Skin and Dull Coat

With age, the skin loses its youthful elasticity, becoming thinner and more sensitive. The texture and thickness of the coat also deteriorate naturally, but this should not be overlooked, because it may also indicate a medical condition.

Older dogs have either more difficulty or less interest in grooming their coats as they did when they were younger. As dogs grow older, they often produce more secretions from the sebaceous glands in their skin.

This creates cither an oily or a dry, flaking condition. In both circumstances, a dog smells more "doggy." Breeds such as the Cocker Spaniel are more susceptible to dull, malodorous coats than others.

Treatment 
Older dogs should be groomed and bathed more frequently than younger ones. One problem with this is that older dogs sometimes get crotchety about baths. However, the benefits are worthwhile.

Grooming, bathing with antiseptic shampoos, and using humectants together reduce the risk of a secondary bacterial skin infection. The practice also increases the likelihood that you will discover age-related lumps and humps.