Tip Time: Winter Skin and Coat Care for Dogs

Winter is coming.

That means your dog will be experiencing a lot of changes.

Now, the outside air isn’t quite so pleasurable. The sidewalk is not so appealing. The blue puddle outside isn’t Kool-aid, but antifreeze instead.

So how do you take care of your dog’s needs as weather gets colder? One of the first orders of business is to protect your pups’ skin and coat.

Here’s how:

Washes for Dryness

A typical weather-change condition is a presence of dead skin cells known as dandruff. When dogs produce excessive sebum (that fatty, oily product of their skin glands), those cells can clump together and cause unsightly and uncomfortable patching.

Your first instinct might be to shampoo a lot. But that could cause the skin to lose some of the natural oils that help prevent dandruff in the first place.

Instead, give basic water baths during the colder months, or use a very deep moisturizing shampoo. If you’re looking to treat (instead of prevent) irritated skin, consider oatmeal products for the bath.

Brush it Out

Use a soft brush to remove patches of skin and stimulate your dog’s follicles. Brushing to remove dead skin will allow the coat some breathing room for healing.

Consider the Source

Your heat sources could easily contribute to your dog’s skin and coat changes.

Whether you use a fire or a furnace, your home’s winter air can grow very dry, affecting both your skin and your pet’s skin.

Track your dog’s skin response to different environments by using a humidifier for longer or shorter periods of time to change the moisture levels in your air.

Consider the Supplement

Choosing a nutritionally sound diet for your dog year round is the best way to ensure that weather won’t adversely affect his skin and coat health. Additional levels of Omegas 3 and 6 fatty acids can support skin flexibility and coat shine. Skin + Coat chews, for example, offer structural integrity support and are recommended for dogs with dull or dry coats, dandruff, dry skin or hair loss.

How do you keep your dog’s skin healthy during the winter? Share your tips on our Facebook page, and click here to learn more about Skin and Coat supplements.