How Can We Give Our Dogs The Healthiest Dog Skin Around?

As a professional pet groomer, I come across a varitey of skin conditions. However, it’s with dogs where I see the most significant need for care. The skin is the largest organ of elimination which can become overworked by many factors. Improper nutrition and simple ignorance from the owner about how to treat dog’s skin are the most frequent reasons for such issues.  When your dog is experiencing dull fur, acne, greasy texture, rashes, dandruff, skin growths and matting, this is a dog’s skin telling us something. It’s a reaction to an internal situation. Healthy dog skin is the sign of a healthy digestive system and overall dog health. So what can you do as a dog parent?

It all starts with proper nutrition and grooming for your pet. Your dog will be grateful when you begin to address these necessities in its life. Being a frugal dog owner myself, I know how quickly pet care can add up. From vet visits, vaccinations, training, grooming, and even proper food it can feel as if there is a hole in your pocket. No fear!! When you begin to provide quality into your pet’s lives the extra bills such as unexpected vet visits, excessive grooming, doggie toothbrushes and even fewer poop bags…the monthly bills begin to decrease over time. Simple tricks like not just purchasing expensive foods or items, but reading the labels of whats in your pets treats and foods. I want to assure that after you read this blog, you will never question quality ever again.

We have to continue to find that balance for our pets health. There are many different forms of pet food and treats out there. From dry, wet, raw, and dehydrated foods one can become overwhelmed with all the choices. And yet they all play a key role in providing healthy dog skin. For example, if you are feeding your dog a dry food diet make sure they are receiving adequate hydration to help move that food out of their body. Adding water to your dog’s dry food can make all the difference in proper elimination. Dogs do not know the correct ratio of water to feed, so sometimes they are not getting enough liquids to keep things flowing. Outside factors that play a role is the use of non-toxic chemicals to clean your backyard or house. Unfortunately, our dogs do ingest more than we’d like to think.

Spanky my Pomeranian suffered from his adversities from rotting teeth, anal gland explosions, patches of missing hair, and even itchy skin. When I addressed these issues by adding a natural raw diet. I combined a natural dried and wet food died. I noticed that his hair became shinier, his skin was less itchy, and his hair grew back.

Adding a structured diet that combines probiotics, living water, fruits, veggies, and fresh meats, the results will be quick and noticeable. Muscle, bone, and organs should be added to a raw diet for your dog for full effects. You will see your dog’s body thrive on its own.

How can I tell what feed is appropriate for my dog?

Going to your veterinarian and asking for the proper lab testing is an appropriate step. Testing aspects such as nutrition levels, allergy testing, and thyroid testing will educate you on what needs to address. If your pet is having skin problems it will show up in the lab testing.

Skin concerns all start from within. Sometimes your pet cannot break down certain vitamins because the body is unable to produce an absorbent enzyme that helps nourishment naturally. Here’s a quick tip: Purchasing natural products that target digestive health, endocrine health, neurological health make all the difference. 

What ingredients are on your dog’s food label?

You want to make sure that the label always starts with a meat-based product (Chicken, beef, salmon, etc). For instance Smack dog food, their label is clear and their ingredients are understood. 

Most dogs have some form of allergy towards wheat or corn so try to make sure grains are low. Or consider a grain-free diet completely, you can read more here to understand why.  and if you want more carbs, sweet potato is an option. Stay away from artificial coloring, corn, white flour, soy, farmed fish, Xylitol, nitrites, and nitrates. All of which will cause your dog’s skin health to suffer. Healthy dog skin all starts from what we feed them. It’s that simple. Just as the philosophy works for us humans; it is the same for our fur-babes.