Skin conditions are one of the most common reasons dog owners take their dogs to the vet. In dogs, a skin condition can cause itching, pain, rashes, and inflammation. If your pooch develops a skin disorder, you may have to spend hundreds of dollars in recurring medical costs.

The skin is your dog’s largest organ. Therefore, make sure that it stays healthy. There are more than 160 dog skin conditions. Fortunately, a dog skincare routine can prevent many dog skin disorders.

Follow these tips to keep your furry friend’s skin healthy.

Protect it From the Sun

In dogs with white-pink skin and white fur, over-exposure to the sun can cause a number of skin disorders. Too much time in the sun can even lead to skin cancer. Therefore, to prevent skin problems in your pooch, limit the amount of time it is in the sun.

Before taking your furry friend out for a walk on a sunny day, apply a pet safe sunblock to its exposed skin and put a reflective jacket or a shirt on it. If your pooch is sunburned, take it to the vet immediately.

Make Sure its Diet Consists of Healthy Foods

Work with your vet to craft a diet tailored to your pooch’s specific nutritional needs. Include foods rich in fatty acids, vitamins, and essential oils in its diet. Many vets recommend adding raw goat milk to the dogs’ diet. Raw goat milk is a complete food. Also, it is an excellent source of electrolytes, vitamins, minerals, protein, enzymes, and fatty acids and can help prevent inflammation.

If your dog has dry, red or irritated skin, consider adding a supplement such as Alskan salmon oil or a fish oil supplement to its food. A fish oil supplement can help relieve dry, itchy skin and boost the immune system, resulting in a shiny and healthy coat.Groom it Regularly  

Regular dog grooming helps detect bumps and lumps, and skin issues at an early stage. It prevents excess shedding and fur matting.

Create a dog grooming schedule and stick to it. Bathe your pup every four to six weeks. Use a dog shampoo with natural conditioners and essential oils. Gently brush your pooch a few times every week to distribute the natural oils in its coat.

Prevent Chlorine Rash 

Chlorine and other chemicals found in pool water can be damaging to your pup’s skin.  Chlorine can make its fur look dull and spiky. To prevent skin irritations and itching, spray your dog’s coat with conditioner before it enters the pool. After every swim, give your pooch a bath to remove any chemicals clinging to its skin.

Bridewell Hilltop Boarding Kennels & Cattery is a renowned dog day-care in Novato. Our dog groomers have years of experience giving dogs makeovers. To schedule a visit with your pooch, call us at 415-897-5471.