Introduction
The cold winter months don't just make us wrap up in our down coats, even the fur kids in the house may be “freaking out” because of the dry weather. Have you noticed that your dog has been scratching lately, and even has dry flakes or peeling skin?
Dog Has Dry Flaky Skin? How to Soothe Winter Itching？
Don't worry, this is a common winter skin problem, mainly due to the combination of cold, dry air and indoor heating robbing your dog's skin of moisture. Here are some practical and thoughtful ways to help relieve your dog's winter itchiness and restore soft, healthy skin!
Winter heaters keep your home nice and warm, but they also make the air extremely dry, which can cause your dog's skin to lose moisture, resulting in itchiness and dry flakes. Putting a humidifier in the living room or bedroom where your dog spends a lot of time can add moisture to the air and relieve dry skin. Choose an ultrasonic humidifier for low noise and energy savings, and remember to clean it regularly to prevent bacteria growth. Allow your dog to nap comfortably in a moist environment, and his skin will naturally improve!
High indoor temperatures can dry out the air and make your dog's skin more susceptible to thirst. Keeping the indoor temperature at 18-22 degrees Celsius is both energy efficient and friendly to your dog's skin. If it's a bit cooler, put a light blanket on your dog or add a sweater yourself - it's environmentally friendly and thoughtful.
Dry air makes your dog more susceptible to dehydration, which can have a direct impact on the health of the skin. Check your dog's water bowl to make sure there is fresh, clean water available at all times. If your fur child has little interest in plain water, add some low-salt broth or pet-friendly electrolyte water to his meals to increase the desire to drink. After each feeding, remember to feel its nose; if it's moist and moisturized, it's well hydrated!
If you want your dog's skin to glow from the inside out, the “good oils” in your diet are indispensable. Foods rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, such as fish oil, flaxseed oil or krill oil, can effectively moisturize the skin and reduce inflammation. With a few drops of fish oil in your dog's food every day, your dog will not only love it, but his skin will gradually become softer. However, the dosage should be cautious, it is best to consult a veterinarian to determine the amount suitable for your dog, to avoid “over-nutrition”.
Regular brushing of your dog's coat not only enhances your relationship, but also helps to evenly distribute the natural oils on his skin, reducing dry flakes and itching. Choose a comb that suits your dog's coat texture, such as a pin comb or soft bristle brush, and comb 2-3 times a week with gentle movements, like giving your dog a comforting massage. Check the skin along with the combing, if you find redness or abnormal hair loss, it may be time to take him to the doctor.
While a dog's dirty look makes you want to give him a bath, frequent bathing in winter can wash away the natural oils from the skin, adding to the dryness problem. It is recommended that bathing once a month is sufficient, and choose a gentle moisturizing shampoo for pets, such as a product with oatmeal or aloe vera. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and towel dry gently after washing, don't leave your dog shivering in the cold, wet air.
For dry areas of your dog's skin, such as the elbows or belly, apply a pet-specific moisturizer, or natural coconut oil. These products form a protective layer on the surface of the skin, locking in moisture and providing immediate relief from itching. Massage gently when applying and let your dog enjoy the moment of pampering. Be careful, don't use human skin care products, your dog's skin has a different pH than ours and may trigger irritation.
If your dog's skin has dried out to the point of flaking, try an oatmeal bath. Grind uncooked oats into a fine powder, add warm water and mix well, and let your dog soak for 10-15 minutes, during which time you can gently stroke him to relax him. The natural ingredients in oats are effective in soothing itching and reducing inflammation. After soaking and rinsing with water, wrap the dog in a towel and cuddle and coax it in your arms, it's simply a cozy moment in the winter!
Noora Skin & Coat Health Supplement
Being outdoors in the winter is still important for your dog, but the cold wind and icy ground may irritate his skin. Dress your dog in a warm coat, especially if it's a short-haired breed, and pick a breathable and snug fit that will keep him warm without getting in the way of his prancing around. Don't forget dog shoes to prevent snowmelt salt or rough pavement from hurting his paws. Wipe his paws and belly with warm water when you get home to remove any irritants that may remain.
Dogs' paws are especially prone to cracking in the winter, feeling rough to the touch or even having small cracks. Check paws daily and keep them soft by applying a pet-friendly paw moisturizer. If your dog doesn't like to have his paws touched, you can apply it before he goes to bed for just as good results.
When to seek veterinary help?
If your dog's skin problems don't improve after trying the above, or if the itching worsens, red spots appear, hair loss occurs, or even an odor develops, it may be time to take your dog to the vet for a consultation. Underlying problems such as allergies, infections, fungus or parasites can all lead to skin symptoms, and professional examination and treatment can help your dog get rid of the discomfort as soon as possible. Bring your dog's recent dietary and lifestyle records with you so that your veterinarian can find the cause of the problem more quickly.
The dryness of winter can be a challenge for your dog's skin, but with mindful adjustments to environment, diet and care, you can keep your furry child comfortable through the cold. Every time you brush your dog's hair, apply moisturizer, or soak him in an oatmeal bath, you're telling him by your actions, “I'm here, and you'll be fine!” This delicate companionship will not only revitalize your dog's skin, but will also bring your hearts closer together.
May you and your fur child be warm and happy together this winter!
How to Help Dogs’ Dry Skin: 5-Step Winter Care Protocol & Allergy Solutions
Not only do cold winter months cause dry discomfort, but dogs in the home can also suffer from dry, itchy, flaky skin and even trigger itchy or allergic reactions due to the cold, dry air and indoor heating. Dog skin problems are a common challenge for many pet owners during the winter months, but with scientific care and careful observation, we can help our fur kids get through the winter months comfortably. In this article, we'll detail a professional 5-step winter care regimen with practical solutions for allergy issues that will leave your dog with healthy, glowing skin.
5-Step Winter Care Program: Keeping Your Dog's Skin Hydrated and Healthy
1. Humidifier for a cozy indoor environment
While indoor heating keeps rooms warm in the winter, it also makes the air extra dry, and your dog's skin tends to lose moisture and become dry or even cracked. Using a humidifier is a simple but effective way to maintain indoor humidity in the ideal range of 30%-50%. Such humidity not only relieves your dog's dry and itchy skin, but also prevents mold and mildew from growing due to high humidity.
Tip: Choose a quiet humidifier that's right for your pet's home and clean it regularly to ensure clean water and avoid bacteria growth. When placing the humidifier, make sure your dog won't easily touch it to avoid accidents.
2. Ensure adequate water intake
Water is the foundation of healthy skin. Dogs need to consume about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight (about 60 milliliters per kilogram of body weight) per day. Cold weather may make dogs less inclined to drink water, so owners need to pay extra attention to having fresh, clean water in their water bowls.
To get your dog to drink more water, try adding the right amount of wet food to the dry food, or offer some fruits and vegetables that your dog loves and are safe to eat (such as carrots or watermelon; make sure they are in moderation). These methods not only increase water intake, but also make your dog's diet more interesting. Adequate water moisturizes the skin from within, reducing dryness and flaking.
3. Adjusting the diet with key nutrients
The health of your dog's skin is closely tied to their diet. During the winter months, owners can add foods rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, such as fish oil, flaxseed oil or krill oil, to their dog's diet. These fatty acids not only enhance the skin's ability to moisturize, but they also work to reduce inflammatory responses, leaving your dog's skin softer and smoother.
It's also important to choose a high-quality, grain-free dog food. Some low-quality dog foods may contain allergens or artificial additives that can exacerbate skin problems. If you're not sure if dog food is right for you, consult with your veterinarian to customize a diet that's right for your dog.
Tip: When adding supplements such as fish oil, take care to follow your veterinarian or product directions for dosage to avoid overdose.
4. Gentle bathing and regular grooming
Frequent bathing in winter may strip your dog's skin of its natural oils, leading to increased dryness. It is recommended to limit the frequency of bathing to once a month and use a mild moisturizing shampoo for pets. Choose products that are free of fragrances and harsh chemicals, and be sure to rinse thoroughly after bathing to avoid skin irritation from residue.
In addition, regular grooming is crucial. Grooming not only removes dead skin and debris, but also helps distribute the natural oils on the skin and enhances skin moisturization. For long-haired dogs, you can choose the right combing tools to prevent tangles while promoting blood circulation.
Tips: After bathing, you can use a clean towel to gently dry the hair and avoid using a hair dryer at high temperatures to avoid further drying the skin.
5. Localized care for dry areas
For areas of your dog's skin that are particularly dry, such as the abdomen, paws or behind the ears, you can use pet-specific moisturizing creams or natural oils (such as coconut oil) for topical care. These products quickly hydrate the skin and relieve itching and discomfort.
Dogs' paws are especially prone to dryness and cracking during the winter months, especially if they are outside a lot. Using a paw-specific moisturizing balm or wax can help prevent cracked paw pads while protecting paws from the irritation of ice, snow and snowmelt salts. When outside, consider wearing a warm coat or small shoes for your dog to keep them warm and protect their skin.
Tip: Before using any new product, test it on a small area to make sure your dog doesn't have an allergic reaction.
The Allergy Solution: From Source to Symptoms
Dry skin is sometimes more than just the weather; allergies can be the culprit. If your dog is scratching frequently, has red, swollen skin, or is losing hair, he may be allergic to something, such as dust mites, animal dander, or an ingredient in his food. Here are solutions for allergy problems:
1. Identify and remove allergens
The first task for allergies is to find the “culprit”. Observe your dog's environment to see if there are new carpets, cleaning agents or foods that may be causing allergies. Use hypoallergenic mattresses and toys, and wash your dog's litter and blankets regularly to minimize the buildup of dust mites and dander. If food allergies are suspected, try a dog food from a single protein source and perform a food exclusion test under the guidance of your veterinarian. If the cause of the allergy is complex, your veterinarian may recommend allergy testing to accurately identify the allergen.
2. Choose anti-allergy shampoo
For itchy skin caused by allergies, pet shampoos containing oatmeal are a good choice. Oatmeal has natural anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can effectively relieve redness and itching. To use, gently massage the skin to allow the shampoo to take full effect, then rinse thoroughly.
Tips: Bathing frequency should not be too high, it is recommended once every 2-3 weeks, consult your veterinarian for specific frequency.
3. Nutritional supplementation to strengthen the skin barrier
In addition to omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins E and A can also help repair damaged skin barriers and reduce allergic reactions. These nutrients can be consumed through high-quality dog food or supplements, but should be used under veterinary supervision to ensure safety and effectiveness.
4. Medication to control severe symptoms
If your dog's allergy symptoms are severe, such as persistent scratching leading to skin breakdown or infection, it is advisable to consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. Your veterinarian may prescribe antihistamines, topical steroids or other treatment options to control symptoms. For complex allergy problems, your veterinarian can also develop an individualized treatment plan for your dog.
5. Regular checkups prevent problems before they occur
Get into the habit of checking your dog's skin regularly, especially on areas that tend to dry out such as the belly, paws and behind the ears. Look for signs of redness, swelling, hair loss, odor or infection. If you find any abnormalities, seek prompt medical attention to prevent small problems from turning into big ones. Regular checkups can also help identify potential health issues and ensure your dog's overall health.
With these 5-step winter care regimen and allergy solutions, you can effectively alleviate your dog's dry skin problems, restoring shine to their coat and keeping their skin hydrated. Every dog is different, so when implementing the care regimen, closely monitor your dog's reactions and consult a professional veterinarian if necessary. If your dog's skin problem persists or worsens, don't delay in seeking medical attention to ensure they receive the best possible treatment.
This winter, let's accompany your dog to enjoy every moment comfortably with care and love!
Dog Itchy in Winter? Dry Skin Remedies vs. Seasonal Allergies
As winter descends, the warmth inside the house dispels the biting cold, but it also steals moisture from the air. The dry environment makes our fur children - dogs, dry and itchy skin, scratching from time to time. As the owner of the dog, see them like this, the heart is inevitably a tug of war. So, winter dog dry skin itchy, is dry trouble, or seasonal allergies in trouble? Don't worry, let's solve this mystery, and talk about how to tailor-make a thoughtful care program for them, so that the dog can also be comfortable in this winter to play!
Dry Skin: The Challenge of Environment and Care
Winter's dry air is like an invisible thief, stealing not only indoor humidity, but also depriving your dog's skin of its natural moisture barrier. Itchiness, peeling, dry hair ...... these problems come one after another, let the dog's little life is not very comfortable. Don't worry, we can start with the environment, daily care and nutrition to help them find hydration and health.
1. Environment optimization: let the air drink full of water
When the indoor heater is on, the air is as dry as a desert, and your dog's skin naturally takes the brunt of it. If you want to turn the situation around, increasing humidity is the first step.
Humidifiers: A small humidifier can make a big difference, keeping indoor humidity at a steady 50%-60%. Not only will this be a relief for your dog's skin, but it will also feel good on our own throats and skin. Want to add a little spice? A couple of drops of lavender essential oil will both moisturize and scent your home.
Heating to reduce the burden: do not let the heater 24 hours a row, the appropriate temperature, open the window at noon when the sun is good air, so that the moist natural air in the “string of doors.
2. Bathing is the way: gentle is the king
The dog's skin can be more delicate than ours, frequent bathing will wash the skin surface of the protective oils and fats, especially in winter is more likely to add to the problem.
Frequency halved: 1-2 times a month to wash enough, do not let the dog into the “bathing maniac”. Choose a pet-specific moisturizing body wash, which has vitamin E, lanolin, such as the “emollient master”, after washing can also leave a layer of protective film.
Blow-drying: Don't be lazy after the bath, use a hair dryer to blow the hair dry, so as not to cover the problem of moisture. Spray some pet hair spray, hair soft and shiny, the dog turn rate can be doubled!
3. Nutritional support: from the inside to the outside of the nutrients
As the saying goes, “Eat well and your fur will be fine”, and the health of your dog's skin has nothing to do with its diet. Without key nutrients, dry skin becomes a common problem.
Omega-3 to help: add some fish oil or flaxseed oil to your dog's food bowl, these omega-3 fatty acid rich “magic weapon” can make the skin more moisturized, but also reduces inflammation, and the coat becomes bling bling.
Drink plenty of water: Water is the “lifeblood” of the skin, so make sure your dog drinks enough every day. Don't think he likes to drink? Try adding some chicken broth or honey to the water, and it will lick the bottom of the bowl to the sky.
4. Localized pampering: the details speak for themselves
Some parts of the body, such as the paws or belly, are especially dry and obvious, so you need to pay attention to them.
Moisturizing spray on the line: pet-specific moisturizing spray or natural coconut oil, gently wipe, itching and peeling immediately stop.
Paw protection: The ground is as cold as ice in the winter, so your dog's paws are prone to drying out and cracking. Apply some paw cream or petroleum jelly before bedtime to prevent freezing and moisturize, and then go out the next day as lively as ever.
5. Grooming: Massage and moisturizing
Don't underestimate the small matter of combing the hair, it can not only clear away the dead skin, but also let the skin “move”, the natural oils evenly coated all over the body.
Choose the right tools: a row comb for short-haired dogs, a needle comb for long-haired dogs, and a gentle comb that won't hurt the skin.
Five minutes a day: spend some time to give the dog a “hair SPA”, not only to promote blood circulation, but also to enhance your little feelings, why not?
Allergy Attack: The Invisible Opponent
In addition to dryness, seasonal allergies are also “behind the scenes” of winter dog itching. Don't look at the outside pollen less, indoor dust mites, mold is not idle, as always, can let the dog scratch to stop. Allergies and dryness symptoms are somewhat similar, but allergies tend to be more “ferocious”, but also with sneezing, tears in the eyes of the small “egg”. We have to learn to distinguish, and then the right medicine.
1. eyes of fire: to find out the culprit of allergies
If you want to cure allergies, you need to know who the enemy is. Pollen, dust or mold? Gotta rely on observation and professional help to pinpoint the target.
Allergy test: If your dog is always scratching, take it to the veterinarian for an allergy test, and you will be able to find the “real culprit”.
Keep a notebook: Where does it itch? How often do you scratch? The more clues you have, the better.
2. Move the line of defense forward: Allergens go away
Once you've found the allergen, the first thing you should do is to minimize your dog's exposure to it, so you can prevent it before it's too late.
Indoor cleaning: Wash and dry your dog's mattresses and toys regularly, and vacuum and air purifier to get rid of dust mites.
Outdoor load shedding: during the peak pollen season (e.g. morning and evening), take your dog out for a walk less often, and remember to wipe his body when he comes back to keep the allergens out.
3. Medication: quick itch relief
When allergies are in acute attack, you can't just hide, you have to ask for medication to save the day.
Antihistamines: If you use Benadryl under the guidance of your veterinarian, the itching and redness will stop.
Serious program: If the allergy is too fierce, you may have to use steroids or cyclosporine and other “strong drugs”, but the side effects are not small, you have to be careful.
4. Local first aid: precise fire extinguishing
Some places are particularly itchy, topical care can make the dog comfortable to grunt.
Anti-allergic lotion: containing oatmeal or aloe vera shampoo, wash once can be slowed down, the skin instantly refreshing.
Ointment: Where the itch is concentrated, rub some cream or spray containing hydrocortisone, the effect is fast and furious.
5. Long-term battle: prevention is better than cure
Allergies are a recurring problem, so it's important to take precautions.
Plan ahead: prescribe anti-allergy medication before allergy season arrives, or try immunotherapy to minimize symptoms.
Regular checkups: Take your dog to the vet every once in a while to get a clear picture of your dog's skin condition and make adjustments in a timely manner.
Whether it's dry skin or allergies, if your dog's problem is dragging on and getting worse, don't fiddle around at home, call your vet. Parasites, skin diseases, these “hidden boss” is not casual to deal with, professional things to professional people, we just give the dog full of love.
The cold winds of winter can't stop us from pampering our dogs. As long as we observe carefully and take good care of our dogs, no matter if it is dryness or allergy, it is not difficult for us to defeat. Improve the environment, adjust the diet, scientific medication, plus a little patience, the dog's skin can be moist and healthy, tail wagging more than a windmill. This winter, let's warm up with our furry children and enjoy the taste of happiness!
