Just like humans, dogs can also suffer from dry skin. If a person is struggling with their dry skin they can often moisturize with lotion to help alleviate the issue. Since dogs have fur, it's not quite as simple as putting lotion on their body if their skin is dry. Do dogs even need to moisturize like people do?

A dog’s skin should naturally produce oils that help keep their skin moisturized, but sometimes they need a little extra help! It’s always a good idea to speak to your vet before trying any supplements or topicals to help your dog with their moisturizing needs, but as long as there’s nothing serious going on, you have some different options to try! 

Coconut oil

Coconut oil massaged into your dog’s skin before a bath is a great way to help moisturize their skin. Let the coconut oil absorb into their skin for a few minutes prior to a bath and then wash the remaining oil out with their normal shampoo. While coconut oil is a great topical treatment, it may not provide the same benefits if fed to your dog and, of course, only feed in small amounts with your vet’s permission! 

Fish Oil

While coconut oil isn’t necessarily the greatest additive to your dog’s diet to help with moisturizing their skin, fish oil will do the job! Fish oil is high in omega 3 fatty acids which are known to help reduce dogs’ itchy, dry, and flaky skin. You can even give it directly through a meal topper like Ark Naturals Omega Mender.

Leave-in conditioner

If you bathe your dog frequently, or they swim regularly, their coat and skin may be stripped of their natural oils which help prevent their skin from being dry. Applying some leave-in conditioner after a bath or after a swim can replace those necessary oils and help keep your dog’s skin from getting dry.