by Zack Wright
As we deck our halls with boughs of holly, for many dogs, ’tis the season to be itchy.
Dry skin, coarse fur, dandruff, and itching in dogs are common complaints for many pet parents as the temperature begins to drop. So what is it about winter that brings such dermatological woes?
Let’s fa-la la-la look at why and what to do about it.
How Cold Weather and Dry Air Affect Your Dog's Skin
Cold Air Dries Out a Dog's Skin
Just like humans, dogs’ skin is sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. Humid air causes the outermost layer of skin (the stratum corneum) to become more porous and absorb moisture from the air, keeping the skin more hydrated.
When the air becomes cold, it loses moisture. This arid air can strip the water - called transepidermal water loss - from your dog’s skin and slow the production of the skin's natural oils (such as sebum).
These oils are essential for maintaining a healthy, hydrated skin barrier. Without this protection, your dog’s skin can become dry, flaky, and more easily irritated, and his/her coat will dry out and appear lackluster.
On top of that, dogs with thinner coats, like greyhounds, pitbulls, or chihuahuas, are particularly vulnerable to cold air - and not just because their built-in "sweater" isn't as warm. Less fur means their skin is more exposed to the dry air, which can draw moisture away from the skin more quickly, leading to increased itching, flaking, and allergic flare-ups.
Indoor Heating Exacerbates Dry Skin
While the chilly outdoor air can harm your dog’s skin, the indoor heating systems that keep us warm also create a dry environment. This form of heating produces dry air and thereby reduces humidity levels in the home. As a result, this drying double-whammy of cold outdoor air and warm indoor air nearly guarantees drier skin for everyone in the house - whether they have two legs or four.
Dogs Are More Sensitive to Indoor Allergens
An arid stratum corneum becomes brittle and more susceptible to damage. This makes a dog’s skin more sensitive to allergens (such as dust, dust mites, and human dander), irritants (such as cleaning chemicals or perfumes), parasites, and pathogens (such as bacteria and yeast).
All of these pave the way for dermatitis, or inflammation of the skin, to occur. Atopic dermatitis (aka atopy) and contact dermatitis are extremely common, involving a reaction to irritants or allergens. These forms of dermatitis tend to appear as itchy patches of pink or red skin, often with rash and fur loss.
Photo: Atopic or allergy dermatitis on pitbull face, via r/JDFlamingo14 on Reddit
Signs Your Dog Has Dry Skin - or Something More
Dandruff and Flaky Skin
If your dog is leaving a winter wonderland wherever they lay, that's dandruff. These excessive skin flakes indicate that your dog's skin is "molting," or turning over, more rapidly to recover or heal.
Check to see if the dandruff is generalized (all over) or isolated to several patches, especially on the back and sides. Another thing to look for is whether the dandruff appears chunky, yellowish, greasy, or smelly, as this could be a sign of a skin condition called seborrhea - more on that later.
Rough, Brittle, or Lackluster Coat
Dry skin means dry fur, so your dog's coat may feel coarse or brittle to the touch and lack its normal sheen. Thinning spots or patchy hair loss are possible if the fur becomes dry and brittle enough.
Photo: Closeup of dog's dry skin and coat, via r/Expensive-Anteater44 on Reddit
Itching, Licking, Chewing or Scratching
You'll probably notice this first. Dry skin quickly becomes itchy skin, as the weakened skin barrier is more open to irritants.
Once the irritants get into the skin, the body's immune system triggers the inflammatory response to attack the unwanted visitors. This inflammation is what causes the itching, scratching, and licking. As with the sensation of pain, the consistent itching lets you know that something is amiss.
Redness, Irritation, or Rash
With inflammation comes redness. When the skin is inflamed, blood moves to the surface to remove microscopic pathogens, so the skin appears red. The fancy science term for this is erythema.
A large area of redness (with itching) tends to mean your dog is having a reaction to something that the body doesn't like, such as an environmental allergen, irritant, or possibly a food allergy. It is even possible for multiple factors to be at play.
A rash refers to a temporary lesion of skin that is often swollen, scaly, bumpy, red, and itchy. You might say that it is a more "angry" representation of dermatitis, and these are exacerbated by scratching, rubbing, and licking as a dog tries to relieve itself. In fact, the more a dog aggravates a rash, the more likely issues such as hot spots (acute moist dermatitis), bacterial infection (pyoderma), or yeast infection (Malassezia) will arise.
Photo: Atopic dermatitis with likely bacterial infection, via r/DoYaFeelLuckyPunk on Reddit
8 Ways to Help Manage Your Dog's Dry Skin at Home During Winter
There are several ways you can help alleviate your dog's dry skin without having to schedule a vet appointment. That said, it's NEVER a bad idea to seek a professional consultation, and we always recommend doing so, especially if the problem is new to you or proving difficult to keep in check.
1. Use a Humidifier
Humidifiers, as you might guess, add moisture back into the dry indoor air, which can have a positive effect on both dogs and humans. We would recommend using a humidifier in the rooms where your dog spends the most time.
2. Bathe Your Dog with Moisturizing Shampoo, But Don't Overdo It
"Bath" is rarely a dog's favorite word, but it can do a lot to keep their skin healthy.
The key is to use a gentle, moisturizing dog shampoo that is formulated for dry skin and dandruff. Look for shampoos that are lightly scented or unscented and contain ingredients like oatmeal, aloe vera, or coconut oil to hydrate and soothe the skin.
That said, bathing your dog too often or using hot water can strip the skin of natural oils, leading to further dryness. Lukewarm to warm water is best, and remember to rinse thoroughly to avoid leaving soap residue.
It should also be noted that if your dog's skin is infected, these may not be the best shampoos to use, and you will need an antibiotic or antifungal shampoo. This is when a veterinary consultation is a must.
3. Use a Conditioner for Dogs
Just like with human hair, using a conditioner can help lock in moisture and keep their coat soft and shiny. Make sure it is a dog-specific conditioner, and look for soothing and hydrating ingredients such as shea butter and vitamin B5.
4. Apply a Dog Lotion, Cream, or Balm
Much like your own skin, you can help keep your barker’s skin supple with a lotion or cream. As with shampoos or conditioners, be sure to use only dog-specific products, and scan for ingredients such as aloe, glycerin, beeswax, and shea butter.
If you notice that a rash has developed, you’ll want something that can help moisturize, fight microbes, and protect the skin so that it can heal - Lavengel® covers all of those bases.
This goes for paw pads, too! Those beans and foot cushions can get dry and cracked during the cold months, making them more susceptible to damage. A paw balm, or even an ointment like Lavengel® can be a big help here.
5. Regular Brushing
Running a brush through your dog's fur not only feels good (knots, knotwithstanding), but it helps remove dandruff, debris, and dead hair. On top of that, it helps to spread the natural oils (sebum) produced in the hair follicles and stimulates circulation in the skin.
For dogs with thicker coats, make sure to use an appropriate brush that can reach the undercoat, help remove loose fur and dead skin cells, and aid in distributing oils effectively. For short-haired breeds, a gentle brush should suffice.
6. Diet and Supplementation
Though I have it as #6, this should be higher. Good nutrition plays a critical role for all aspects of health, including the skin.
A diet that is rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are particularly beneficial for maintaining healthy skin and a shiny coat. These essential fatty acids help to keep the skin’s moisture barrier intact, reducing dryness and itchiness.
You'll find no shortage of treats, chews, and food additives for dog skin health on the internet. Though before adding supplements to your dog’s diet, it's a good call to check with your vet to ensure that you’re providing the right dosage for their size and breed.
7. Don't Neglect Proper Hydration
Water is essential for skin health - and health in general, really. During the winter months, your dog may drink less water because the air is dry or because they’re not as active outdoors.
Even so, make sure your fuzzy couch potato has access to fresh water at all times. You may try to encourage hydration by offering ice cubes or adding a little water to their food if they’re reluctant to drink. Good soup!
8. Protect Your Dog's Skin and Paws from the Cold
Arctic barkers and howlers can skip this paragraph. If you have a smaller or short-haired breed that spends time outdoors, consider investing in a dog sweater or coat that will keep them warm and protect their skin from the harsh winter elements.
Likewise, dog booties can go a long way in protecting their pads from the sleet and frigid ground. A few top dog bootie brands to look for are:
For all the doggos without kicks, be sure to wipe down their paws after walks in the snow or cold to remove any ice, salt, de-icing chemicals, or other debris that could dry out their pads or cause irritation. As with its manifold other uses, Lavengel® can be a big help with dry or damaged paws, too.
Quick plug: see our post 6 Simple Solutions to Keep Your Dog Safe During Winter for other ways to protect your fuzzy food supervisors from the cold.
When Dog Dandruff Becomes Excessive: Seborrhea
While occasional dandruff is normal for many dogs, excessive flakiness or dandruff that doesn’t improve with home remedies, could be a sign of a deeper issue.
If your dog’s skin is constantly covered in flakes, if the dandruff seems unusually thick or greasy, or if you notice the skin becoming scaly or crusty, this could indicate a condition known as seborrhea sicca or "dry seborrhea."
Photo: Seborrheic dermatitis (sicca) with yellowish flaky skin, via r/Extension-Thought821 on Reddit
What Is Seborrhea Sicca?
Seborrhea sicca is a form of seborrheic dermatitis, a skin disorder that affects the sebaceous glands attached to hair follicles. These glands produce sebum, the skin's natural oil. This form of seborrhea is characterized by excessive shedding of skin cells, leading to dry, flaky patches.
This condition can cause the skin to appear scaly or crusted, and it can sometimes result in hair loss or an unpleasant odor due to the buildup of oils and dead skin cells.
Seborrhea itself can be dry, oily (called seborrhea oleosa, an overproduction of sebum), or a combination of both. Seborrhea sicca is different from the occasional flakiness associated with dry winter air because it is typically chronic and more severe.
Causes of Seborrhea and Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrhea is categorized as either primary and secondary. Primary seborrhea is rather uncommon and not fully understood, though it is believed to be inherited genetically. Breeds such as Westies, Basset Hounds, Doberman Pinschers, and Cocker Spaniels are more prone to this form.
Secondary seborrhea, on the other hand, is more common and arises due to another problem, such as
- Allergies: Environmental allergens, irritants, and food allergies can trigger seborrheic dermatitis.
- Infections: Bacterial infections, also called pyoderma, or fungal infections, such as Malassezia (yeast) and ringworm, can harm the sebaceous glands and lead to seborrhea.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Conditions like hypothyroidism, Cushing's disease can contribute to skin aberrations such as seborrhea.
- Other underlying health conditions: Autoimmune diseases, diabetes, or even stress can play a part in seborrheic dermatitis.
Photo: Patch of seborrheic dermatitis on leg of English Cream Retriever, via r/luna8tuna on Reddit
Signs of Seborrheic Dermatitis
While this list isn't exhaustive, signs of seborrhea can include:
- Very dry, lackluster coat
- Excessive dandruff
- Crusted, scaly skin buildups
- Greasy, oily skin with bad odor
- Large amounts of ear debris and wax
- Mild to severe itching (pruritis)
Head over to our Seborrhea Resource for more information, including how seborrhea is managed and treated!
Conclusion: Stay Proactive in Dealing with Your Dog's Dry Skin
As the colder months roll in, it’s important to remember that the stuff indoors can be as irritating to your dog's skin as the stuff outdoors. Continuous exposure to dry air of any temperature can contribute to dry, flaky skin and dandruff.
With the right strategies, you can keep your dog’s skin hydrated, protected, and itch-free. From using moisturizing shampoos and conditioners to boosting humidity levels and ensuring proper nutrition - plus keeping some Lavengel® on hand - you can keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy and your furniture from being covered in a flurry of dog sprinkles.
