What Dog Vitamins are Best for Skin Problems?

Much like human skin, your dog’s skin also protects the rest of the body from the elements, as well as from external bacteria or infections. Their skin and the coat of fur play a huge role in their overall health, and to keep them healthy, they need the right types of food. A good diet keeps them in the top of their health and this will show in their soft, shiny fur. The right balance of different food groups is necessary for your pet to have all the nutrients it needs.

Beyond that, regular baths keep the skin healthy and clean. When giving them a bath, you can check the skin for any irregularities like bumps. When something is out of the ordinary, it might mean that your dog’s diet is not sufficient and giving him supplements to help keep skin healthy.

There are various vitamins that help improve your pet’s skin health. Depending on the skin’s needs or problems, you can purchase some supplements to your dog’s daily meals. For example, dogs that have allergies or are always itching, or if there is some inflammation, there are corresponding supplements that will help address these issues.

Related Post: Best Dog Food for Allergies

It is, however, important to note that the effects of supplements might be observed only after a few months of regular intake. You should also show any skin problems to the vet and if any medication is prescribed, you should also discuss taking any additional supplements as well.

The most common skin issue observed in dogs is dry and itchy skin. The fur might also appear unhealthy, dull, and you might even notice shedding hair. In general, vitamins A, C, E, Zinc, and Selenium are very good choices to supplement your dog’s diet and at the same time, restore the skin and fur to its natural beautiful state.

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Dog Supplements for Skin Allergies

Unfortunately, despite your best attempts, your pet might not be getting all the vitamins and nutrients it needs from food. It might be that your pooch is not eating enough or the food is not sufficient for its needs. Whatever the reason is, dogs might require, at times, some supplements. Dull fur and skin issues might be a sign that this is necessary.

Skin allergies might be a sign that your pet is not fully nourished, which means adding some more protein, zinc, fatty acids, as well as vitamins A, B, and E are necessary to achieve and maintain healthy dog skin. Red beetroot is also another choice for those who need to stop the inflammation. They are great for maintaining healthy skin, though you should discuss these supplements with your vet especially if the pet is taking any medication.

Dog Supplements for Dry Skin

Itching is a sign of dry skin, and it can lead to loss of hair and irritation. What many dog owners do not realize is that dry skin is a common issue with their pets. Unfortunately, your dog will not understand that scratching is bad because it makes everything worse. You also might find it very difficult to prevent it from happening. But once you are able to do it, you will notice the skin healing a few days after.

It is vital to know the difference between dry skin and other problems like fleas or skin conditions. This healing is one of the ways to be able to tell. The dryness should also lessen when you supplement the diet because one of the root causes is incomplete diet. The following are the nutrients your dog will need to keep a healthy skin.

1. Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the top nutrients out there due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Once the inflammation stops, dry and itchy skin can be avoided.

2. Digestive Enzymes

These enzymes help with the breaking down of the food your pet has eaten. This way, digestion occurs more easily, and the intake of vitamins and nutrients in the food will take place. This means, supplementing with digestive enzymes contribute to a more effective absorption of nutrients. Once the skin has all it needs, the dryness will disappear.

3. Garlic

Garlic is a powerhouse because it works as an anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and anti-fungal. When exposed to fungi or bacteria, your pet’s skin then becomes itchy and dry. Supplements with garlic can help reduce the itchiness, so try to check out some products that contain it.

4. Flaxseed Oil

Dryness and inflammation can be avoided by taking this supplement. Moreover, flaxseed oil is great for allergies and can result in shiny and beautiful skin and coat. It may also be able to reduce itching and immediately improve the skin.

Supplements for Flaky Skin and Shedding

Most dog supplements have skin-friendly properties, specifically anti-inflammatory properties. When inflamed skin is untreated, flaky skin and thinning fur are observed. A visit to the vet can confirm that these symptoms are not related to any underlying condition, therefore a balanced diet and supplements can fill in insufficient nutrients and keep the skin healthy and the fur thick and shiny.

The best supplements against skin inflammation include bosweillia, bromelain, curcumin, vitamin E and nettle leaf. If you are not sure whether the supplements are right, you can check the ingredient list for these nutrients.

Dog owners should always prioritize a balanced diet to ensure that their dogs are fully nourished. While supplements do exist, there is no need to add to the diet if the pooch is eating well. You will see it in your beloved pet’s skin and fur because it will be thick and shiny.

Unfortunately, picky dogs do exist and these will refuse food you want to give so supplementing is necessary. Because your pooch is active and loves to play, it will need enough energy and nutrients to sustain it the whole day.

Check out our guide on the Best Dog Food for Picky Eaters.

You, as a dog owner, should always consult with the vet before adding more vitamins to its diet. This is because he will first take a thorough look at the dog’s condition, and then determine the root cause of the itching, dryness or thinning before going for supplementation. With a little bit of time and a highly nutritious diet, your little pooch will have such a beautiful fur and skin as a sign of being happy and healthy.

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Sources:

1. Dermatology Fact Sheets, UC Davis
2. Study Links Skin Allergies In Dogs To Problem Behaviors, American Veterinary Medical Association