Has the harsh winter season affected the health of your dog's skin? Do you lay in bed and hear thump, thump, thump? The winter season brings about the winter itch, a state of dryness and itchiness that affects your dog's skin, in the cold areas of the country, from December through February. Either from poor air quality or household hazards, your dog's skin might show signs of winter allergies, and it's best to identify the symptoms of dry, itchy skin before they cause unending scratching sessions and affect his well-being.

Today's article will cover everything you need to know about the winter itch, its causes and symptoms, and the proper ways to treat dry, itchy canine skin during the chilly winter season.

What Can Cause a Winter Allergy in Your Dog?

Winter brings drier air, outdoors and indoors, which is highly drying for the skin. Outside, the colder air simply holds less moisture than warm air. Dry skin is exacerbated when the wind blows frosty blasts of air or frigid temperatures. Indoors, you have the same dry air plus heat, which pulls even more moisture from the air.

Dogs sensitive to indoor allergens, such as dust mites and mold, may experience worsening symptoms when cooped up inside the house. These responses may be more common in older dogs, some of whom are extra sensitive to allergens and irritants.

Keep in mind that dry skin is also a symptom of many canine skin conditions unrelated to winter, including fungal infections, bacterial infections, parasites, reactions to medications, hypothyroidism, and autoimmune diseases. If your dog is scratching excessively or focusing his scratching on one spot, or you notice skin issues beyond just dry, flaky skin, take him to the veterinarian.

#1: Dry Air

The seasonal change comes with an overall decrease in air quality. The chilly, dry air brought by the advent of winter is incapable of holding as much moisture as the warm summer air. This lack of moisture is exacerbated by strong winds and frigid temperatures, which will take a heavier toll on your dog's already dry, itchy skin. The same scenario applies to indoor settings, where the dry winter air becomes even drier due to heat.

#2: Indoor Allergens

Your home may be harboring more indoor allergens than you might think. Since he spends more time indoors during the winter months, your dog is more exposed to allergens that can attack and cause allergic reactions in your dog's skin. The older the dog is, the higher the sensitivity to these allergens. Certain day-to-day products, such as fabric softeners, harsh cleaning chemicals, and plants, can have the same negative effect on your dog's skin. Don't forget to read one of our past articles on all of the household hazards that can cause allergic reactions in your dog!

#3: Infections and Parasites

Can indoor parasites cause the winter itch? Absolutely! Just like the outdoor environment, your home can harbor numerous parasites that feed off your dog's skin, such as fungi and bacteria. Scratching excessively in one particular spot and redness are clear signs of skin parasites. In such cases, precaution is the best approach, so don't hesitate to take your dog to a veterinarian. This way, you can nip the problem in the bud and prevent the parasites from being transmitted to your family.

#4: Is Your Dog a Cold-Weather or a Hot-Weather Dog?

Certain dogs are delighted by cold weather, whereas others simply abhor it. Cold-weather dog breeds (e.g., Samoyeds, Alaskan Malamutes, and American Eskimo dogs) receive additional protection against chilly wind and frosty air from their thick, double coats. However, other breeds, such as Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, and Basset Hounds, are in more need of bundling up during winter. Anything from dog jackets to dog beds (remember that the floor is the coldest part of the house unless you have a floor heating system) can help hot-weather dogs from becoming too cold and deteriorating their skin health.

6 Tips on How to Prevent Winter Itch

They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and the same goes for your dog's skin in winter. The best way to treat your dog's dry skin in winter is to prevent them from getting itchy skin in the first place. Even if they already have dry skin, you can follow these steps, and their skin should naturally return to normal:

• Keep your dog hydrated;
• Sheild your dog's skin from snow, water, and road salt or ice melt;
• Reduce bathing;
• Brush your dog's coat daily;
• Provide a humid environment within your home;
• Consider fatty acid supplements.

#1: Add Humidity to the Environment

Although the outdoor weather is out of our reach, you have a saying in the quality of the air your dog breathes. Does your canine companion have a predilection for a certain room? Install a small humidifier to add more moisture to the air and make it healthier for your dog's skin. The list of efficient pet-friendly humidifiers is extensive, so feel free to conduct some research before settling on a brand.

Have you already installed a humidifier, but your dog's winter itch symptoms won't disappear? The indoor temperature might be to blame. We might instinctually turn the heat up during the cold winter days, but we must remember that dogs don't always welcome the extra heat. Moreover, extra heat is equivalent to less moisture in the air, thus defeating the humidifier's purpose. Therefore, instead of turning your home into a hot desert, wear an extra layer. Your dog's skin will appreciate it.

#2: Proper Hydration is Everything

Do you believe dogs require proper hydration only during the warm summer months? Quite the contrary. During winter, your dog will experience the same dry air both indoors and outdoors, which is why he will need extra hydration to regulate his body temperature and keep his skin healthy. Of course, hydration is not synonymous with filling the water bowl more often. The best way to achieve proper hydration comes from a hydrated diet. Putting together a natural meal for your dog with Volhard NDF2 is more straightforward than dog parents believe, so make sure that you check out the following video presentation on how to create a healthy, nutritious bowl of food for your canine companion! In fact, evaporation of moisture from the body happens faster in the winter than in the summer because of the drier air both indoors and outdoors—making it possible your dog needs even more water in winter to avoid dehydration.

For more proper hydration sources for your dog, we recommend that you include broth recipes into his diet, both to rehydrate the NDF2 formula and as a separate meal. Bone broths are a rich source of mineral and amino acid-high option for all dogs with hydration issues. Make sure to expand your knowledge on this topic by consulting our resources on bone, meat, and mushroom broths! Try a Meat Broth to create a low-histamine version!

#3: Consistent Grooming

Seasonal changes require more grooming from the dog parent's part than usual. During the winter season, we recommend that you brush your dog's coat once or twice a week in order to reveal healthy fur, remove dandruff, and eliminate the bacteria growing on the skin. Remember to put together a moderate grooming schedule since excessive grooming can bring about the opposite effect and worsen your dog's dry, itchy skin.

You should only bathe your dog once a month (if possible) during the winter, including at home and the groomer's. Bathing your dog strips the natural oils that protect and moisturize his skin from dry air and harsh winter winds. If you have a dog who enjoys getting messy no matter the season, try to keep the muck to a minimum in winter. Walk him on a leash and rub him down with a towel at the end of his walk, paying extra attention to his paws, which can collect harmful deicing salt.

#4: Winter Protection

Certain dog breeds simply do not agree with snow and chilly weather, which is why extra protection is in order for them. Winter coats and boots will help your dog avoid harsh weather conditions and substances that can cause allergic reactions in paws, such as de-icing salt. Your dog might not be excited to wear this added gear initially, so approach the matter with patience. Furthermore, picking the "warmer" times of the day, such as midday, will provide extra protection to your dog's skin.

#5: Moisturize Your Dog's Skin

When the added moisture to the air isn't enough, it's time for topical moisturizers. Albeit natural (i.e., coconut oil and pure aloe vera) or from a pharmacy, topical moisturizers add the necessary soothing feeling to dry, itchy skin. Use topical moisturizers in unison with installing a humidifier and consistent grooming for enhanced results. Always check the paw pads for cracks and moisturize with an appropriate product to maintain paw health.

#6: Healthy Fats and Oils

Your dog's skin cells require extra help during the winter months to maintain their cycles and stay alive for longer. This is where fatty acids such as Omega-3 come in handy. Their soothing effect will revitalize your dog's dry skin and reduce the inflammation that causes itchiness. Marine-based fat, such as krill oil, Algal oil, or one made from small fatty fish, contains the appropriate amount of omega-3 for healthy, itch-free skin. Other healthy fat sources, such as coconut oil, whole milk butter, and flaxseed oil, will help supplement an omega-3 and omega-6-rich diet.

A Parting Reminder

Dry, itchy skin is a common sight amongst dogs during the winter season. From lack of moisture to indoor allergens and parasites, your dog's skin needs extra care during the chilly winter months. Fortunately, adding certain foods to his diet, coupled with developing a winter skincare protocol, will help your canine companion overcome the winter season with healthy, itch-free skin. For more advice on dog nutrition, health, and training, make sure that you contact us or check out our blog! 

Volhard Dog Nutrition and its expert nutritionists are now offering online consultations to help more dog parents discover why, what, and how to feed their dogs the healthiest of foods! Speaking to a Volhard nutritionist will help you understand the inseparable relationship between healthy food, a healthy body, and a healthy mind. If you're interested in contacting one of our Volhard nutritionists, don't hesitate to access our consultation page!

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