Understanding Sensitive Skin in Dogs: Causes and Effective Remedies

A little scratching here and there is perfectly normal. But if your dog appears to have an everlasting itch, they may need a little extra help to sort out an underlying issue such as sensitive skin in dogs.

Dog skin allergies can lead to your pet being sensitive to the touch. The environment, genetics, diet or a combination of several factors can be the underlying causes.

The bottom line is that dogs with sensitive skin need a little extra TLC, so read on for the best remedies for dog skin issues.

Why Dogs Need Healthy Skin

The skin acts as a natural protective barrier that keeps harmful viruses, bacteria and chemicals at bay. Its health also contributes to the condition of a dog's coat. Your dog's fur and skin are key indicators of their overall well-being. Here are some common signs that all may not be right:

• Extreme scratching, licking or shaking of the head
• Red, itchy, inflamed skin with scabs or bumps
• Unusual shedding
• Flaky, dry or scaly skin

Common Causes of Sensitive Skin in Dogs

Dogs with sensitive skin may have developed an allergy to certain types of food, including meat, corn or gluten. This can lead to excessive itchiness along with other symptoms.

Dog skin allergies can also be due to fleas. The key indicator can be itchy skin near the base of the tail, thighs or back. Some dogs may inherit a skin allergy that requires constant management. Pollen and grasses can trigger this type of allergy.

A dry environment can also make a dogs skin sensitive. This could be due to the aircon or heating system in the home. Dogs are particularly sensitive to seasonal changes, with dry skin more common in winter and allergies flaring up during summer.

Common Skin Conditions in Dogs

It's not unusual for dogs with sensitive skin to suffer from some kind of skin complaint. You may need to visit the vet for prescribed remedies for dog skin issues. Here are some of the more common ones:

Hot Spots look red and wet, appearing in small areas on the body. Chewing, licking, infections and allergies can cause this type of dermatitis.

Dandruff is typically a sign of an infection or other underlying issue in dogs.

Ringworm is a fungal infection; you may notice round, crusty patches of skin around the ears, paws or head.

Impetigo is more common in puppies; the signs are blisters filled with pus.

Folliculitis inflamed hair follicles cause scabs, bumps and sores.

Mange mites that live on your dog's skin and hair cause this itchy disorder.

Yeast Infections have an unpleasant smell and typically take hold in warm, enclosed areas.

Seborrhea causes skin to become scaly and greasy.

Alopecia leads to dogs shedding hair with potential bald patches.

The Best Remedies for Dog Skin Issues

A good start is to use the right products on dogs with sensitive skin. Packed with organic ingredients, Plush Puppy's Sensitive Skin Shampoo soothes and hydrates itchy, sensitive skin.

Non-greasy Plush Puppy Seabreeze Oil has healing and calming qualities, making it ideal for healthy-looking skin and coats. Plush Puppy Coat Rescue is an intensive but gentle conditioning treatment. Its bend of plant extracts helps to heal and restore the skin and coat.

Reviva Coat moisturising foam will moisturise the skin and the coat help to sooth and eliminate dryness.

When cleaning faces always use Lets Face It gentle face cleaner. This hypoallergenic, Sulfate-free low foaming shampoo is a NO TEAR, NO FRAGRANCE formula that will not sting or irritate the eyes. This calming formula features the highest quality Blue Cypress Extracts, Panthenol with Pro Vitamin B and SugaNate. These special ingredients clean, soothe, add moisture, aid healing and have anti-inflammatory benefits. Blue Cypress extracts are particularly effective on Brachycephalic dog breeds where wrinkles can get infected, sore and smelly.

Regular grooming will keep your dog's coat in excellent condition and help spot skin complaints. You should also keep your dog's feet clean, removing pollen, dirt or grass seeds that may cause allergies.

If you suspect a food allergy, talk to your vet about changing your dog's diet. They may also recommend using a specialist cream for dry patches.

Treating Dogs with Sensitive Skin

Extensive research and development mean all Plush Puppy products are appropriate for dogs with sensitive skin. Show your dog you care by only using the Plush Puppy range on your pet.