Do Your Know Your Pet’s Skin Type?
Do Your Know Your Pet’s Skin Type?
You probably know your own skin type, but have you ever thought about your pet’s skin type?
Many pet parents haven’t. But using the wrong skincare can actually damage your pet’s skin or even lead to skin problems like dryness, itchiness, or excessive oiliness.
What works for one pet might not work for another.
Just like us, personalized care is the key to keeping their skin and coat healthy.
Let’s learn about pet’s skin type together.
Let’s Get to Know Your Dog’s Skin Type
Just like us, pets have different skin types—Normal, Oily, Dry, Combination, and Sensitive.
Each type requires a different approach to skincare to keep them comfortable and their coat in top condition. Knowing your pet’s skin type is important for providing the right skincare and keeping their coat and skin healthy.
But how do you know what skin type your pet has?
How Can I Tell My Dog’s Skin Type？
So, how can you tell what type your pet has? In most cases, skin types are defined by the balance of moisture (water) and oil (sebum) on the surface of the skin. However, sensitive skin is a bit different—it’s more about the strength of the skin barrier than moisture and oil levels. When that barrier is weak, the skin becomes more prone to irritation, itching, and redness.
Understanding the 5 Skin Types
Now, let’s take a closer look at each skin type and how to care for it with our 100% Natural Animal Ayurveda Herb Pack.
Normal Skin
This skin type has plenty of moisture and just the right amount of oil. It feels smooth, looks healthy, and has a natural glow without being greasy. Since it’s well-balanced, your goal is to maintain the current condition with regular shampooing and proper hydration.
- Use a mild shampoo if your pet isn’t particularly dirty.
- Choose shampoos based on seasonal changes, age, and physical condition.
- Moisturize after bathing, as even normal skin can become dry.
- Brush regularly to prevent matting, remove dirt, and keep the skin clean.
A balanced blend of cleansing and hydration to help maintain your pet’s current healthy skin condition.Use regularly to keep the skin smooth and the coat shiny.
Boosts moisture and reduces static buildup.
Perfect for pets prone to matting or when you want to prevent dirt from clinging due to static.
Mix it into the Herb Pack for extra hydration and a softer finish.
Oily Skin
Oily skin has high levels of both moisture and sebum, leading to a greasy, sticky feel. It’s more prone to rashes, clogged pores, and even an unpleasant odor. It’s very important not to leave excess oil on the skin—cleanse thoroughly and moisturize properly.
- Thoroughly remove excess sebum using an anti-seborrheic shampoo or cleanser.
- Apply moisturizer after bathing to keep the skin hydrated.
- Shampoo more frequently during warmer or more humid periods.
- Use a moisturizing shampoo during drier or cooler times of the year.
Contains neem, known for its powerful cleansing properties. Helps prevent the overgrowth of bacteria that cause odor and greasiness.
If your pet has rough skin or oily bumps, they may actually have combination skin.
This type uses Aloe vera to moisturize and support hydration—especially helpful during dry seasons.
Combination Skin
Combination skin can be tricky—it may feel oily on the surface but is actually dehydrated underneath.
This is often referred to as “inner dry” skin. The skin may appear thick and rough, with visible pores or rashes. You’ll need to care for both oiliness and dryness at the same time.
- Cleanse oily areas thoroughly using a cleanser or a deep-cleansing shampoo.
- Be careful not to over-washing or scrub areas that tend to get dry, like the belly.
- Use a water-based moisturizer after shampooing to maintain hydration.
Keeps oily areas clean and fresh.
Formulated with neem, known for its powerful cleansing action.
Helps prevent odor and stickiness caused by excess sebum and bacteria.
A no-rinse, multi-use balm that removes stubborn sebum while deeply moisturizing the skin.
Contains coconut oil and herbal extracts—great for paws, ears, wrinkles, and areas prone to irritation.
Also works as a gentle spot cleanser for rough or sensitive areas.
Dry Skin
With low moisture and oil levels, dry skin can appear flaky and dull. It may look like powder is sitting on the coat, and you might notice fine lines or roughness. Dogs with dry skin need extra hydration, especially in low-humidity seasons.
- Use a gentle shampoo with mild cleansing power.
- Support the skin’s barrier function using lotions, sprays, or creams with rich moisturizing ingredients.
- Use a humidifier as needed to keep indoor humidity above 40%.
Delivers intensive hydration to relieve dryness and support the skin’s moisture barrier.
Formulated with aloe vera to deeply moisturize both the skin and coat.
Helps reduce flakiness, itchiness, and static caused by dry skin.
Recommended for pets with visible dandruff or dry-season discomfort.
Mix into the Herb Pack for an extra boost of hydration and softness.
Sensitive Skin
This skin type is more about a weakened skin barrier than the balance of oil or moisture. Dogs and cats with sensitive skin are prone to redness, itching, and irritation—especially if they have allergies or an atopic constitution.
Focus on gentle care and barrier support. Look for moisturizers with ceramides, which help repair and protect the skin. When bathing, avoid harsh scrubbing and always wash gently.
- Gently wash with a mild, non-irritating shampoo.
- Always moisturize thoroughly after bathing.
- Check both skincare products and food for potential allergens.
- Use protective clothing when going outdoors to guard against UV rays, wind, and temperature changes.
Ideal when redness or inflammation is a concern, thanks to its antibacterial properties. Formulated with neem, which helps keep skin clean and prevents irritation.
Great for dry, itchy skin and for keeping moisture locked in during dry seasons. Aloe vera replenishes moisture in both skin and coat. For deeper hydration, combine with Beauty Oil.
What Is the Skin’s Barrier Function?
The skin barrier refers to the role of the stratum corneum—the outermost layer of the skin. This ultra-thin layer (only about 0.01 mm thick!) serves two essential functions:
- It protects the body from harmful substances like bacteria, allergens, and environmental irritants.
- It prevents internal moisture from evaporating, keeping the skin properly hydrated.
In dogs, the skin is less than half as thick as human skin—about the thickness of a single layer of plastic wrap. This means that when the skin barrier function is compromised, they are much more prone to dryness, itching, and irritation.
That’s why it’s so important to support and maintain the skin barrier—especially for dogs with sensitive skin. Look for moisturizers containing ceramides, avoid over-washing, and always use gentle, pet-safe skincare products.
How to Strengthen the Skin’s Barrier Function
Here are some simple but important ways to help protect and strengthen your pet’s skin barrier:
- Keep the skin well moisturized
- Minimize irritation
- Avoid scrubbing or rough washing
- Don’t leave excess sebum or dirt on the skin
- Use cleansers suited to your pet’s skin type
- Protect against UV exposure
- Provide a well-balanced, nutritious diet
- Maintain a clean and comfortable living environment
How Your Pet’s Skin Type Changes by Life Stage
Just like we change our skincare routine in our 20s, 30s, and 40s, pet’s skin also changes with age. Since they age faster than we do, choosing the right skincare at each stage of life plays a key role in keeping them happy and healthy for years to come.
Here’s a quick look at how your pet’s skin type tends to change with age:
Puppy Stage – Under 1 Year
Common Skin Types: Normal, SensitiveIn the puppy stage, many pets have balanced, healthy skin—but remember, their skin is only about one-third the thickness of ours, which makes it very delicate.
Just like human babies, puppies are more prone to sensitivity and irritation.
That’s why gentle care with minimal stimulation is so important during this stage.
Start gentle care early to help prevent future skin troubles.
Adult Stage – From 1 to under 7 Years
Common Skin Types: Oily, NormalAs pets grow into adulthood, their skin often becomes oilier—even if it was normal during puppyhood.
Their increased activity levels can cause more sebum to be produced, leading to greasiness.
Especially in hot and humid climates, this can easily result in skin issues.
Regular cleansing and removing excess oil are the key to keeping their skin clean and balanced during this active stage.
Senior Stage – 7 Years and Older
Common Skin Types: Dry, CombinationAs pets age, their skin gradually loses its ability to retain moisture.
Dry skin becomes more common, and in some cases, they may develop what’s called combination skin—where the surface is oily, but the deeper layers are dry.
This “oily-dry” skin can be tricky to identify just by touch.
Moisturizing care becomes more important than ever in the senior stage.
The Right Care Makes All the Difference
Understanding your pet’s skin is the key to providing them with the care they deserve. With the right routine and gentle products, you can help your pet stay happy, healthy, and comfortable in their own skin.
Skincare Isn’t Everything—Overall Health Counts Too!
Please remember. Healthy skin isn’t just about what you put on the outside. Just like humans, pets benefit from a balanced diet, a clean and comfortable environment, and low stress levels. All of these factors support skin health from the inside out.
Made only with organic herbs, our Animal Ayurveda Herbal Pack makes skincare simple—offering both cleansing and moisturizing in one step. It’s recommended for all five skin types, so if you haven’t tried it yet, this is a great place to start!
Try Our Skin Type Checker!
Ready to find out your pet’s skin type?
Take our quick Skin Type Checker and get personalized care tips, plus recommended products for your pet
It only takes a minute—and your furry friend will thank
Let’s get started!
