipruritic Ointments and Creams
These are made by mixing the active ingredients with an ointment base. The ointment forms a protective layer on the skin that will encourage the healing of lesions. These may be used 24 hours a day in most cases for improved results.
5. Shampoos
Shampoos are usually very highly concentrated formulas. They contain ingredients such as enzymes, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), lipids, and phenols. The most common ones are medicated shampoos containing antibacterial or antifungal agents, such as miconazole nitrate.
6. Powdered Fish Oil
Some exciting studies show that fish oil may reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by about 90%, which means that you would not need to see the veterinarian with this product in your dog’s diet as often for your Dachshund’s dry skin condition. You may not have to see the vet at all! Just put the powdered fish oil in your dog’s food or treats.
Dry skin is often a problem on Dachshunds, with long, thin hair exposed to freezing temperatures frequently. Three different things can cause dry skin issues:
Veterinary Care
This article’s contents are subject to change and are not in any way intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
The Dachshund can be prone to dry skin, an issue that may require veterinary care. However, in many cases, the condition is self-limited and will clear up independently. The most common causes of dry skin are dietary and environmental, meaning that diet and environmental changes will usually cure the symptoms.
Dietary-Related Issues
Most veterinary dermatologists will suggest you switch your Dachshund’s food from dry food too often wet food. The dog’s body needs moisture and more meat, causing some dogs to start losing weight, if not gaining weight. In some cases, dietary changes alone may be enough to eliminate dry skin. If they do not feel that further veterinary consultation is needed, most veterinarians recommend a (food with) higher fat content.
Bedding
Many veterinarians will recommend changing the bedding used in the kennel. If your dog is allergic to the sisal material used in most pet products, then that alone may eliminate the dry skin issue. However, if not, new bedding may be needed, and what type of bedding to use will depend on the severity of your dog’s symptoms.
Environment-Related Issues
If your dog is getting “hot spots,” the veterinarian may recommend changing his environment. While changing an individual dog’s environment overnight is usually not recommended, you can try to reduce the kennel’s temperature if you cannot control your Dachshund’s environment.
Summary
Dachshund dry skin remedies including prevention, causes, treatment, and food diets to help maintain healthy skin on your Dachshund. As we all know, keeping our dogs healthy by way of good nutrition and hygiene is essential.
The most important thing to remember is to keep your Dachshund’s skin moist, especially if they have dry, brittle, or sensitive skin that can crack and bleed. It is also essential to keep the skin clean of parasites and pests. In some cases, dogs with dry skin are fed an allergy food diet or recommended by a veterinarian for over-the-counter medications for the itching. This article, along with an overview of how you can deal with them on your own, using alternative options and home remedies as well as methods you can use at home without consulting a vet if not yet necessary.
