A Guide to Finding the Best DERMagic Products for Your Dog's Skin

How to Choose the Right Products for Your Pet

Every pet's skin is different, and so is every skin problem. Whether your pet is dealing with a small hot spot or full-blown black skin disease, choosing the right products makes all the difference in getting results.

The fastest and easiest way to find the right products for your pet is to use our Product Finder, which you will find in the top menu bar. Simply type your pet's condition or choose it from the list and it will show you exactly which products are recommended for that specific condition. No guesswork, no confusion — just the right solution for your pet in seconds.

If you would like to understand more about the conditions we treat and how our products work, read on.

Understanding Your Pet's Condition

Before choosing products it helps to identify what you are dealing with. Here are the most common conditions we see.

Alopecia X and Black Skin Disease

Also known as BSD, this condition causes progressive hair loss and darkening of the skin. It typically starts on the back, tail, and hind legs, spreading over time. The skin becomes thick, dark, and may have an elephant-like texture. It is most common in Pomeranians, Huskies, Malamutes, Samoyeds, and other Spitz-type breeds, though it can affect any dog. If your pet has dark thickened skin with patchy or complete hair loss, and your vet has ruled out thyroid or other hormonal conditions, alopecia X is likely the culprit.

Hot Spots

Hot spots are red, moist, irritated patches that seem to appear overnight. They are often oozy, may have a discharge, and are intensely itchy or painful. Pets will lick, chew, and scratch at them constantly, making them worse. Hot spots can appear anywhere but are common on the hips, legs, and head.

Yeast Overgrowth

Yeast naturally lives on your pet's skin, but when it grows out of control, problems follow. Signs include a distinctive musty smell, greasy or oily skin, dark discolouration in skin folds and around the neck, chronic ear problems, rusty-brown staining between the toes, and persistent itching that does not respond to other treatments. Many pets with chronic skin problems have underlying yeast issues that have never been properly addressed.

Dandruff and Seborrhea

Flaky, scaly skin that sheds white flakes throughout the coat. Some pets have dry seborrhea while others have oily seborrhea with greasy waxy buildup. Both cause discomfort and can lead to secondary problems if not addressed.

Chronic Itching

Persistent scratching, licking, and chewing without an obvious cause. The skin may appear red or irritated from constant scratching. Chronic itching often has multiple underlying factors including yeast, allergies, or dry skin.

Dry Skin and Cracked Paws

Skin that looks dull, feels rough, or flakes. Paw pads may be cracked, rough, or painful. Common in winter from cold and indoor heating and in summer from hot pavement and dry conditions.

Minor Wounds, Cuts, and Insect Bites

Small injuries that need protection and support while the skin recovers, including scratches, minor cuts, insect bites and stings, and localised irritation.

How to Find the Right Products

Use our Pet Skin Condition Finder in the top menu bar to get your personalised product recommendation instantly. Choose your pet's condition from the list or type it into the search box and we will show you exactly what to use, how to use it, and what results to expect.

If you are ever unsure or your pet has multiple conditions, please do not hesitate to contact us directly. We have been helping pets with skin problems since 2006 and we are always happy to point you in the right direction. Describe your pet's symptoms and we will help you find the best starting point.

Choosing Between the Liquid and Bar Systems

Both the Liquid System and Bar System contain the same Skin Rescue Lotion, Hot Spot Salve, and Cell Restoration Creme. The only difference is the cleansing products.

Choose the Liquid System if you prefer traditional liquid shampoo and conditioner or your pet is already accustomed to liquid shampoos.

Choose the Bar System if you want the extra sulphur and neem in the Skin Rescue Shampoo Bar which is particularly beneficial for yeast-related issues, you prefer eco-friendly products with less plastic packaging, or your pet has particularly stubborn skin issues that benefit from the more concentrated bar formula. Bars also last significantly longer than bottles.

Starting Points for Different Budgets

If you want to start small, begin with the Skin Rescue Lotion. It is our most versatile product and addresses the widest range of skin issues. Add other products as needed once you see results.

If you want a solid foundation, the Skin Essentials Kit includes the Skin Rescue Shampoo Bar, Skin Rescue Lotion, and Hot Spot Salve and covers most common skin problems effectively.

If you want the complete solution, choose the full Liquid System or Bar System. This is the recommended approach for serious conditions like black skin disease or if you want everything you need from the very start.

Every pet deserves healthy, comfortable skin. Use our Pet Skin Condition Finder in the top menu to get started, or get in touch and we will help you find the right products personally.