How to Protect a Dog's Skin in Winter

With the cold weather and cranked-up heat—comes the dry and itchy skin—and with the dry and itchy skin—comes the moisturizers. But while you’re protecting your own skin—you might want to think about Fido’s. Dogs experience the same winter skin woes as us humans—and unfortunately you can't use Nivea or Clinique on them. Here are some other ways to protect your pooch from that pesky winter skin.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Brush your dog frequently to get rid of dead skin cells. Brushing stimulates circulation and the production of oil, which in turn provides moisture. This applies to both long and shorthaired dogs.

2. Use a moisturizing shampoo, with an ingredient such as lanolin, that is specifically formulated for dogs. People shampoos can upset a dog’s pH balance (which is different from ours), and thus be harsh on their skin.

3. Shampoo your dog less frequently during the cold months. Too much bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils. Every few months is normally a good schedule, unless you have a dog that spends more time outdoors.

4. Feed your dog a quality brand of food (or homemade diet) with omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols are a source of Vitamin E) for a healthy skin and coat. You might also want to check with your vet about giving your dog a fish oil (omega-3) supplement. You can break open a fish oil capsule and add it to your dog's food.

5. Use a room humidifier to moisten the air if your home is too dry from running the heat.

Tips & Warnings

• You can purchase fish oil capsules at stores like Target, supermarkets and health food stores, however, the higher quality supplements with more concentrated omega-3s are found at health food stores.
• Herbal supplements such as dandelion, fucus, horsetail and spirulina can help maintain the health of your dog’s skin and coat, but it's a good idea to check with your vet first. Extracts of these herbs can also be found in moisturizing dog shampoos.
• If dry skin persists, take your dog to the vet. This could be a sign of a more serious skin condition than just "winter dry skin."

[Rainbowwatcher]

on 2/7/2009 Great Article : 5 STARS FROM ME *****! I will buy some fish oil capsules today for my dogs! Loving the very cute picture on this article - reminds me of a dog I had as a child.

From L Astor - Author of Virginia's Love Secrets eBook

http://www.VirginiasLoveSecrets.com

[ccloc]

on 1/19/2009 Good pointers!

[smilesatme1]

on 1/19/2009 Helpful tips! I will remember this article once I can afford to buy a dog~Thanks!

[NELLY4TAIPEI]

on 1/18/2009 The same is true for cats. Brushing also helps cats, but we rarely require to bathe our feline friends. I suggest adding small a bit of olive oil to your cat's dry food. They will normally enjoy the taste and it will do marvels for their skin and coat.

[vikki9]

on 1/18/2009 Thank you for canine skin-care tips.