Rarely does a pet have “dry skin” such as humans do during the dry, cold winter months. The majority of the time “dry skin” in pets is due to an underlying problem. Pets on steroids either injectable, oral, or topical over time can develop a fine “peeling” of the skin resembling dry skin. Resolving bacterial infections of the skin (scabs or sores) can develop into dry flakes as the lesions resolve. A diet lacking in omega 3/omega 6 fatty acids can result in scaling and even a poor hair coat attesting to the fact that you get what you pay for with pet foods! A contagious mite called Cheyletiella (“walking dandruff”) can also give a pet “dry skin” symptoms. And rarely, particularly in older pets, a form of skin cancer called cutaneous lymphoma can manifest as scaling of the skin. If you feel your pet has “dry skin” be sure to ask us or your veterinarian about the above possibilities before trying various products and spending extra money on topicals or oral medications your pet may not need!