Senior Dog Comfort & Care

Your dog’s skin condition tells you how they feel on the inside. Some skin changes are a normal part of aging, but some are caused by environmental or medical conditions. Since senior dogs often have weakened immunity, addressing skin issues promptly is crucial.

Dry, flaky skin: Skin glands begin to produce less oil with age, resulting in itchy skin and dandruff. Add fish oil to your dog’s diet and use soap-free, moisturizing pet shampoo and conditioner to soothe their itch.

Balding: It’s normal for hair follicles to decrease in size with age, causing hair loss. But it can also be a sign of serious issues: poor nutrition, gastrointestinal problems, poor grooming, pain, parasites (fleas), bacterial or fungal infections, or hormonal dysfunction. Depending on the cause, your veterinarian can provide appropriate treatment.

Odor: You may notice your dog is a bit stinky, and it’s not their breath. Weaker immune systems can make a dog more vulnerable to skin infections. These can cause red, inflamed, and itchy skin. Your vet will recommend treatment to get the infection under control and prevent the development of deeper skin infections or wounds.