{"id":1093,"date":"2020-03-27T07:49:31","date_gmt":"2020-03-27T07:49:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zookie.com.au\/?page_id=1093"},"modified":"2024-01-03T10:44:53","modified_gmt":"2024-01-03T10:44:53","slug":"winter-proof-your-dogs-skin","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.zookie.com.au\/pawesome\/news\/winter-proof-your-dogs-skin\/","title":{"rendered":"Winter-proof your dog’s skin"},"content":{"rendered":"
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As humans, we know that winter brings with it dry flaky, often itchy skin\u2014but have you ever stopped to consider that your dog could also be suffering from winter skin woes<\/strong>?<\/p>\n

Veterinarian Dr Andy Pieris says there<\/strong>\u00a0are over 160 different skin disorders that can affect pets<\/strong>. The most common are itchy skin, allergies, hot spots, hair loss and dull coats.<\/p>\n

To help protect your pooch’s skin this chilly season, Dr Pieris offers up these skin-saving tips:<\/p>\n

Start with having a thorough look at your pets skin<\/strong><\/div>\n
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Part the fur in multiple places and really look closely at the skin itself. Is it flaky? Is it red or is it a calm pale,\u00a0pink colour? Fur often hides what is really going on beyond the surface so take a minute\u00a0to assess the condition of the skin.<\/strong> Although winter is usually a time where the skin is calm and less reactive to allergens, some poor pets suffer from year long allergies and need a lot more attention.<\/div>\n
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Address the problems on the outside from the inside first<\/strong><\/div>\n
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We all crave warm, hearty meals in winter\u00a0time so make sure that your pet is receiving quality food<\/strong> as well. Outside pets burn extra energy trying to stay warm in winter so invest in a diet that is complete and balanced<\/strong> to keep them fuller for longer and you will also\u00a0see the difference in your dog’s coat quality. This simple change can turn a dry, flaky coat into a shiny, luxe and easily managed one. The addition of omegas 3,6,9 can really help to rebuild the skin surface and many top of the range brands already have these within them, so check the ingredient list and your pet will thank you.<\/div>\n
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Continue parasite control even during the cooler months<\/strong><\/div>\n
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\nIt is a myth that fleas are only active during Summer.<\/strong> If you skip your preventative control during winter\u00a0fleas will continue to\u00a0make a home in the environment in which you and your pets live. So that in summer you will have a huge problem trying to eliminate them.. smart little things they are! Our pets are also allergic (some more than others) to the saliva from one flea bite, this reaction can last weeks to months so you pet can continue to scratch even if you don’t see a live flea. There are some\u00a0great, chewable\u00a0options for your dogs which make preventing an infestation even simpler.<\/div>\n
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Don’t over wash\u00a0<\/strong><\/div>\n
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Frequency of bathing depends on the skin condition of the dog and the breed however, unless necessary, don’t exceed a fortnightly bath<\/strong>. This can disrupt the natural flora and barriers of the skin causing dryness or flakiness. Consider using a dry shampoo instead to soak up any odours or surface dirt in between times. For cat and dog\u00a0owners, brush them regularly not only to eliminate dead skin cells and fur but to stimulate blood circulation, improving the overall skin and coat\u00a0condition.\u00a0<\/strong><\/div>\n
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\nHave some fun and indulge in a cute coat or jacket for your pet
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Not only are there some great designs that mimic high end fashion,\u00a0some are really functional with insulation and waterproofing.\u00a0These help to retain body heat and prevent the skin from drying out, especially in breeds that have very fine or short coats.<\/div>\n
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Lastly, nothing beats a good snuggle with your pet during the winter months<\/strong>! So take these moments not only to enjoy the warmth they provide us but return the favour and take a closer look at\u00a0their skin too.<\/div>\n
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As humans, we know that winter brings with it dry flaky, often itchy skin\u2014but have you ever stopped to consider that your dog could also be suffering from winter skin woes? Veterinarian Dr Andy Pieris says there\u00a0are over 160 different skin disorders that can affect pets. The most common are itchy skin, allergies, hot spots, … <\/p>\n

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