How to Prevent and Treat Winter Dry Skin in Dogs

Just as our scalps dry out in the winter air, our beloved pups aren’t immune to the season’s toll on their skin. Your furry friend might develop flaky patches, suffer from itchy skin, or increased coat shedding.

But don’t worry! With proper care and preventive measures, you can keep your dog’s skin moisturized and coat vibrant all winter. We'll teach you how to prevent and treat winter dry skin in dogs and ensure your four-legged family member stays warm, happy, and itch-free throughout the chilly months.

What Causes Dry Skin in Dogs During Cold Weather?

Indoor heating systems reduce humidity in the air, which strips away the natural moisture from a dog’s skin and coat. Simultaneously, cold outdoor air typically has lower humidity levels, further drying out a dog’s skin when it spends time outside.

A diet that lacks much-needed healthy oils can impair skin health, preventing the maintenance of a healthy, protective coat.

Certain breeds are also more prone to skin conditions that the harsh winter environment can aggravate.

Environmental allergies may become more pronounced in the colder months, adding to the dryness and discomfort.

Signs Your Dog is Suffering From Dry Skin

Recognizing the signs of dry skin in your dog is crucial for timely intervention. Common symptoms include persistent itchy skin, which may lead to excessive scratching or biting at their coat. Flaky skin or dandruff is another telltale sign, often visible on the back and belly.

You might also notice brittle nails or increased coat shedding, indicating that your dog's skin should be more moisturized. In some cases, inflamed skin or patches of redness can develop, pointing to more severe skin issues or infections.

Differentiating Dry Skin, Dandruff, Mange, and Hives in Dogs

Dry skin typically presents as rough, scaly patches and is usually caused by environmental factors such as dry winter weather or poor nutrition.

Dandruff presents itself as oily white flakes. It is a fungal form of skin dryness, but it can sometimes indicate an underlying issue with skin health.

Mange, on the other hand, is a more severe condition caused by mites. It leads to intense itching, hair loss, and inflamed skin.

Hives are allergic reactions that appear as raised red welts. They are often triggered by environmental or food allergies. Understanding these differences is essential for dog parents to provide the appropriate treatment.

How Can Indoor Heating Impact Your Dog’s Skin?

While indoor heating keeps your home cozy, it can inadvertently create a harsh environment for your dog’s skin. Dry air from home heating systems can exacerbate dry skin on dogs, leading to flaky skin, brittle hair, and skin irritation. The lack of essential moisture makes it harder to maintain healthy skin, increasing the risk of secondary skin infections like fungal infections and yeast infections.

Excessive bathing with harsh shampoos to combat the dryness can strip away natural oils, further compromising skin health. To protect your dog’s skin and coat, consider using a humidifier to add moisture to the air and incorporate natural oils like coconut oil or olive oil into their dog’s diet.

4 Tips to Maintain Humidity Levels for Your Dog’s Skin Health

1. Use a Humidifier: Adding a humidifier to your home can counteract the dry air from home heating systems, helping keep your dog's skin moisturized and reducing flaky and itchy skin.
2. Hydrate Your Dog: Ensure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water. Proper hydration supports overall skin health and helps maintain a healthy coat.
3. Balanced Diet: Incorporate foods rich in essential fatty acids, like Omega-3 fatty acids, into your dog’s balanced diet.
4. Regular Grooming: Brush your dog regularly to distribute natural oils evenly across their skin and coat, preventing coat shedding and brittle hair.

4 Top Treatments for Dry Skin in Dogs

1. Moisturizing Shampoos: Specially formulated for dry skin, they soothe irritation and remove flakes. Look for products that target skin conditions without harsh chemicals that could worsen dryness.
2. Topical Creams: Applying topical creams can provide immediate relief for itchy skin and help restore moisture. These creams often contain ingredients like aloe vera to calm inflammation.
3. Supplements: Incorporating supplements rich in essential fatty acids can significantly improve your dog’s skin health.
4. Allergy Management: If your dog’s dry skin is caused by an allergic reaction to animal dander or dust mites, it is crucial to identify and remove the allergen. This might involve changing your dog’s environment or using hypoallergenic products.

Homemade Remedies for Your Dog’s Dry Skin

If you prefer natural solutions, there are several homemade remedies you can try to alleviate your dog’s dry skin:

1. Oatmeal Baths: An oatmeal bath can soothe irritated skin and reduce flaky skin. Grind plain, uncooked oatmeal into a fine powder and add it to your dog’s bathwater. Let your dog soak for about 10-15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
2. Coconut Oil: Applying coconut oil directly to your dog’s skin can provide deep moisture and help combat dryness. It also has antibacterial properties that can prevent skin infections. Rub a small amount into the affected areas daily.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse: Dilute apple cider vinegar with equal parts water and use it as a final rinse after bathing. This helps balance the skin’s pH and can reduce irritation caused by dust mites and animal dander.
4. Honey: A thin layer of honey on dry patches can act as a natural humectant, drawing moisture into the skin. Honey also has antimicrobial properties that can help prevent secondary skin infections.

Choosing the Right Products for Your Dog’s Dry Skin

Incorporate Volhard’s Krill Oil into your dog’s regimen to replenish lost moisture and support healthy skin.

The Adored Beast Skin HEALth Spray is designed for pets and provides targeted relief for itchy skin and flaky patches.

Consider natural treats such as Polkadog Bakery Cod Skins, formulated to nourish your dog’s skin from the inside out. By choosing the right products tailored to your dog’s specific needs, you can effectively manage and prevent dry skin dog issues.

How Does Nutrition Influence Your Dog’s Skin and Coat?

Hypoallergenic diets, like the Volhard Rescue diet, provide a balanced, grain-free foundation that supports skin health by minimizing the risk of allergic reactions and inflammation. This dehydrated mix includes high-quality ingredients and essential nutrients that support sensitive skin and overall coat health. Adding raw or cooked protein to this base mix ensures your dog receives the complete nutrition needed for skin resilience and optimal coat shine.

Dog parents should consider regular grooming and gentle or medicated shampoos for canine skin to avoid over-drying. High-quality nutrition and appropriate topical care can help keep your furry friend’s skin hydrated, coat vibrant, and protect against winter skin challenges.

Regularly Check Your Dog’s Skin for Issues

Make it a habit to examine areas prone to dryness, such as the belly, paws, and behind the ears, for signs of flaky skin, hair loss, or inflamed skin. Look out for unusual lumps, bumps, or areas of redness that could indicate skin infections or fungal infections.

Boost Your Dog’s Winter Skin Health With Volhard!

For more advice on dog nutrition, health, and training, contact us and check out our blog!

Volhard Dog Nutrition and its expert canine nutrition coaches are now offering online consultations to help more dog parents discover why and how to feed their dogs the healthiest foods!

Speaking to a Volhard canine nutrition coach will help you understand the inseparable relationship between healthy food, a healthy body, and a healthy mind.

If you want to contact one of our Volhard canine nutrition coaches, don't hesitate to access our consultation page!

References

1. "7 Tips to Help Your Dog's Dry Skin in Winter." Vetnique Labs, www.vetniquelabs.com/blogs/vets-corner/7-tips-to-help-your-dog-s-dry-skin-in-winter. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
2. Burke, Anna. "Dry Skin on Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatments." American Kennel Club, American Kennel Club, 13 May 2024, www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dry-skin-on-dogs/. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
3. Heinrich, Nicole A., et al. Skin Diseases of the Dog and Cat. CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, 2019. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
4. Watson, Tim D.G. "Diet and skin disease in dogs and cats." The Journal of Nutrition, vol. 128, no. 12, Dec. 1998, https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/128.12.2783s. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.