Coping with Dry, Itchy Winter Skin

Is your pet scratching and licking more than usual? It could be winter itch caused by dry heated air in your home. Just as heated indoor air is harsh on your skin and hair, it makes your pet's skin dry and itchy and fills his coat with static.

You can make your pet more comfortable with a little extra attention to weekly home grooming.

Do shampoo!
Contrary to popular opinion, your pet does need regular bathing throughout the winter months to keep his skin and coat healthy. In fact, done properly, frequent shampoos and conditioning can help to reduce dryness, matting and related skin problems.

Be sure to use a quality shampoo that is formulated for pets. Don’t be tempted to use your own hair products on your pet. Animals’ skin has a different pH from human skin, and products formulated for human hair – even for babies – can be too drying on your pet. Always use a conditioning rinse after shampooing.

If your pet’s skin is especially dry, give him a moisturizing treatment: apply the conditioner thoroughly, then wrap your pet in a towel to keep him warm while allowing the conditioner to penetrate (much like you might do when applying a deep conditioner to your own hair). After about five minutes, rinse and dry.

You can shampoo your pet as often as weekly if you use the appropriate products, but once a month is adequate for to keep your pet clean and odor free, while controlling dander and shedding.

Brush & brush
On longer-coated breeds, it is very important to remove tangles and loose hair before shampooing or dense-felted mats will result. Matting is a major cause of skin problems during the winter months. Those mats will prevent proper drying and hold dampness against your pet's skin. That can cause redness and irritation and make your pet uncomfortable.

Brushing regularly will prevent matting. What’s more, regular brushing with a soft bristle brush stimulates the natural oils in the skin and helps to counteract dryness and keep your pet more comfortable. The more often you brush, the better!

If your pet is a breed that requires regular trimming, it’s important to maintain his haircut schedule year-round. Don’t allow his hair to “grow in for the winter”-- unless you are prepared to brush him daily to prevent matting. If you’re concerned about your pet being cold when he’s outdoors, a sweater or fleece coat is a better option than letting his coat get so long that tangles and mats occur.

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