Under all that hair, did you ever wonder what your dog’s skin is really like? Is it just like your skin? Yes and no. There are similarities, and there are also some major differences that may surprise you.
What’s under all that fur? For both dogs and people, the skin is the largest and one of the most complex organs of the body. It’s a natural barrier that prevents dehydration and protects us from the environment. The outermost skin layer is often compared to bricks and mortar. Skin cells are like bricks, and the lipid complex between cells is like mortar. Your dog’s skin, which is just 3 to 5 cells thick, is actually much more delicate than yours, which is at least 10 to 15 cells thick. Your dog’s skin depends on the coat of hair and oils to help keep it in healthy condition.
Why do dogs have so much hair? About 95 percent of a dog’s body is covered by hair. Besides making your dog soft and huggable, this coat of hair helps to protect the skin and keep it healthy. For most dogs, the hair coat grows on a cycle of two changes every year. That’s why most dogs shed in the spring as a new coat grows in, and the same process happens in the fall.
How can you keep a dog’s skin healthy? If you remember that skin is like bricks and mortar, there are some basic steps you can take to help keep it strong and solid. These include proper diet, parasite protection, regular bathing and grooming.
How often should you wash your dog? Opinions vary, although many experts agree, that how often to bathe a dog depends on a variety of factors, such as age, breed, life style, medical conditions, and overall health. “To keep your dog’s skin in healthy condition, don’t allow any dirt or debris to build up on the skin because these can lead to troubles such as dry skin, itchiness, infections and other problems,” said Stephanie Arnold, DVM, MPH. “If the coat’s not dirty or smelly, it’s best to bathe no more than once every two weeks.
Does my dog really need a special shampoo? Unfortunately, many pet owners aren’t aware it can be harmful to use their made-for-people shampoo, cream rinse or body lotion on their dog. The pH levels of human skin and canine skin are quite different. Products made to protect more acidic human skin can be troublesome for a dog’s more alkaline skin. “If a shampoo formulated for human skin is used on a dog, it disrupts the dog’s skin pH. This can create ideal conditions for bacteria, fungi and parasites to get out of control,” Arnold said. “As the shampoo dries out the skin, the dog scratches. They can nick or cut their skin, which can allow microorganisms to enter and start a problematic skin cycle.”
What’s best for my dog? Be sure to bathe your dog with a pH-balanced, moisturizing shampoo made specifically for dogs, such as ALLERGROOM® Shampoo from Virbac Animal Health. If your pet has itchy skin, ask your veterinarian about soothing options, such as EPI-SOOTHE® Shampoo and EPI-SOOTHE® Cream Rinse that are made to help restore a pet’s natural skin oils. An easy-to-use topical therapy, ALLERDERM® Spot-On is also available to help repair and restore a damaged skin barrier.