Winter Skin Care Tips for Your Pets

As we grow up, we realize that winter is quite harsh on our skin. As we go back and forth to places throughout the day, there is a variation in humidity, temperature, and wind which causes are skin to dry out if not moisturized properly. Even people living in homes with proper ventilation are susceptible to the variation in temperature and humidity that fluctuate throughout the day.

With such fluctuation, our body finds it hard to keep up the balance of essential chemicals, oils and microscopic organisms that our skin needs to stay comfortable, flexible and soft. All these variations lead to an itchy, flaky and dry skin. Animals are no different to humans in this aspect. They may need some additional care as well. Their remedies are similar to that given to humans.

Bathing and Grooming

Dandruff is the most typical condition that occurs as a result of the change in weather. Dandruff is is dead skin cells that appear on the surface of the skin generally due to poor moisturization. This may turn into an annoying issue when the skin is secreting extreme measures of sebum – a fatty matter secreted from the sebaceous glands in the skin – and skin cell production increases. The dead skin cells might cluster up or stay as inconsistent layers on the surface of the skin. This condition is often observed during the winter.

For dogs with sensitive skin, shampooing them will make it worse. Bathing them with shampoos and soaps must be limited to preserve the natural oil secretion from their skin. Just water is adequate to Dog clean (Dog Wash) them up during the winter. If, for some reason, you have to use shampoos to clean them up, use moisturizing shampoos along with a moisturizing rinse.

Oatmeal bath is an excellent remedy for dogs that are suffering from this condition. There are likewise special shampoos for itchy skin; however you must consider your dog’s age and the status of their wellbeing before opting for such products. You must base your skin treatment decisions on their type of hair coat, and you must even take into consideration if their skin overlaps. If you aren’t confident about what you need to use, we recommend you to consult your veterinarian or groomer.

You can brush your dog’s fur coat with a soft brush to stimulate their hair follicles and oil glands and remove dead skin cells. This will speed up the recovery of the skin.

Nutrition and Supplementation for skin

Your dog must receive a nutritionally balanced diet throughout the year, to keep their skin in its best shape when winter arrives. This can prevent their skin from drying up when the winter arrives only upto a certain extent.

Adequate quantities of fatty acids must be consumed in order to maintain a firm, healthy and flexible skin. If you are always facing dry skin problems every year during the winter, then you must supplement your diet with additional levels of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids to maintain a healthier skin when winter does arrive. You must first consult your veterinarian to make an informed decision regarding additional supplementation.

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