Just like their hoomans, even pets tend to experience skin problems in winter due to dry air, low humidity, cold winds and indoor heating. They strip the natural moisture from our pets’ skin and coat, leading to issues like dryness, flakiness and dandruff that prompt excessive scratching, hotspots and infections. Also, environmental factors like mites, fleas and allergens worsen these issues. Therefore, as pet parents, it is essential that you take special care during the cold weather in order to ensure your pet’s well-being. In this blog, we will take you through the common winter skin problems in pets for you to remain vigilant. Read on to find out more.
Common Winter Skin Problems in Pets
Here is a quick look at the common skin problems that pets face in winter.
- Dry or Flaky Skin
Pets often experience dry and flaky skin in winter due to cold air and low humidity, as they strip moisture from their skin. The loss of moisture makes the skin dry and brittle, especially in those breeds that have short fur. Indoor heating dries the air and worsens the skin conditions.
- Intense Itching & Irritation
Pets tend to experience intense itching and irritation in their skin in winter primarily due to the dry air both indoor and outdoor that dehydrates the skin, especially on paws, belly and ears. It weakens the protective lipid layer of the skin and leads to excessive scratching, paw licking and face rubbing.
- Hot Spots
The dry air in the winter reduces skin moisture and natural oils, causing flakiness and irritation in pets’ skin, prompting self-trauma like excessive licking and scratching. It leads to moist, infected skin lesions that are vulnerable to bacterial infections known as hot spots.
- Allergies
Pets tend to suffer from skin allergies in the winter, due to dry indoor air from heating and increased exposure to indoor allergens like dust, mites and molds, as well as de-icing salts when they step outdoors. The allergic reactions lead to excessive scratching, flaky skin and infections from broken skin.
- Parasite Infestations
Parasites such as fleas, ticks and mites can survive throughout the year by hiding in carpets, bedding and furniture and become active when they receive warmth inside the home. They further infest our pets and cause scratching, hair loss and hot spots from constant itching.
- Infections
Excessive dryness and flakiness in winter give opportunities to microorganisms like bacteria and fungi to infect our pets’ skin. While bacterial and yeast infection causes redness, inflammation, pus-filled bumps, odor and hair loss, fungal infection leads to scaly, bald patches on the skin.
- Hair Loss & Bald Patches
Pets tend to experience Seasonal Flank Alopecia during winter when they lose fur on their sides due to hormonal shifts from shorter days. They may also suffer from bald spots due to other underlying issues like parasite infestations, allergies, stress or poor nutrition.
- Cracked Paw Pads or Nose
Pets experience cracked paw pads and nose in winter due to cold, dry air, combined with harsh elements like road salt and chemicals, which strips strip moisture from the skin and reduce blood flow. This makes the skin brittle and dry, leading to cracks on sensitive areas of the skin, like the nose and paw pads.
How to Ensure Healthy Skin of Pets in Winter
Fortunately, there is a wide range of products that work extremely well to prevent skin issues in pets in winter.
Adding a humidifier to your home helps add moisture to the indoor dry air, which otherwise strips natural oil from the pets’ skin, leaving them dry and itchy.
Also, parasite preventives like Simparica Trio for Dogs, NexGard Chewables for Dogs, Bravecto Chews for Dogs, Frontline Plus for Cats, Credelio for Cats and Advantage Multi for Cats help keep pesky parasites at bay throughout the year and prevent allergic reactions and infections.
Other skin-care products designed to keep pets’ skin moisturized in winter and prevent dryness include Derma Gel, Derma Creme, Dermoscent Bio Balm, Dorwest Soothe & Calm Shampoo, Dorwest Scent & Shine Shampoo andDermoscent ATOP 7 Shampoo.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why does dry skin worsen in winter?
Winter air depletes natural oils from pets’ skin, leading to irritation, excessive scratching, and cracks on paw pads and nose. Indoor heating further reduces moisture, making pets prone to flakiness and discomfort.
- How can I prevent hypothermia and frostbite in my pet?
In order to prevent hypothermia and frostbite in your pet, you should limit its outdoor time during freezing weather. You may also use pet jackets or sweaters for short-haired or small breeds during snow exposure.
- What home remedies can I use to soothe my pet’s itchy skin in winter?
Using a humidifier will help you maintain 40-60% humidity indoors, combating dry air from heating that negatively impacts pets’ skin. You can also provide them with a diet enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, like fish oil supplements, to boost skin health and oil production. Also, ensure that they have constant fresh water access for hydration.
- When should I see a vet for skin issues?
You should seek your vet’s help when you see your pet experiencing hot spots, swelling, odor, persistent scratching or hair loss in winter. It will help you rule out any underlying conditions and help you provide your pal with the necessary treatment so as to prevent future complications.
Parting Words
Winter skin problems in pets are a significant concern during the colder months, as dry air and cold temperatures can lead to discomfort and skin issues. Therefore, it is essential for you to proactively protect your pets by maintaining proper hydration, ensuring regular grooming, using moisturizing products and protecting their paws from ice and chemicals.
At DiscountPetMart, we have the above-mentioned products and a wide range of skin-care essentials for pets at the best prices. Check out our online store to procure your preferred products to ensure your pet’s well-being.
