It's no wonder that one of the most common issues dog owners have is their dog's dry skin. From red bumps, hot spots and hair loss to excessive scratching and dryness, dog skin problems can be a real pain for both you and your pooch. Unfortunately, your dog's skin is often a reflection of its health. Thankfully, after you've diagnosed them, there are a number of ways to treat these problems.

Some of your dog's skin problems are directly related to his diet. Giving your dog a nutritionally-unbalanced diet will certainly cause dry and itchy skin. The importance of feeding your dog the proper nutrients required can not be understated. As a matter of fact, most skin conditions can be avoided by just being aware of what you are putting into your dog's bowl. If you cannot afford a premium, prepared dog food, there are plenty of free dog food recipes on the internet that will allow you total control over what goes into your dog's belly. His skin and his long-term health will thank you for it.

Besides diet, you must make sure that your dog is dewormed on a regular basis. Without deworming, your dog will likely present the same symptoms as it would if it is not getting the benefit of adequate nutrition.

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that you're an awful pet parent, if your pup suffers from dry, itchy skin. Another cause of this could very well be a flea allergy. Dogs who are allergic to this ,all too common, parasite, will suffer from excessive scratching, hair loss and red bumps on the bald areas. The allergy is derived from a sensitivity to flea saliva and even just one flea bite will cause flea allergy dermatitis. To treat this particular skin problem, you obviously must get rid of the fleas. Oftentimes, this is easier said than done, but there are many highly effective products on the market today.

All of the above conditions will likely cause dry, itchy skin on your dog. Sadly, even the most effective treatments can take a good bit of time. In the meantime, it would be a good idea to give your dog a dose of an over-the-counter antihistamine to ease his suffering before a quick trip to the vet.