there are many reasons why your dog may have bad skin, in some cases, there is an underlying cause that can be resolved by your vet, and in some cases, in some cases, it's a simple change of management that's needed, in other cases, it's a genetic or breed issue that can't be resolved but can be managed and that's why we are here to help
first of all, let's look at the potential causes
Allergies: Dogs can develop allergies to a variety of environmental factors, such as pollen, mold, dust mites, or certain foods.
intertrigo or skin sold dermatitis, often seen in bulldogs in the skin folds, dachshunds in the armpits, and cocker spaniels in the lip folds, we have a fabulous article on intertrigo here:
Parasites: Parasites, such as fleas and ticks, can cause skin irritation and lead to infections.
alopecia, there can be many causes and treatments for alopecia check out this article called 'Why is my dog getting bald patched?'
Infections: Skin infections caused by bacteria or fungi can lead to a skin condition in the dermis or epidermis. These infections can cause inflammation, itching, and hair loss, making the skin more vulnerable to other issues.
hot spots, caused by a localized bacterial infection, check out our recommendation for treating a hot spot in 6 easy steps
Poor diet: An unbalanced diet that lacks essential nutrients can cause skin issues, including dryness, itching, and inflammation. Feeding your dog a balanced and nutritious diet will help improve their skin health.
Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal imbalances, such as an underactive or overactive thyroid.
stress or injury. Due to the chemical reaction within the body as a result o stress or injury, we can often notice a change in the skin surface. muscle pain can cause a reaction in the skin, the hair might be greasy and standing up more than normal, and stress often results in a thinning coat with a dull appearance
using the wrong shampoo for your dog's skin type, or harsh chemicals.
these are just the more common causes, it's a complex business
We can unknowingly use products that contain harsh chemicals, the molecules cut through, grease, dirt, and the surface of the skin, sometimes these molecules become stuck in the skin and are difficult to remove. this means that the molecule stuck in the skin will continue to clean and repel grease including the skin's natural oils which are very easily removed resulting in damaged skin that is an open door for bacterial infection
How do I take care of my dog's skin?
Our solution
Our dogs are such individuals, what benefits one dog may not benefit another at all. It's important to look at the bigger picture, everything needs to be in balance, if your treat dry skin with the perfect natural shampoos and balms but don't address the cause of the problem ultimately the issue will return. Some issues must be treated by a vet and confirmed with various testing. For some issues you could speak with a nutritionist and do a process of elimination for a food allergy, Talking to your dog groomer who has a good understanding of dermatology could help you learn good management.
Here at Berries and Leaves, we offer skincare consultations where you fill in a questionnaire and then have a consultation about different management for your pet, dog, cat, or horse.
We are big fans of natural products and feel nature can provide everything we need. All our products are made from 100% natural ingredients which are carefully selected to work this skin type and to be gentle when cleaning, rising off, and supporting the skin.
We have created a range of shampoos that will be the best for your pet's skin type, all low foaming and easy to rinse out, all the plant properties chosen are designed to work with that skin type to help restore and repair skin and hair. We have skin masks that clean and purify the skin while working their anti-bacterial and anti-fungal magic and skin recovery balms to protect and recover the skin.
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