The cold winter months don't just cause skin problems in people, they affect dogs too. Many pets suffer from itchy, dry skin all throughout the winter. This leaves many pet owners wondering what causes dog skin problems, as well as what they can do to help.
What Causes Winter Dog Itching?
One of the main causes of dog skin problems is the dry winter air. While most people complain about humidity throughout the summer, it actually helps to moisturize the skin. When the air loses much of this humidity in the winter, animals, just like people, are left with dry skin.
Dogs will be especially susceptible to skin problems if they spend a great deal of time outside. Dry, windy weather can easily cause a dog’s condition to worsen. If a pet spends a lot of time outdoors, it’s imperative that he or she has adequate shelter from the elements. One great treatment for dry skin is jojoba oil for dogs.
If the cold winter air is causing dog itching, pet owners will notice that their dry skin will be flaky, irritated, and/or scaly. The dog may also look like he or she has dandruff, even if this has never been a problem before. While these symptoms may cause discomfort, it is actually very common for dogs to become dry and itchy in the winter.
However, sometimes dog owners mistake other skin conditions for simple winter dog itching. If the itching persists after treating the dry skin, the may be suffering from a food or skin allergy, fungal infection, or skin parasite. In this case, pet owners will want to bring their dog to the veterinarian for a correct diagnosis and treatment plan.
The first way to prevent skin problems is to limit your dogs exposure to the elements. In very windy weather, a windproof coat may be just what your dog needs for protection. After bringing your dog inside, pat him dry and rub a moisturizer or petroleum jelly into his paws. A moisturizing supplement, like vitamin E or fish oil, can also be rubbed into any irritated skin.
During the winter, owners may also want to switch to a more conditioning shampoo and limit bathing, as frequent bathing will only worsen the problem. Animals that need a bit of extra help may also benefit from a dietary supplement to help with their coat and skin. While no pet owner likes to have their pets experience dog skin problems or see dry itchy skin, these conditions are easy to treat or even avoid in the first place.
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