Celebrated annually on January 8, National Winter Skin Relief Day is a great time to remember that pets also suffer from the winter skin blues!
Cold, dry air outside coupled with enclosed spaces inside and home heating systems can cause your pet to suffer from dry, flakey or cracked skin and the itching and scratching discomfort that accompanies it. Pets already suffering from pruritic skin conditions can have their conditions exacerbated by the combination of low humidity and more time spent in an enclosed environment.
For pet owners, keeping your pet comfortable while spending extended periods of time indoors can be a challenge this time of year. The veterinary dermatology experts at Animal Dermatology Group suggests these helpful tips to keep your pet calm and comfy when the temperature drops.
- Keep your pet hydrated. Dry, winter air not only causes the loss of moisture to your pet’s skin, but to their entire body as well and can lead to dehydration. It’s important that your pet always have an abundant source of clean, cool drinking water.
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- Groom your pet regularly: Brush your pet often. Most pets love the attention and feel of brushing, and it helps remove flakey skin, shedded hair and promotes the skin’s natural production of essential oils needed for proper moisture balance.
- Periodic bathing can also help: Bathing with a hydrating shampoo containing emollients and moisturizing factors, such as oatmeal, aloe or ceramides, can help support the skin’s moisture retention and its normal, healthy barrier function. For normal dogs, bathe in moderation during the winter as overbathing or bathing with non-hydrating products can strip the skin of its natural oils needed for skin moisture and hydration.
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Don’t forget the paws: Weather conditions like ice and snow, combined with irritants like salt and sand, can damage your pet’s paw pads, causing dry, cracked and peeling skin and considerable distress to your pet. Make sure to wipe off your pet’s paws when they come in from outdoors and, if you notice dryness, consider using a balm or moisturizing cream formulated for paw pads.
- Provide a balanced diet and nutritional support: Feed your pet a balanced diet rich in fatty acids and other nutrients that promote skin and coat health. Also consider dietary supplements that promote skin health, such as supplements containing Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids, shown to support healthy skin and coat.
- Make sure underlying skin conditions are under control: The winter climate can be an aggravating factor for pets with already compromised skin. It’s crucial to your pet’s health and comfort that you work with your veterinarian to ensure that chronic skin conditions, such as environmental or food allergies, are diagnosed appropriately and managed.
With a little planning and these tips, you can help turn this time of year from the winter itch blues to the best cuddle time ever for your pet! If you find that your pet is experiencing some discomfort or itchier than usual, make an appointment with us at a location near you.
