Scaly Husky Skin
I have a 6
week old Husky puppy. She has hard scaley skin on her toes of one foot
that breaks and the skin peels away. She now has the hard scaley skin on
a half inch of her tail that has started to break.
Hyperkeratosis is a proliferative, dry scaly skin condition. Chronic rubbing and abrasion causes the skin to form callouses. Hyperkeratosis is commonly seen on dog elbows and on foot pads of dogs raised on cement.
You should combat the problem with topical medication, proper nutrition, and environmental improvements. Topically, moisturizing lotions, such as human hand lotions, will help soften the skin to prevent the deep cracks. A diet rich in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, Vitamin E and zinc will help the skin grow properly. Consider changing the diet, or at least supplementing the needed nutrients. Providing soft pads, carpets and non abrasive surfaces will help prevent the callous formation. Try to identify the behavior that results in the tail dermatosis. She may sit and wag her tail aggressively over the cement, causing the abrasion. Tail bandages do not work well. Tincture of Benzoin can toughen the skin, and liquid bandages may provide some protection while the skin is healing.
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