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As the seasons change, so does your dog’s skin. Winter brings chapped, frosty paws. Springtime can bring seasonal allergies, accompanied by itchy eyes and paws. And in summer, air conditioning can dry out sensitive noses.
Unfortunately, you can’t just use human lotions on canines because they may contain harmful chemicals and ingredients. Plus, dogs are likely to lick topical treatments off of their noses and paws, so any skin-soothing product you use has to be 100% dog-safe.
Any skin-soothing product you use has to be 100% dog-safe.
Avoid these ingredients at all costs, because they’re toxic to dogs:
- Zinc oxide: commonly included in suncreams and nappy rash creams
- Diclofenac: used to treat joint pain
- Calcipotriene: used to treat psoriasis
Other ingredients in topical creams or skin treatments can be dangerous to dogs if ingested. Before using any cream, salve or gel containing these ingredients with your dog, be sure to consult your vet:
- Hydrocortisone: on its own or in calamine lotion
- Lidocaine: numbing agent
Learn more at the link above as well as from the RSPCA.
Luckily, there are plenty of dog-safe products on the market to treat dry, irritated skin. From dog-specific salves to supermarket staples, it’s never been easier to find something that works for your dog. Read on for some of our favourite treatments for dry dog skin!
1. Burt’s Bees Paw and Nose Lotion
From the makers of the popular lip balm (and lots of other body care products) comes this dogs-only lotion made to soothe dry, cracked noses and paws. Containing soothing olive oil and rosemary, it helps repair your dog’s dry skin. As a bonus, it has a light, pleasant scent that won’t irritate you or your dog.
Shop on Amazon2. Paw Soother Dry Dog Skin Treatment
This 100% organic paw balm packs ingredients like candelilla wax, shea butter, cocoa butter, vitamin E, rosemary extract and tea tree oil. The natural ingredients mean a little lick won’t hurt. Massage a bit onto your dog’s dry, cracked paws, and let the healing begin!
Shop on Amazon3. ProGroom Organic Skin Balm for Dry Dog Skin
Loaded with all-natural moisturising ingredients, as well as 100% essential oils, this skin balm has anti-fungal, anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties. Perfect for dry, itchy and flaky skin, the cream also works as a natural sun cream for dogs. You can also buy snout balm, paw balm and dog shampoo from ProGroom for a complete canine skincare regimen!
Shop on Amazon4. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of nature’s safest, most effective moisturisers. Humans have been using it for generations to soothe dry skin and hair and it’s just as useful for dogs! As a topical moisturiser, a little bit goes a long way massaged into dry doggy skin. But it’s even more effective as part of their diet, boosting the immune system and improving skin and coat health from the inside out.
Shop on Amazon5. Johnson’s Tea Tree Skin Calm Spray for Dogs and Puppies
This skin calming spray is designed to help soothe and calm the discomfort of itchy skin in dogs and puppies. It contains tea tree oil, lavender oil and aloe vera, which have antibacterial, anti-fungal and soothing properties. The spray promotes natural healing for dogs. Keep in mind that dogs should not ingest tea tree oil.
Shop on Amazon6. Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo
Earthbath has been making all-natural dog products for over 20 years. Their Oatmeal & Aloe shampoo is specially formulated to treat dry dog skin, relieve itching and leave your dog’s coat soft, shiny and smelling great. It’s soap-free (meaning it cleanses without drying), gentle, and safe to use on puppies six weeks and older.
Shop on Amazon7. Olive Oil
To use this kitchen cupboard staple as an external treatment, apply a small amount to your dog’s dry paws, nose and ears. Make sure to rub it in completely, and remember: a little goes a long way! It’s also effective as part of your dog’s diet. Add a teaspoon to your dog’s breakfast and dinner to promote healthy, hydrated skin and fur.
Shop on Amazon8. Shea Butter Dry Dog Skin Treatment
This is one moisturiser you and your dog can share. Humans use pure shea butter to soften dry, cracked elbows and heels. It moisturises and protects skin, and—best of all—it’s totally dog-safe when applied topically in small amounts. Use shea butter to soothe dry paws, noses, elbows and other dry patches. Great when you want to moisturise your hands and your dog’s paws at the same time!
Shop on AmazonThe Bottom Line
All of these products contain dog-safe ingredients, meaning it’s okay if your dog takes a little lick. But even the dog-friendliest oils can lead to an upset tummy if over-ingested. Store your dog butters, salves and oils out of reach, and distract your dog with a treat while you apply to keep most of the moisturiser on their body—not in their mouth. As well as bringing you amazing dog products, fascinating facts, and adorable tales, Rover.com also has a lot of wonderful dog walkers and sitters who offer dog boarding throughout the UK! So next time you need a dog lover to take care of your little angel, look no further!
Further Reading
We know that keeping your dog safe, secure and comfortable is a top priority for dog parents. And we’ve got lots of articles to help you do just that!
