Dry Skin on Dogs: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Dry, flaky skin isn’t just a human problem; it can affect our four-legged friends too. If your dog has been scratching more than usual or you’ve noticed dandruff-like flakes in their fur, they may be dealing with dry skin. While it’s most often a minor issue, a dog’s dry skin can signal an underlying problem that requires attention. Read on to learn about what causes dry, flaky skin on dogs and how to treat dry skin on dogs.

What is Dry Skin on Dogs?¹

Dry skin in dogs occurs when the natural moisture balance of the skin is disrupted, leading to flakiness, itchiness and sometimes cracking or irritation. Healthy canine skin acts as a barrier against allergens, bacteria and irritants. When this barrier is compromised, dogs can experience discomfort, and owners may notice changes in their pet’s coat and behavior.

Symptoms of Dry Skin on Dogs^1,2

The signs of dry dog skin can vary depending on the underlying cause but often include:

• Flaky or scaly skin (“dog dandruff”)
• Itching and scratching
• Redness or inflammation
• Hair loss or thinning coat
• Cracked, rough or thickened skin
• Odor  
• Scabs or crusts

Some dogs may only have mild flaking, while others experience severe irritation. The severity and pattern of symptoms can offer clues to the root cause of your dog’s dry skin.

Causes of Dry Skin on Dogs

A lot of factors can give a dog dry skin, ranging from environmental causes to medical conditions:

• Weather and environment. Can dogs get dry skin in winter? Yes! Cold, dry winter air or excessive indoor heating can strip moisture from a dog’s skin, just as it can in people.³
• Nutrition. Poor-quality diets lacking essential fatty acids (especially omega-3 and omega-6) can lead to a dull coat and dry skin.⁴
• Allergies. Dogs can be allergic to food, environmental allergens (like pollen or dust mites) or substances they come into contact with, such as cleaning products or shampoos.⁵
• Parasites. Fleas, mites (like those causing mange) and lice can irritate the skin, leading to dryness, itching, rashes and secondary infections.⁶
• Skin infections. Bacterial or fungal infections can disrupt the skin barrier and mimic dog dry skin symptoms that might make you think your dog has dry skin and dandruff.⁷
• Endocrine (hormonal) diseases. Low thyroid levels (hypothyroidism) or high cortisol levels (Cushing’s disease) may lead to skin changes, including dryness and thinning fur.⁸  
• Frequent bathing or harsh products. Overbathing or using shampoos not designed for dogs can strip the skin’s natural oils.²  

How to Confirm Dry Dog Skin: Veterinary Diagnosis

A thorough history and good physical exam by your veterinarian are the first steps in making a diagnosis. Other specific tests may include:

• Skin scrapings (to check for mites or mange)
• Fungal cultures (for ringworm)
• Flea combing
• Allergy testing
• Blood work (to look for underlying disease)
• Skin cytology or biopsies

Identifying the root cause is essential to effective treatment.

Treatment for Dry Skin on Dogs

What helps dry skin in dogs? The answer depends on the cause. Once a cause is identified, your veterinarian will tailor treatment to address both symptoms and the underlying problem.

• Based on your dog, dry skin treatment might include^1-9:
• Topical treatments. Special shampoos, conditioners or soothing medications.  
• Dietary supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids are a common supplement.
• Dog food for sensitive skin. Such options often help manage other conditions as well, such as allergies or digestive issues. Your veterinarian can help guide you in choosing the best dry dog food for skin allergies and/or the best wet dog food options.
• Medications. Such as antihistamines, steroids, antiparasitic medications, antibiotics or antifungals.
• Environmental changes. Humidifiers and parasite control (such as products to eliminate fleas).

How to Prevent Dry Skin on Dogs

Better than any dog dry skin remedy is taking steps to prevent flaky skin in dogs in the first place. Prevention starts with consistent care and awareness of your dog’s unique needs. Here are some tips to keep your dog’s skin healthy:

• Feed a high-quality diet.
• Brush your dog regularly.
• Avoid overbathing.
• Keep your home humidified.
• Use parasite prevention on your dog year-round.
• Schedule routine veterinary checkups to help catch problems early.

When to See the Veterinarian

If your dog’s dry skin persists for more than a few days, worsens or is accompanied by hair loss, intense itching, odor or scabs, it’s time to see your veterinarian. Skin issues can be the first sign of more serious issues, so don’t wait to seek help.

Dry skin in dogs is a common yet treatable condition that can stem from simple environmental factors or complex health issues. By recognizing the signs early and working with your veterinarian, you can restore your dog’s comfort and skin health.  

For more expert tips on dog health, explore our other dog symptom articles.

References

Miller WH, Griffin CE, Campbell KL. Muller and Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology. 7th ed. Elsevier Health Sciences; 2013.

Wright G. Dry skin. Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation (TVMA). May 11, 2018. Accessed July 2, 2025. https://www.tvmf.org/articles/dry-skin

Pucheu-Haston CM, Bizikova P, Eisenschenk MNC, et al. Review: The role of the cutaneous barrier in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. Vet Dermatol. 2015;26(3):171-e35.

Watson TD. Diet and skin disease in dogs and cats. J Nutr. 1998;128(12 suppl):2783S–2789S.

Olivry T, Mueller RS; International Task Force on Canine Atopic Dermatitis. Evidence-based veterinary dermatology: A systematic review of the pharmacotherapy of canine atopic dermatitis. Vet Dermatol. 2003;14(3):121-146.

White SD, Bourdeau P, Blumstein P, et al. Mite infestations in dogs. Compend Contin Educ Vet. 2006;28(1):41-55.

Bond R, Morris DO, Guillot J, et al. Biology, diagnosis and treatment of Malassezia dermatitis in dogs and cats: Clinical Consensus Guidelines of the World Association for Veterinary Dermatology. Vet Dermatol. 2020;31(1):75.

Common endocrine dermatopathies in dogs. dvm360. April 1, 2011. Accessed July 2, 2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/common-endocrine-dermatopathies-dogs

Drechsler Y, Dong C, Clark DE, et al. Canine atopic dermatitis: Prevalence, impact, and management strategies. Vet Med (Auckl). 2024;15:15-29.