Taking Care of Your Pet’s Skin in the Winter
Winter can be extremely hard on our pet’s skin. The cold, windy weather combined with the dry heat found in most homes can cause a number of problems for both us and our furry friends. During the winter months your pet’s skin might become dry, itchy and flaky. Luckily, it isn’t that difficult to take care of your pet’s skin in the winter.
Bathing and Grooming
One of the most common complaints during the winter is dandruff. Dandruff is the result of dead skin cells that can be seen on the surface of the skin or in the hair. This can be an unsightly problem, especially when the skin tries to compensate by producing more oil, leading to dead skin cells that clump together and become patchy layers on the surface of the skin.
Unfortunately, bathing can make dandruff worse. This is because bathing too often, or with the wrong shampoo, can cause chemical reactions or strip the skin of its natural oils. In order to avoid this you must use a moisturizing shampoo specially designed for pets and bathe your pet no more than once a month.
After bathing and drying your pet, use a soft brush to gently remove any patches of skin and stimulate the hair follicles and natural oil glands. Careful removal of dead skin cells and loose hair allows the skin to repair itself.
Diet
It is extremely important to feed your pet a healthy and well balanced diet all year long to ensure healthy skin. While a nutritious diet cannot completely eliminate the chance of your pet developing skin problems, it will make them easier to treat. During the winter, you might want to consider adding supplements to your pet’s diet. Ask your groomer or a veterinarian for recommendations.
Other Causes
Sometimes winter skin problems are the result of allergies, health issues or parasites. Your veterinarian can help determine what’s causing the problem and how you can solve it. If your pet is scratching non-stop and is causing damage to their skin, you will need to see your veterinarian immediately before they develop an infection.
Pets have different needs during the winter. Claws N Paws Day Spa can help you determine what your pet needs to keep their skin and coat healthy. Please call us at 714-962-1005 to schedule an appointment!