When you notice dry skin on your dog’s ears, the first step is to visit your veterinarian, who will rule out the underlying causes, such as skin infections, allergies, hormonal issues, and more. and dietary problems.
Dry skin on dog ears: find out the cause
Most changes in the appearance of a dog’s skin and ears are caused by an underlying allergy, which can be environmental (pollen, dust mites, etc.) or food (chicken, beef, etc.), said Dr. Dori Calloway with VCA animal hospitals. Other reasons include:
- breed-specific genetics make them more susceptible to skin disorders. Some of these breeds include Boxers, Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, and Poodles.
- allergies to drugs and skin products
- nutritional imbalance
- more serious causes, such as parasites, infections, trauma, internal disorders, disease, and cancer
What does dry skin look like?
Dry skin is not the same in every dog and should be taken seriously if your dog develops this condition. If your dog has dry ears, the skin will be noticeably dry. The ear may be flaky or scaly or red, swollen, and uncomfortable. They may show signs of hair loss or have bumps, lumps, and scales. Depending on the cause of dry skin, you may see a culprit such as a flea or tick moving or notice an odor or oil.
Healthy dog ears feel cool, soft, smooth and not lumpy to the touch. The ear canal will be a healthy pale pink color, with little or no earwax, and no greasy feeling.
Best products for dry skin on dog ears
Treatment can be as simple as changing your dog’s diet or adding supplements, depending on the dog’s diagnosis.
There are many over-the-counter products on the market to help dry out your dog’s ear skin. Vetericyn Animal Health’ In-house vet says omega-3 fatty acids are great for dry skin and ears. Geoff Hamby, chief marketing officer at Vetericyn, recommends ALL-IN dog food supplement as an excellent source of essential nutrients for your dog’s skin and coat.
Here are some products to help your dog’s dry ears:
Zymox ear cleaner: A gentle and non-toxic solution for ear cleaning, composed of proteins, enzymes and surfactants. Cost $29.99.
Vet’s + Best Ear Pain Relief Ear Drying Wash and Dry: Uses plant-based ingredients like aloe vera and tea tree oil to soothe, deodorize, and dry. Relieves rough, itchy, oily and irritated ears. Cost $12.57. vetsbest.com
Vetericyn ALL-IN dog food supplement: Provides nutrients for healthy ears, skin, coat and feet, and fortifies natural defenses for healthy immune function. Cost $39.99.
Natural Dog Company Soothing Cream: Made with organic plant-based ingredients, this nourishing oil heals and soothes dry, itchy skin. $13.46.
Consult your veterinarian if you suspect dry ear is caused by food allergies or sensitivities. Your veterinarian will conduct tests to determine the cause of the allergy and help you adjust your dog’s diet.
