Just like humans can get dry skin, so can your Pug. Those adorable skin folds can be a culprit for bacteria that can lead to dry skin. While not dangerous, it can make your dog extremely uncomfortable. Here is what you need to know about the causes, symptoms, and the best treatment options to help them get relief.
What Is Pug Dry Skin?
Dry skin is dandruff-like flakes present in your dog’s undercoat, along with dry, tough, cracked skin. Weather conditions, poor nutrition, shampoo, parasites, allergies, and underlying illnesses are the leading causes of dry skin in canines. Dry skin can affect Pugs of all ages and cause your pup to suffer from cracked, dry, and itchy skin.
Do Pugs Get Dry Skin?
Unfortunately, Pugs are prone to several skin problems, such as allergies, yeast infections, ear infections, dry skin, etc. That’s why it’s essential to know how to spot the signs before it escalates.
If your Pug is dealing with dry skin due to nutritional deficiencies, it’s a good idea to consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying illnesses.
Causes of Dry Skin In Pugs
Pugs are a brachycephalic dog breed with sensitive skin, and many things can cause dry skin. It can range from cleaning products, yeast infections, etc.
Dry skin will usually present itself in flakes of dandruff in the undercoat, and the skin will be tough and cracked. However, other signs of dry skin can present themselves as the following:
| PROBLEM | CAUSE | SYMPTOMS |
| Yeast infection | Excessive chewing on skin, mostly on the paws | excessive scratching & licking, hair loss, skin discoloration, body odor |
| Parasites | Infestation from saliva of fleas, ticks, mites, and lice. | Severe itching, hives, skin redness, pimples or bumps, lesions, hair loss, excessive licking or scratching |
| Hormonal | Alopecia and dermatosis disorders | Soft or dry, brittle fur, dandruff, itching, darkening of the skin, bacterial infections, and blackheads |
| Nutritional | Poor diet | Itching or rashes |
| Behavioral | Boredom, stress, and anxiety | Skin infections, excessive licking and scratching, hair loss |
| Fungal Infections | Ringworm, yeast, and fungal dermatitis | Several symptoms depending on the type of infection |
| Yeast Infections | Ear infections and excessive chewing | Dry flaky skin, musty odor, redness, decreased appetite, itching, redness, ear infections |
| Seasonal | Humidity and changes in weather | Severe itching, skin redness, excessive licking and itching, hair loss |
| Bacteria | Excessive licking of the skin | hot spots, hair loss, excessive licking, etc |
Some dogs will experience only one of these symptoms, while others can experience several. Knowing the signs will help you spot the problem before it escalates and can help you seek the right treatment options.
Treating Dry Skin On Pugs
A clinical exam will be required to diagnose the cause of your dog’s skin issues and come up with the proper treatment plan. If your dog has a severe case, they may choose to implement a skin scraping under a microscope to help them take a closer look at the bacteria responsible for the issue.
For dogs with mild cases, your dog may offer some alternative products, home remedies to bring relief to your pup.
Prevention is the Key
While it is possible to treat canine dry skin, the best treatment option is prevention. There are several steps you can take right now to protect your four-legged friend from becoming a victim of uncomfortable skin conditions.
The following steps can help care for your dog’s skin and will help bring relief if they are plagued by dry skin:
- Ensuring your Pug is properly hydrated
- Providing proper nutrition
- Protecting against parasites
- Proper bathing and using pet-safe shampoos
- Shielding your dog’s skin against the elements
- Daily brushing to maintain a healthy coat
- Controlling the humidity in the home
- Implementing fatty acids into their diet
Keep Your Pug Hydrated
One of the major causes of dry skin in both canines and people are dehydration. Ensure your pooch has access to fresh, clean, drinking water throughout the day. If your dog isn’t drinking enough, find ways to get them to drink more.
Take a Look at Their Nutrition
The best way to prevent dry skin is to ensure your dog’s coat, and skin stays healthy. Feed your dog high-quality dog food with the nutrients responsible for a healthy coat, such as omega 6 & 3 fatty acids, Vitamins A, E, biotin, etc.
Provide Parasite Protection
Flea and tick prevention can help protect your dog from skin infections such as dry skin. Ticks and mosquitoes pose a threat to both humans and pets. Ensure your dog has proper protection, especially during the warmer months when fleas are more active.
Use a hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo
Avoid bathing your Pug too often, as it can lead to dry skin. Too much bathing can strip the natural oils that protect your dog’s skin from the harsh wintery elements.
Ensure you’re using a dog-safe moisturizing shampoo that is free of harsh ingredients. Dog shampoos that contain aloe, oatmeal, and shea butter are great if your dog is always itching, scratching, and rubbing up against furniture. Here are some of the best Pug shampoos to help protect your pup’s skin and coat.
Shield Your Dog’s Skin
Even though Pugs have a double coat, they still need protection from frosty conditions. Their bodies are so close to the ground, making it hard for them to stay warm in the bitter cold.
Providing extra protection in the winter, such as sweaters, jackets, or boots, will add a buffer between your dog’s skin and the cold air, making them less susceptible to skin conditions.
Brush Your Pug’s Coat Daily
Pugs shed a lot, and daily brushing will help. Proper brushing stimulates the skin’s surface, removes dead hair, and distributes natural oils for a clean and healthy coat.
A good Pug brush can help you maintain your dog’s hair and get rid of dirt, debris, and notice dandruff before it becomes a huge problem.
Use a Humidifier
Low humidity can cause dogs to have itchy, dry skin because it traps sweat, moisture, and bacteria in your dog’s coat. You can’t control the humidity outside, but a good humidifier can help you control it inside your home.
Consider running a humidifier in your home or at least the room your dog spends most of her time. The water vapor can help soothe their dry, irritated skin. Humidifiers are not only beneficial for dogs but have many benefits for the entire family.
Consider Fatty Acid Supplements
If your Pug suffers from dry skin and is being fed a high-quality diet, consider using some fatty acid supplements that can be found at pet stores and online. Most commercial dog food contains both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, but your dog may require a bit extra.
Talk to your veterinarian to find out what the best option is and the proper dose based on your dog’s age. As Pugs age, their nutritional needs will change, and their skin will be more vulnerable to skin conditions.
Some holistic veterinarians have had success by supplementing a dog’s diet with fish oil, coconut oil, cod liver oil, and other natural Pug dry skin remedies to boost skin health.
Conclusion
At some point, your Pug will experience dry skin. It’s inevitable, especially since so many things can trigger it. Keeping your Pug hydrated, feeding high-quality food, proper daily brushing, hypoallergic shampoo, parasite protection, and protecting their skin can help reduce the chances of dealing with uncomfortable dry skin.
If your dog has started itching all of a sudden, it’s essential to consult with your veterinarian as it may be the cause of more severe problems such as; Cushing’s disease or Hypothyroidism.
It’s vital to seek treatment immediately, as dry skin can wreak havoc on your dog’s skin leading to scabs, bloody lesions, and so much more. Like you care for your skin during the harsh winter months, it’s important to care for your canine’s skin.
Taking proper care of your Pug’s skin will help them live a more comfortable life!