Is Your Pup’s Coat Telling You Something?

How to Support Healthier Skin (and Less Itching) From the Inside Out

Constant scratching. Flaky patches. A coat that’s lost its shine. If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and neither is your pup.

While the occasional itch is normal, persistent skin discomfort may signal that your dog’s skin barrier needs a little more support. And just like with humans, healthy skin starts beneath the surface. Let’s explore what could be going on—and what you can do to help your dog feel better in their skin…

👀 Quick Look: What You’ll Learn

1. What really causes itchy skin in dogs (hint: it’s not always allergies!)

2. Why skin support starts inside, not just outside

3. Tips to build a skin-healthy routine at home

4. How key nutrients can help maintain skin comfort and coat health

5. What pet parents are saying about PupGrade’s Skin & Coat Support

What’s Behind That Itch?

Skin issues in dogs are more common than most pet parents think.

In fact, allergies are the #1 reason dogs visit the vet each year.[1] But not all itching is caused by external irritants. Sometimes, it’s what’s missing internally—like key nutrients for skin hydration, immune balance, or healthy regeneration.

Dogs prone to seasonal flare-ups, dry indoor air, or even aging skin may lack enough omega-3s, vitamins, or antioxidants to maintain healthy skin function.[2-9]

That can lead to:

• Excessive licking or scratching

• Flaky skin or hot spots

• Dull, brittle, or thinning coats

• Weakened skin barrier and moisture loss

Why Skin Support Starts From Within

Most outward signs—like itchy skin or lackluster coats—start below the surface. The skin is your dog’s largest organ and relies on a steady supply of nutrients to regenerate, retain moisture, and protect against environmental stressors.[10]

Key internal factors that influence skin health include:

• Omega-3 intake (especially EPA & DHA from marine sources)

• Cellular hydration and regeneration

• Antioxidant support to promote a normal inflammatory response

• Overall immune system balance

That’s why supporting your pup from the inside out is essential for long-term skin comfort, not just seasonal fixes!

3 Ways to Build a Skin-Healthy Routine

Just like we use lotions, moisturizers, and serums to keep our skin feeling its best, dogs benefit from daily care too—especially during seasonal shifts, dry indoor months, or times of increased environmental stress. Here’s how to support your pup’s skin and coat naturally:

1. Keep Baths Balanced

Baths are important, but too many can do more harm than good! Overbathing can strip your dog’s skin of the natural oils that help lock in moisture.

Try this instead:

• Bathe your pup no more than once every 3–4 weeks unless directed by a vet.

• Use a gentle, calming shampoo that’s free from harsh sulfates or synthetic fragrances.

• For extra convenience, try a 4-in-1 formula that cleans, detangles, deodorizes, and hydrates in one step—ideal for sensitive skin and busy schedules.

• Always rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean, soft towel to prevent post-bath irritation.

💡 Tip: If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, spot-clean muddy paws with a damp cloth between baths to limit skin contact with environmental triggers.

2. Prioritize Air Quality

Just like humans, dogs can develop dry skin or flare-ups in environments with poor air quality—especially when heaters are on or allergens are in the air.

Simple ways to help:

• Run a humidifier in rooms where your dog spends the most time, especially during winter months or in dry climates.

• Replace HVAC filters regularly to reduce airborne irritants.

• After walks, gently wipe paws and underbellies to remove pollen, dust, or road salt—areas where irritants commonly linger.

• Vacuum more frequently if your dog sheds heavily, as dander can impact their skin, too.

3. Add Support from Within

Many dogs don’t get enough skin-supportive nutrients from their kibble alone. Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, biotin, vitamin E, and antioxidants help maintain healthy skin hydration, reinforce the skin barrier, and promote a soft, shiny coat over time.[2-9]

💡 Tip: If your pup is sensitive, choose a supplement free from grains, artificial additives, and unnecessary fillers for easier digestion!

How to Know If Your Dog Needs Skin & Coat Support

Every pup is different, but there are a few common signs that may indicate your dog could benefit from daily skin and coat health support:

• Lives in a dry, dusty, or high-pollen area
  Environmental stressors can contribute to skin discomfort.
  

• Scratches, bites, or licks frequently
  Repeated behavior may signal surface-level irritation or dryness.
  

• Seems more reactive after outdoor time
  Grass, pollen, and dry air can sometimes impact your dog’s skin comfort.
  

• Fur looks dull, thinning, or rough to the touch
  A lack of nutrients can sometimes affect coat texture and shine.
  

• Is entering or already in their senior years
  Aging dogs may need more support for skin cell regeneration and moisture balance.
  

• Has known food sensitivities or a limited diet
  Some dogs may not get enough essential nutrients from food alone.

💡 Tip: If you’ve noticed more flakes during brushing or your pup seems restless at night from itching, it may be time to support their skin from the inside out.

Where PupGrade Comes In

Formulated for daily use, PupGrade’s Skin & Coat Support soft chews deliver targeted skin support with powerful ingredients dogs actually love.

Here’s what’s inside—and how it helps:[2-9]

Omega-3s from Cod Liver Oil & Fish Oil Concentrate
→  A natural source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, it helps support healthy skin, a normal inflammatory response, and immune function.*

Biotin + Zinc
→ Zinc further supports skin hydration and wellness, while Biotin helps to promote a normal immune response, helping maintain overall well-being and support healthy skin.*

Antioxidants like Vitamin E & Vitamin C
→ Antioxidant-rich vitamins E and C support a healthy immune system while helping maintain skin health, coat condition, and normal moisture levels.*

Grain-Free & Tummy-Friendly
→ Gentle on digestion, even for sensitive pups—these are savory, GMP-certified chewables free of grains, artificial colors, dyes, or harmful preservatives.

8/10 Dog Parents Saw Relieved, Itch-Free Pups**

A tail-wagging 84% of customers saw a positive difference after using PupGrade Skin & Coat Support, sharing that their pups seemed more comfortable and at ease.**

That’s why thousands of pups (and their humans) swear by it!

“SOFTER COAT, HAPPY DOG! Has really helped make my dog’s coat softer with less scratching.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
— Marcus A.

“My dog loves this supplement. His coat is so shiny and healthy looking. I have received many comments regarding how beautiful my dog looks. Thank you” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
— Lenice T.

“I could tell the difference within 2 to 3 days. My dogs coat was thicker, and softer.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
— Cynthia S.

FAQ: What Dog Parents Ask Most

Q: Is this safe for all breeds and ages?
A: Yes, PupGrade Skin & Coat is a chewable supplement that supports skin and coat health in pups of all breeds, sizes, ages, and activity levels. Follow the weight-based dosing instructions on the label.

Q: What’s the serving size?
A: We recommend following these directions for use:

• Per 25 lbs: 1 soft chew daily.

• For Extra Support: Double soft chews for first 4 weeks.

• If giving more than 1 soft chew daily, divide between AM and PM. 

Q: What is in this supplement?
A: No secrets here! Our PupGrade soft chews are a delicious way to support your dog's skin and coat health. We've created a gentle recipe that's easy on sensitive stomachs, and packed it with powerful ingredients like Fish Oil, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and more. These ingredients work together to support a healthy coat, comfortable skin, and a normal inflammatory response.

Q: Can I use this in the long term?
A: Yes, daily use is recommended to maintain results. Skin and coat supplements work best when taken consistently.

Your Dog Deserves to Feel Good in Their Skin

Dry, itchy skin shouldn’t be your dog’s “normal.”
With gentle, science-backed support in every bite, PupGrade helps nourish from the inside out—so your pup can glow from nose to tail.

Use code SS10 at checkout for 10% OFF your first PupGrade order!

This information is intended for general purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet or health routine, especially if you notice persistent or concerning changes in your dog's movement or behavior.

**Based on a survey of PupGrade customers.

**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.

Resources: 

1. Nationwide. April, 2024. Skin allergies, gastrointestinal disease among most common conditions that prompt veterinary visits. https://news.nationwide.com/ 

2. Morris, P. J., Salt, C., Raila, J., Brenten, T., Kohn, B., Schweigert, F. J., & Zentek, J. (2012). Safety evaluation of vitamin A in growing dogs. The British journal of nutrition, 108(10), 1800–1809. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114512000128 

3. Lin, P. H., Sermersheim, M., Li, H., Lee, P. H. U., Steinberg, S. M., & Ma, J. (2017). Zinc in Wound Healing Modulation. Nutrients, 10(1), 16. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10010016 

4. Rhouma, M., de Oliveira El Warrak, A., Troncy, E., Beaudry, F., & Chorfi, Y. (2013). Anti-inflammatory response of dietary vitamin E and its effects on pain and joint structures during early stages of surgically induced osteoarthritis in dogs. Canadian journal of veterinary research = Revue canadienne de recherche veterinaire, 77(3), 191–198. 

5. Plevnik Kapun, A., Salobir, J., Levart, A., Tavčar Kalcher, G., Nemec Svete, A., & Kotnik, T. (2014). Vitamin E supplementation in canine atopic dermatitis: improvement of clinical signs and effects on oxidative stress markers. The Veterinary record, 175(22), 560. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.102547 

6. Calder P. C. (2017). Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes: from molecules to man. Biochemical Society transactions, 45(5), 1105–1115. https://doi.org/10.1042/BST20160474 

7. Gordon, D. S., Rudinsky, A. J., Guillaumin, J., Parker, V. J., & Creighton, K. J. (2020). Vitamin C in Health and Disease: A Companion Animal Focus. Topics in companion animal medicine, 39, 100432. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tcam.2020.100432 

8. Mbbs, S. M. (2021, October 27). What is cod liver oil good for? 9 health benefits. MedicineNet. https://www.medicinenet.com/what_is_cod_liver_oil_good_for/article.htm 

9. DogCancer.com, LLC. (2023, May 16). Vitamin C for dogs. DogCancer.com. https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/supplements/vitamin-c-for-dogs/

10. DVM, Coates, Jennifer. PetMd. Coat and Skin Health as an Indicator of Nutritional Status. March, 2013. https://www.petmd.com/blogs/nutritionnuggets