The symptoms of dry skin can vary depending on the breed of dog, and some can have multiple symptoms concurrently.

But here are some of the most common signs to look out for:

• Alopecia (Hair loss)

• Cracked skin

• Flaky skin/Dandruff

• Greasy feel of their fur

• Itchiness

• Pimples

• Redness of the skin

• Scabs

• Scaliness

• Unpleasant odor

These symptoms might manifest themselves in one area, for instance, the base of your pooch’s tail or their paws, or several areas.

As a general rule of thumb, the presence of these symptoms does hint at a problem that needs to be resolved. Although most of these issues have relatively simple fixes.

Vitamin E is a very healthy oil that acts as a fabulous moisturizer for your dog's skin.

Directly applying the oil to the dry patches of your furry-friend's skin will help restore it back to a smoother appearance.

The great thing about vitamin E oil is that it is an antioxidant that can be administered orally. Therefore, it can help to safeguard your dog from cellular damage and can go a long way towards relieving any hotspots or inflammation that might be present.

Another good oil to use on your canine is coconut oil, which, like vitamin E oil, makes a wonderful natural moisturizer.

Additionally, it has the added benefit of possessing antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties, which can quickly restore your dog’s skin to full health.

The best way to apply it is to warm the oil up in your hands and put it directly on your pooch’s affected epidermis area.

Often, putting on a topical cream can be problematic for dog moms and dads because many breeds will simply lick it off if they can. If they do this, they could make the skin problem worse or trigger issues relating to pancreatitis and obesity. For these reasons, if your dog is prone to licking, you should probably avoid this option.

However, with coconut oil, even if they do manage to lap it all up, the fatty acids present in the oil work to moisturize their skin from the inside out.

Many skin issues dogs suffer from can result from their digestive system. For instance, if they have an unbalanced microbiome, then harmful bacteria and yeast can show up on their skin.

A good way to counter this is to give them yogurt because, as it is a probiotic, the healthy bacteria within it can help to rebalance your furry friend's GI tract.

Just like with olive oil, some vets advocate adding a couple of teaspoons of unsweetened and plain yogurt to your canine's meals around two to three times a week.

Knowing how to treat dry skin on dogs is one thing. But preventing them from getting it is another thing entirely.

As mentioned previously, some breeds of dogs are more prone to suffering from their ailment. However, here is what you can do to reduce the risks of your four-legged friend from succumbing to it.

• Give your pup a balanced, high–quality diet

• Ensure they are regularly treated for parasite prevention

• Regularly groom your dog to prevent debris and dirt from building up in their fur

• Maintain cleanliness of facial skin folds (if breeds that have these)

• Give your pooch supplements (under veterinarian advice)

• Make regular appoints with your vet to check up on your canine’s health

• Research what particular skin conditions your breed of dog is predisposed to and how you can prevent them.

Ultimately, the best way you can reduce the risk of your dog contracting dry skin issues is to help them live healthy and happy lives.

That said, it is important to note that despite your best efforts, some epidermis conditions are unpreventable. However, if you frequently examine your canine’s skin health, you should be able to manage it before it goes out of control.

As it has effective antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, coconut oil can be an excellent home remedy to moisturize and soothe your dog’s dry skin.

The best way to apply it is to warm it up in your hands and then rub it over the most affected areas of your pooch's epidermis.