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Dry Skin in Dogs

By the Dog Health Handbook team · Updated · Fact-checked against current veterinary references (see sources)

Key takeaways

  • Dry skin is a sign, not a disease.
  • Common causes: allergies, parasites, skin infections and hypothyroidism.
  • Itching points to allergies or parasites; little itch points to hormone disease.
  • Moisturizing shampoos and rinses help, and omega-3s take about 2 months.
  • Don't use human lotions without your vet's approval.

Table of Contents

Research Causes Signs Diagnosis Treatment Coconut oil FAQ Sources

Skin Infections and Coat Problems Quicklinks

Skin Infections Pyoderma (Staph) Yeast Infections Pimples and Bumps Dry Skin Dandruff Seborrhea Hair Loss Black Skin

Dry, flaky skin in dogs is a sign, not a disease. It's most often caused by allergies, parasites such as mites and fleas, skin infections or hormone diseases such as hypothyroidism.1,2,3 Other causes include diets low in omega-3 fatty acids, changes in temperature or humidity, and inherited scaling disorders (primary seborrhea).3,4 Itchy dry skin usually points to allergies, fleas or mites, while dry skin with little itch points to hormone or internal disease.2 Treatment means finding the cause, plus moisturizing shampoos or rinses and sometimes omega-3 supplements, which can take about 2 months to show an effect.4,5,6 Don't use human lotions or shampoos without your vet's approval.2

See your vet if your dog's dry skin comes with:

  • Intense itching, scratching or chewing2,7
  • Hair loss, sores, red skin, crusts or a bad smell2,4
  • Weight gain, tiredness, a dull coat or slow hair regrowth, which can be signs of hypothyroidism8
  • Flakes that seem to move, or itchy red bumps on people in the home, which suggest mites9,10

What the Research Says

  • Mixed results for oils in healthy dogs. In a 2023 trial of 30 healthy dogs, 16 weeks of plant oils didn't change skin water loss, though coat softness and shine improved in all groups.11 A 2024 fish-oil study found no change in coat quality.12
  • Some benefit in small trials. A 2026 study of a fatty acid-rich oil in 12 dogs reported better hair brightness and skin scores.13
  • Coconut oil isn't proven. A veterinary dermatologist told the 2025 AVMA Convention there are "really no known placebo, controlled, randomized, double-blinded studies" of coconut oil in dogs.14
  • Allergic skin leaks water. A 2024 specialist review explains that atopic dogs have changes in skin fats (ceramides and free fatty acids) that weaken the skin barrier.15

Causes of Dry Skin in Dogs

  • Allergies: environmental and food allergies are among the most common causes of scaling.1,7
  • Parasites: fleas, Cheyletiella mites ("walking dandruff"), Demodex and Sarcoptes mites3,9
  • Skin infections: bacteria and Malassezia yeast3,4
  • Hormone disease: hypothyroidism causes a dry, brittle, dull coat, and Cushing's disease causes thin skin.8,16
  • Diet: diets low in omega-3 fatty acids, and rarely zinc or vitamin A problems3,5
  • Environment: changes in temperature or humidity3
  • Grooming problems: obesity or joint pain that stops a dog from grooming itself3
  • Inherited scaling (primary seborrhea): uncommon, usually starting before age 2 in breeds such as Cocker Spaniels, West Highland White Terriers and Dobermans. See seborrhea in dogs.4,1

Signs

Dry skin shows up as loose white or gray flakes and a dull, dry coat.4 Flakes are often most obvious along the back.4,17 Allergic dogs may also have red skin, itching and repeated ear or skin infections.7 See dog dandruff.

Diagnosis

Vets check for parasites with skin scrapings, tape tests and flea combing, and use cytology to look for bacteria and yeast.1,10 Blood tests can check for hormone disease, and allergy workups or a diet trial may follow.1,2 The age when signs started helps: allergies are more likely when signs begin under 5 years, and hormone disorders in middle-aged and older dogs.2

Treatment and Home Care

  • Treat the cause, such as parasites, infection, allergy or hormone disease.2,1
  • Moisturizing shampoos and rinses containing ingredients such as glycerin, propylene glycol, colloidal oatmeal, urea or lactic acid. A moisturizing rinse after shampooing helps.4
  • Emollients such as lactic acid, lanolin and oils reduce water loss from the skin, and ceramide or phytosphingosine products support the skin barrier.1
  • Gentle bathing: for allergic dogs, weekly baths with a mild shampoo and lukewarm water can help.6
  • Omega-3 fatty acids as an add-on. They help allergic skin a little and need about 2 months to work.6,7,5

Use dog products only. Merck advises, "Never use a shampoo formulated for people without the consent of your veterinarian."2

Coconut Oil and Other Home Remedies

There are no controlled trials showing coconut oil helps dogs' skin, and a lab study found it disrupted canine skin cells. Coconut oil also contains very little omega-6 fatty acid, which the skin needs.14 Ask your vet before trying home remedies, especially if your dog is itchy or has sores.2

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I give my dog for dry skin?

Treat the cause first. Your vet may suggest moisturizing shampoos, rinses or omega-3 supplements.

Can I put coconut oil on my dog's dry skin?

There's no good evidence it helps, and it isn't a good source of the fats skin needs.

Why is my dog's skin so dry and flaky?

Allergies, parasites, infections and hormone disease are the most common reasons.

How long do omega-3 supplements take to work?

About 2 months.

Can I use human lotion on my dog?

Not without your vet's approval. Dogs lick it off, and human products aren't made for dog skin.

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Sources and further reading

This article was rewritten and fact-checked on October 23, 2026 against current veterinary references and specialist guidelines:

  1. Heinrich NA. Seborrhea in Animals. Merck Veterinary Manual, updated May 2025.
  2. White SD. Seborrhea in Dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual (pet owner version), updated September 2024.
  3. Barnes C, Weir M, Hunter T, Ward E. Seborrhea in Dogs. VCA Animal Hospitals, updated January 2026.
  4. Torres SMF. Idiopathic Keratinization Disorders: Primary Seborrhea (Dogs and Cats). In: Small and Large Animal Dermatology Handbook, Vol. 2. University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing, 2025.
  5. Prélaud P, Harvey R. Nutritional Therapy in Dermatology. In: Encyclopedia of Canine Clinical Nutrition, 2007 (IVIS).
  6. Olivry T, DeBoer DJ, Favrot C, et al. Treatment of canine atopic dermatitis: 2015 updated guidelines from the International Committee on Allergic Diseases of Animals (ICADA). BMC Veterinary Research, 2015.
  7. Hoff S. Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual, updated May 2026.
  8. Cornell Riney Canine Health Center. Hypothyroidism. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
  9. Dryden MW. Mite Infestation (Mange, Acariasis, Scabies) in Dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual (pet owner version), updated April 2026.
  10. Torres SMF. Cheyletiellosis (Small Animals). In: Small and Large Animal Dermatology Handbook, Vol. 1. University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing, 2025.
  11. Richards TL, Burron S, Ma DWL, et al. Effects of dietary camelina, flaxseed, and canola oil supplementation on inflammatory and oxidative markers, transepidermal water loss, and coat quality in healthy adult dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2023.
  12. Cabrita AR, Maia MRG, Alves AP, et al. Protein hydrolysate and oil from fish waste reveal potential as dog food ingredients. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2024.
  13. Cai X, Xiong C, Zhu L, et al. PUFA-rich oil supplement improves hair condition of cats and dogs. Open Veterinary Journal, 2026.
  14. Bautista-Alejandre A. Debunking the coconut oil fad in veterinary dermatology. dvm360, July 2025.
  15. Hsiao Y-H. The skin barrier in canine atopic dermatitis. Veterinary Focus 34(1), 2024 (IVIS).
  16. Apostolopoulos N. Understanding and Treating Canine Alopecic Dermatoses. Today's Veterinary Practice, March/April 2025.
  17. Weir M, Hunter T, Ward E. Cheyletiellosis in Dogs. VCA Animal Hospitals, updated June 2025.

About this article

Last updated : fully rewritten using the Merck Veterinary Manual, the ICADA atopic dermatitis guidelines, an open veterinary dermatology textbook and recent fatty acid research, plus International Veterinary Information Service (IVIS) proceedings and research published 2022 to 2026.

This page is for general information and is not a substitute for an exam by your veterinarian.