Winter Skincare Tips for Senior Dogs

Winter weather doesn’t only affect human skin, it can affect our fur babies as well! Often times our bodies have a hard time keeping up with the temperature and moisture changes that occur throughout the day. The same holds true for our four-legged friends! Throughout the cold months both our bodies and our pets have a difficult time balancing the chemicals, oils, and bacteria necessary to keep skin soft, flexible and comfortable. The result of this imbalance is usually dry, itchy, and flaking skin. We have some skincare tips for our canine companions to keep them itch-free this winter!

Suggested: Why Your Dog is Shedding

Cut back on bathe time. Limit the number of times you wash you pet in the winter. This may seem like the opposite of what should be done, but often times bathing your dog can strip their skin of natural oils or cause chemical irritation. The fewer baths given to your pet, the less likely your dog’s skin will become irritated. Keep in mind your dog should still receive some type of grooming and bathing when necessary.

A little shampoo goes a long way. If you find that your dog needs a bath ( and they will) make sure to use a moisturizing shampoo. A moisturizing shampoo and rinse may help prevent dry skin. Another option is to simply bathe your dog with water.

A change in diet can be good. Skincare for your dog can be maintained with the right diet. A special winter diet with a higher level of fatty acids may help your canine companion keep a healthy coat this winter. Consult with your veterinarian about the inclusion of supplemental vitamins or diet changes. Adding DGP to your furry friend’s diet may help their mobility and fur!

Clean air is healthy air. It is hard to keep air circulating inside the home during the colder months. With the help of fans and humidifiers air may circulate better and also help to keep allergens from collecting in the air and carpets. This will help keep both you and your pet feeling comfortable with clean, circulated air. Also try to avoid deodorizers as much as possible because air circulation is poorer in the winter, even with the help of fans and humidifiers, and the chemical traces cannot air out from the home as quickly.

Remember these tips when you are trying to improve your dog’s skincare routine!