We talk a lot about skincare for ourselves: cleansers, moisturisers, SPF, the works. But dog skin? It rarely comes up. And yet your dog's skin is working just as hard as yours: regulating temperature, protecting against bacteria, and acting as a barrier between them and the outside world.
The difference is that most dogs don't get any support with it at all. A bath when they smell, maybe a brush a few times a week, and that's it. For a lot of dogs, that's fine. But for dogs with sensitive skin, dry patches, dull coats, or recurring irritation — it's not enough.
What does dog skin actually need?
Dog skin has a different pH to human skin — sitting around 6.5 to 7.5 compared to our 4.5 to 5.5. That means human skincare products (including shampoos) are too acidic and can disrupt the skin barrier over time. Dogs need products specifically formulated for their pH range.
Beyond that, the basics matter: regular but not excessive bathing, gentle cleansing, coat conditioning to reduce breakage and dryness, and attention to any recurring issues like flakiness, redness, or itching.
Signs your dog's skin needs more attention
Dull or brittle coat. Flaky skin or dandruff. Frequent scratching without an obvious cause. Redness or irritation around the ears, paws, or belly. A coat that looks dry no matter how much they're brushed. These are all signals — and they're worth taking seriously.
Where to start
Start with what goes on them. A gentle, shampoo formulated for dogs is the foundation. From there, a conditioning treatment once or twice a month can make a significant difference to coat texture and skin hydration. And beyond wash day, coat oils and balms can help maintain the skin barrier in between baths.
Dog skincare doesn't need to be complicated. It just needs to be consistent, and actually suited to your dog's skin.
