How to Soothe Dry Skin and Coats in Older Dogs

Last Updated: December 29, 2022 References

Like humans, dogs develop extra health problems as they age. One of the issues senior dog may develop is dry skin or coat. Since dry skin can be itchy, you of course want to do what you can to help alleviate the symptoms. To help your dog, you can make changes to your dog's routine, such as skipping shampoo or picking a moisturizing shampoo. You can also encourage better nutrition by adding supplements to your dog's diet. Finally, you should talk to your vet, particularly if the changes came on suddenly.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Making Changes to Your Dog's Regimen

1
Skip the shampoo. When you give your dog a bath, try skipping the shampoo, which can be drying, and just using water. If you want to use a shampoo, make sure to pick one that's moisturizing. Check to see if it has humectants in it to better moisturize your dog. You can also use a conditioner afterwards to help decrease dryness.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Make sure any shampoo and conditioner you use is meant for dogs.
2
Avoid blow drying your dog. Blow drying your dog's coat only dries out the hair and skin. Instead, dry your dog off as well as possible with towels. If you go to a groomer's, ask them to turn the heat down on the blow dryer for your dog, which will also help.^{[2]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Keep your dog inside more in colder weather. When it's cold out, your senior dog may want to stay inside in the warmth more than it did when it was younger. You should encourage that behavior, as the cold air can contribute to dry skin.^{[3]
X
Research source}
4
Brush your dog's coat regularly. Brushing your dog's coat helps increase oil production from its skin. Older dogs do have more trouble producing oil, but this technique can still help to increase the oil in your dog's skin and coat.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Try to brush your dog's coat every couple of days. Combs or pin-head brushes work on most dogs.
- Don't use a shedding brush all the time, as that can be too harsh, especially for an older dog.
- If your dog isn't used to regular brushing, try giving him treats and praise as you pet it, as it will then associate happy things with brushing.^{[5]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Animal Humane Society
  Leading animal welfare nonprofit organization providing medical care, training education, and resources for animal owners
  Go to source}
5
Add oils. Just like you, your senior dog can benefit from moisturizer. However, don't slather your hand cream on your dog. Rather, stick to natural oils, such as coconut oil. You can apply coconut oil directly to your dog's skin and coat. Generally, once a week is enough, but you can apply it more, especially if you find your older dog needs it.
- Sweet almond oil is also safe for dogs.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Supplementing Your Dog's Diet

1
Think about adding a fatty acid supplement. If your elderly dog has lost some of the gloss to its coat, it may be due to a deficiency of fatty acids, which are essential to a dog's (and human's!) diet. You can find supplements at the pet store or from your vet meant for dogs.^{[6]
X
Research source}^{[7]
X
Expert Source

Beatrice Tavakoli
Professional Dog Trainer
Expert Interview. 26 February 2021.}
- Ask your vet before starting a supplement for your dog.^{[8]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Beatrice Tavakoli
  Professional Dog Trainer
  Expert Interview. 26 February 2021.}
2
Add in flax seed to your dog's food. In place of a fatty acid supplement, try adding flax seed oil or flax seeds to your dog's food. You can use 1/2 a teaspoon per every 15 pounds of dog. That is, if your dog is 30 pounds, you can use a teaspoon. Try this supplement twice a day.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- If you use seeds, make sure they're freshly ground. You can use 1 1/2 teaspoons per 15 pounds of twice a day.
3
Try olive or coconut oil. Another supplement that could help your dog's coat and skin is adding olive or coconut oil to its diet. You can add as a little as a couple of tablespoons a week^{[10]
X
Research source} or as much as 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of dog per day. It's best to start with smaller doses (such as a 1/4 teaspoon per 10 pounds of dog) and work up to larger doses to see how it will affect your dog.
- For instance, if your dog weighs 20 pounds, you can add 1/2 teaspoon to 2 teaspoons per day.
- Salmon oil is another great ingredient for your dog's coat.^{[11]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Beatrice Tavakoli
  Professional Dog Trainer
  Expert Interview. 26 February 2021.}
4
Consider herbs or other supplements. Other herbs may help with your elderly dog's coat and skin. You can try supplements such as kelp powder, horsetail, nettles, nutritional yeast, or alfalfa, by pouring a teaspoon or less over the dog's food. You can also try spirulina, which can be given in doses of 500 to 1,000 milligrams two times a day.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Always ask your vet about supplements.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Considering Other Conditions

1
Watch for sudden changes. Gradual changes as your dog ages are not as much of a concern as a sudden change. A sudden change in your dog's coat or skin is much more likely to indicate a new disease or skin condition, so make sure to pay attention to major changes.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- For example, if your dog's coat suddenly gets more dry or flaky, rather than over time, that could be a sign your dog has another problem.
2
Think about allergies. While your dog will not likely develop allergies in old age if it hasn't earlier in life, allergies can worsen as your dog ages. More severe allergies can lead to drier skin or changes in the dog's coat. Talk to your vet about what can help with your dog's allergies if you suspect that's the cause.^{[14]
X
Research source}
- Your vet may recommend a change in diet, or they may prescribe an antihistamine.
3
Talk to your vet. While you may think it's just dry skin, flaky or scaly skin can be a sign of other conditions, such as mange, bacterial infections, Cushing's disease, and flea bite sensitivity, just to name a few. Therefore, it's always a good idea to get your dog checked out with a vet when you notice something like dry skin.^{[15]
X
Research source}
- For example, you could say, "I've noticed my dog's skin has suddenly gotten flaky. It tends to flake off in big, yellow flakes. Do you think that could be a sign of something more serious?"

Expert Q&A

Question

How can I add fish oil to my dog's dry food?

Beatrice Tavakoli
Professional Dog Trainer
Beatrice Tavakoli is a Professional Dog Trainer and the Founder/Owner of TAKA Dog Walk in New Jersey. A lifetime dog lover and enthusiast, Beatrice is committed to providing animals with hands-on service dedicated to daily love, adventure, and socialization. As insured and bonded dog walkers, Beatrice, and her staff provide a multitude of services including doggie social hour, day hikes, training, puppy care, canine special events, in-home pet care, boarding, cat care, and customized dog walks.

Beatrice Tavakoli

Professional Dog Trainer

Expert Answer

Take the fish oil capsule and break it apart. Then, add the oil directly to your dog's food.