Your dog may experience dry, itchy, flaky or dull skin. His hair may be matted, greasy or smell bad and it is possible for him to develop skin rashes or hair loss.

What Causes Skin Problems?

Most skin problems can be avoided with proper care. Allergies, fleas and ticks, mosquitoes, exposure to sun and extreme temperature changes can all cause skin irritations and can all be avoided if you check your dog's coat and skin several times per week, stick with regular vet visits and protect your dog from harsh weather conditions.

Grooming Tips

If your dog has dry skin you can add a little safflower oil to his food. Take care of fleas immediately and aggressively. Once they spread they can be very difficult to get rid of but they can nearly drive your dog insane. Don't bath the dog too often and when you do, be sure to use a specially made dog shampoo that has the right amounts of everything to protect and clean his skin and coat. Daily grooming is a good idea. It can be a time of bonding as well as a good way to stay on top of any potential skin irritations. Also limit the time your dog spends outdoors. They can get sunburn as easily as people do, not to mention the problems that cold weather and snow can have on them.