Chapped Skin on a Dog From Cold Weather

Cold weather and winds can cause chapped skin on your dog. The heating and the dry air in your home may also contribute to the dryness of your pet's skin. A dog with chapped skin may display scratching, licking or biting as well as bleeding, dander or excessive shedding. Once you identify dry skin on your dog, you need to ensure it is caused by winter and administer suitable treatment. However, it's best if you prevent chapped skin on your dog using a few simple steps.

  1. Causes of Chapped Skin

    • The cold weather causes chapped skin, but there are also other potential causes that you should eliminate to reach your diagnosis. Bacterial and fungal skin infections, parasites, allergies, poor nutrition, and internal problems such as thyroid or liver disease may also cause dry, chapped skin. Look for any additional symptoms your dog displays. For instance, a dog with allergies may sneeze and have skin irritations. Get a clear diagnosis from a veterinarian before you start any treatment.

    Problems With Dry Skin

    • Dry, flaky skin typically causes itching. The itching causes extreme discomfort in your pet, and it may scratch incessantly, causing open wounds. Open wounds may bleed and get infected. Severe dry skin causes cracks in the skin, which is prone to infections. Dry skin also causes the shedding of more dander and this may cause allergic reactions in sensitive people.

    Chapped Skin Treatment

    • The treatment of chapped skin depends on the severity of your dog's condition. If the condition is not severe, your dog can receive at-home treatment. Mix flax-seed oil or olive oil in the dog's food. Use one tbsp. two to three times per week. Alternatively, administer fatty acid supplements, which promote skin and coat health. You may also rub some oil on the dog's skin using a cotton ball. This reduces skin dryness and itchiness. If your dog's paw pads are cracked, you should wash the feet with anti-septic soap and dry them. Apply a moisturizing cream that contains vitamin E and cover the feet with socks to prevent your pet from licking off the cream. Limit the amount of time your dog spends outdoors.

      If your pet has open wounds, contact your veterinarian for an antibiotic treatment.

    Prevent Chapped Skin

    • Prevent chapped skin and potential complications using a few simple precautions. Reduce the frequency of bathing, which removes the essential oils produced by the dog's skin and makes the skin dry. When you bathe your dog, use a moisturizing hypoallergenic shampoo. Brush your dog regularly to spread the essential oils on his skin and coat and to remove any hair mats and dirt from the coat. Use a humidifier in your home; hot air from the heaters, just like cold air, dries the skin. If your dog sleeps near a heating source, move it for the winter season. Buy clothes for your dog to reduce the effect of wind on the skin of your pet. A warm fleece or a windproof jacket work well, especially if your pet has a short coat.