Dry skin in dogs: Causes, home remedies & when to see the vet

Does your dog have dry skin, flakes, itching, or dull fur? You're not alone – many dog owners know the problem, especially in winter or after a change in food. In this guide, we show you the most common causes, which home remedies really help, when you should go to the vet and how the right diet with omega-3 fatty acids strengthens your dog's skin barrier sustainably from within.

Before you take action, it's worth taking a close look at your dog's skin and coat. Typical signs of dry dog skin are:

• Visible white flakes in the fur or on the resting place
• Dull, lifeless fur
• Frequent scratching, licking, or biting in certain areas
• Reddened or cracked skin areas
• Increased hair loss without an obvious reason
• Unpleasant odor despite regular care

If several of these symptoms occur at the same time or for a long time, you should investigate the cause. Often the cause lies in the diet – our food guide helps you find the right diet for your dog.

Flakes and dry skin are rarely a problem in themselves – they are a symptom. The causes can be very different and range from congenital factors to deficiencies in the diet.

In some breeds, increased sebum production and thus increased flaking is genetically predisposed. Particularly affected are:

• Cocker Spaniel
• Doberman
• Yorkshire Terrier
• West Highland White Terrier
• German Shepherd

If this predisposition has been ruled out by a veterinarian, the symptoms can be well managed with a combination of medicated shampoos, targeted care and a high-quality diet.

• Parasites such as scabies or fur mites often cause flakes combined with severe itching. You can find out more about this in our article on Grass mites in dogs.
• Dry heating air in winter removes moisture from the skin – similar to us humans.
• UV light in summer can lead to dry, irritated skin, especially in short-haired or light-colored dogs.
• Improper care: bathing too often or unsuitable shampoos destroy the natural skin barrier.

• Malnutrition, especially with very cheap dry foods with a low fatty acid content
• Feed allergies or intolerances – find out more in the guide on Feed allergies in dogs
• Metabolic diseases such as hypothyroidism
• Special skin diseases such as "Zinc-Responsive Dermatosis"
• Stress and hormonal changes

Not every flake is an emergency – but there are clear warning signs where you should not try to treat it yourself, but get a veterinary diagnosis instead:

‼ Go to the vet immediately if:

• Severe, persistent itching
• Bloody or open skin areas
• Sudden hair loss in larger areas
• Strong odor or purulent areas
• Lethargy, loss of appetite or weight changes
• Suspected parasites (visible creatures or scabs)

Only your veterinarian can reliably determine with a skin sample or blood test whether, for example, mites, an allergy, or a hormonal disorder is behind it.

If medical causes have been ruled out, the most effective therapy usually starts in the bowl. As described in our article on the best home remedies from the dog pharmacy, omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) play a central role for healthy skin and shiny fur.

They work on three levels:

1. Building the skin barrier – they ensure that the skin retains moisture better
2. Anti-inflammatory – they soothe itching and irritated skin areas
3. Gloss & suppleness of the fur – dogs look visibly better cared for

The dog's body cannot produce these fatty acids itself – they must be supplied through the diet.

There are many recommendations circulating on the internet – not all are useful. Here is an honest overview:

Dosage recommendation for salmon oil (as a guideline)

⚠️ Important: Introduce slowly – start with half the amount to avoid overwhelming the gastrointestinal tract. If you notice digestive problems, our guide on Gastrointestinal problems in dogs will help further.

In addition to diet, you can also support your dog's skin from the outside:

• Regular brushing (2–3 times a week) distributes the skin's natural oils and removes loose flakes.
• Use a mild, dog-specific shampoo – never use human shampoo! Bathe your dog at most every 4–6 weeks.
• Increase humidity in winter (use a humidifier or place damp towels on the heater).
• Spot-ons with essential fatty acids can help with acutely dry patches.
• Provide plenty of water – the skin needs hydration from within too.

If you want to support your dog's skin health in a targeted and functional way, our HelloBello Skin & Coat Drops are the perfect addition to their daily diet – a tasty snack that also supports their skin and coat.

What's inside?

• Lamb protein – a high-quality, easily digestible protein source, also ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs
• Algae oil – a plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA), sustainably sourced and free from contaminants
• Brewer's yeast – a natural source of B vitamins, biotin, and zinc, all essential for skin and coat health
• Yeast hydrolysate – supports the absorption of important nutrients
• Sweet potato & potato – a gentle, grain-free carbohydrate base
• Vegetable glycerin – gives the snack its soft texture

→ 100% natural ingredients, grain-free, no artificial additives, no sugar.

Why our drops?

• Tasty snack format – even picky eaters love them
• Algae oil instead of fish oil: sustainable, free from contaminants, and vegetarian – also perfectly suited for dogs with fish intolerances
• Brewer's yeast provides biotin and zinc in their natural form – the classics for a healthy coat
• Visible results usually after 3–4 weeks of daily use
• Ideal as an occasional reward or as a topping for their food

The truth is: Skincare masks symptoms, while diet addresses the causes. If your dog lacks essential fatty acids, high-quality proteins, or certain vitamins, you will see it in their skin and coat sooner or later.

What to look for in their food:

• Fresh ingredients instead of flour and fillers
• Clearly declared meat content (e.g., "70% chicken," not "animal derivatives")
• Salmon oil or other high-quality oils as a fixed ingredient
• No artificial preservatives or added sugar
• Ideally tailored to your dog's breed, age, weight, and activity level

HelloBello: The optimal choice for skin and coat health 

We developed our fresh food according to these exact principles:

✅ Gently cooked – preserves valuable nutrients and vitamins

✅ High proportion of fresh muscle meat of food-grade quality

✅ Hemp oil as a fixed ingredient – omega-3 for skin & coat

✅ Grain-free, without sugar and artificial additives

✅ Developed by veterinarians and tailored to your dog

✅ Delivered in exact portions – flexibly adjustable, can be paused at any time

Dry skin and flaking in dogs are usually not inevitable, but rather a solvable problem. Skincare from the outside helps in the short term – but the real turning point comes from a high-quality diet tailored to your dog with the right fatty acids.