Preventing Dry Skin in Pets: Tips to Protect Against Dryness

As pet owners, we all want our furry friends to have healthy, shiny coats, and skin that doesn’t drive them wild with itchiness. Pets can suffer from dry skin just like we do, especially during certain times of the year—like the fall and winter. 

Dry skin in pets can lead to discomfort, excessive scratching, and even infections if it doesn’t get addressed. The team at Crossover Veterinary Clinic has 5 tips to help you learn how to keep a pet’s coat shiny and her skin itch-free. 

5 Skin Tips for Pets

1. Groom Your Pet Regularly

Regularly grooming your pet is one of the best ways to keep her skin healthy. Brushing your pet’s coat helps to distribute her natural oils evenly across the skin. This helps prevent dryness and keeps your pet’s coat nice and shiny. It also gets rid of dead hair, dirt, plant pieces, and other irritating debris.

For pets with longer fur, frequent brushing is even more important. It’s the number-one way to prevent matting, which can lead to a whole host of skin problems.

2. Feed a Balanced Diet

A healthy diet plays a big role in maintaining your pet’s skin and coat health. Make sure your pet’s diet includes:

• High-quality proteins like beef, chicken, salmon, and lamb
• Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from high-quality sources like fish and flaxseed
• Essential vitamins from a range of sources, such as fruits and vegetables

With the right nutrition, your pet’s skin has an excellent chance of staying soft, supple, and moisturized. 

If you’re not sure whether your pet’s diet provides everything he needs for a healthy coat, your veterinarian can help.

3. Provide Water, Water, and More Water

Just like humans, pets need plenty of water to stay hydrated. Make sure your pet has access to fresh, clean water throughout the day. This will help keep Fido and Kitty’s skin moisturized—and it’s especially important during cold or dry weather. When the air is less humid, your pet may need more liquid from her water bowl to make up for the lack of moisture in the air. 

4. Use Moisturizing Shampoos

Sure, it seems convenient to grab a bottle of shampoo from your own shower if you don’t have dog shampoo on hand. But, we recommend choosing a moisturizing shampoo specifically designed for pets. Regular human shampoos can strip natural oils from your pet’s skin, which leads to dryness. 

When you’re picking a pet shampoo, look for products that are gentle and contain natural ingredients like oatmeal or aloe vera. These ingredients can help hydrate and soothe your pet’s skin.

Also, avoid giving your pet too many baths. This can dry out the skin, especially in the fall and winter when they’re spending more time indoors. Most pets do just fine with a bath every 4 to 6 weeks.

5. Protect Against Environmental Factors

Environmental factors like cold weather, dry indoor heating, or exposure to harsh chemicals can dry your pet’s skin out quickly. During these colder months, consider using a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home. Also, try cleaning your house when Fido isn’t in the same room, as cleaning products can irritate your pet’s skin.

How Our Team Can Help

If you need more help keeping your dog or cat’s skin healthy and trouble-free, reach out to the caring team at Crossover Veterinary Clinic. We know fall and winter can be hard on sensitive skin, so we’re here to help with protecting your pet’s skin. Call us today at 479-750-7474 to schedule an appointment.