What happens to a dog's skin and coat as they age?

With advancing age, several changes occur in the skin and hair of dogs. Cellular degeneration (atrophy) increases in both the epidermis and dermis which are the top two layers of the skin. The skin loses collagen which is the elastic property of skin making it less pliable. The degeneration of the cells in the epidermis and the dermis breaks down the calcium present within, then, with no place to go the calcium ends up in the basal layer of the skin at the bottom, which is where new hair and skin is made.

Calcium has a direct effect on the production of melanin (melanocytes) which are the colour producing cells in hair. Increased calcium reduces the production of the melanin in the hair follicle resulting in the production of white hair.

The loss of elasticity is often accompanied by thickening of the outer layer of the skin and follicles (hyperkeratosis), together with changes in sebum production in older animals and can result in scaly skin and cause the hair coat to become dry and dull.

Follicles may also degenerate resulting in areas of hair loss.

Certain cells within the follicles regulate skin and hair growth. These cells don’t replicate as effectively as dogs age and become abnormally concentrated leading to fatty lumps (lipomas) and sometimes unfortunately cancer.

Regular brushing helps stimulate the skin renewal process and remove itching caused by dead skin. Use a conditioning shampoo to seal the skin to reduce moisture loss and a conditioning spray to reduce breakage.

Be the grooming professional and explain this to your owners.