Dry Skin, Dull Coat? How Winter Weather Impacts Your Dog’s Skin Health
In this blog, you’ll learn:
Why your dog’s skin and coat change during the winter
Common signs of dry or irritated skin in dogs
Simple ways to keep your dog’s skin hydrated and coat shiny
When to seek help from your veterinarian
When temperatures drop and the air gets dry, many dog parents notice changes in their pet’s skin and coat. Maybe your dog’s once-shiny fur looks dull, or they’ve started scratching more than usual. Just like humans, dogs can experience dry skin in winter, and it can be uncomfortable and irritating if not managed properly.
Here’s what you need to know about how winter weather affects your dog’s skin health—and what you can do to help.
Why Winter Weather Affects Your Dog’s Skin
Cold weather, indoor heating, and lower humidity levels all take a toll on your dog’s skin and coat. In winter, the air holds less moisture, which can lead to dehydrated skin and a lackluster coat. Colder weather and indoor heating can strip moisture from your dog's skin, leading to dryness and irritation.
Even if your dog spends most of their time indoors, central heating can dry out the air inside your home, stripping natural oils from your dog's skin. These oils are essential for maintaining a healthy, glossy coat and protecting against irritation.
Understanding Your Dog’s Skin: The Basics
Your dog’s skin does much more than just keep their fur in place—it’s their first line of defense against the elements, especially during winter. As the largest organ in your dog’s body, the skin’s outer layer acts as a barrier, helping to retain moisture and shield against cold weather, dry air, and irritants like harsh soaps.
Natural oils produced by your dog’s skin are essential for keeping their coat healthy and shiny, but these oils can be stripped away by dry winter air, indoor heating, and frequent bathing. When this happens, your dog may develop itchy skin, experience excessive shedding, or see their coat lose its luster.
Routine care is key to supporting your dog’s overall health, as it helps remove loose fur and dead skin cells while distributing those all-important natural oils. By understanding how your dog’s skin works and what it needs, you can better combat dryness and keep your furry friend’s coat healthy all winter long.
Common Signs of Dry Skin in Dogs
Every dog is different, but some of the most common signs of winter skin issues include:
Flaky or scaly patches (similar to dandruff)
Itching or scratching
Redness or irritation
Dull, brittle coat
Licking or chewing at certain areas
Shedding more than usual
Allergic reactions to environmental allergens, such as pollen or grass, can also cause similar signs of skin irritation in dogs during the winter.
If your dog’s symptoms persist or worsen, it’s best to consult your vet to rule out allergies, parasites, or underlying health conditions.
How to Care for Your Dog’s Skin and Coat in Winter
1. Keep Up with Regular Care
Even in colder months, routine hygiene helps remove dead skin cells, distribute natural oils, and promote circulation. Frequent brushing is especially important during winter to manage seasonal shedding and prevent matting, ensuring your dog's coat remains healthy and insulating. Brushing your dog a few times a week keeps their coat soft and reduces dryness.
Scheduling a professional grooming session can also help address winter-specific skin and coat needs.
2. Don’t Over-Bathe
While it’s important to keep your dog clean, over-bathing—especially with harsh shampoos—can strip away the natural oils that protect their skin. Use a moisturizing or oatmeal-based dog shampoo, and always follow with a conditioner made for dogs.
3. Use a Humidifier
Adding moisture to your home’s air can make a big difference for your dog’s skin (and yours). A humidifier helps prevent the dryness caused by indoor heating.
4. Focus on Nutrition and Hydration
A healthy coat starts from within. Dogs benefit from proper hydration and nutrition, which support both skin and coat health. Make sure your dog’s diet includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which help maintain skin health and shine. Encourage your dog to drink plenty of fresh water, even if they seem less thirsty in cooler months, as this helps maintain hydration and a shiny coat.
5. Protect Against Cold Air
If your dog spends time outdoors, limit exposure to harsh wind and freezing temperatures. Use a dog-safe jacket or sweater for added protection, especially for short-haired breeds.
After outdoor walks in winter, make sure to remove dirt and mud from your dog's coat. This helps maintain coat cleanliness, prevents mats, and promotes healthy skin.
Preventing Skin Problems Before They Start
The best way to treat dry skin is to prevent it from happening in the first place. During the winter months, using a humidifier in your home can add much-needed moisture to the air, helping to keep your dog’s skin hydrated and less prone to irritation. Applying a fragrance-free moisturizer that’s safe for pets can also help lock in moisture and protect sensitive skin from becoming extremely dry.
It’s important to steer clear of harsh soaps and deodorant soaps, as these can strip away your dog’s natural oils and lead to skin issues like atopic dermatitis or other skin conditions. Instead, opt for gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and make regular brushing part of your routine—this not only keeps your dog’s coat healthy and shiny but also helps prevent matting and skin irritation.
Being mindful of your dog’s skin type and overall health status allows you to spot early signs of skin problems, so you can address them before they develop into more severe issues. With a little extra care, you can help your dog enjoy a healthy coat and comfortable skin all winter long.
When to See Your Veterinarian
If your pet's skin becomes excessively flaky, red, or inflamed—or if you notice bald spots, scabs, or a bad odor—it could be more than just dry skin. Conditions like allergies, dermatitis, or fungal infections often worsen in winter and may require medical treatment.
A vet can help identify the cause and recommend the right course of action, whether it’s a medicated shampoo, supplements, or dietary changes.
Keeping Your Dog Comfortable All Winter Long
Winter can be tough on your dog’s skin, but a few simple changes in routine can make all the difference. It’s important to prevent your dog’s skin from becoming dry during the winter months, as skin dry conditions can lead to discomfort and irritation. Regular grooming, a balanced diet, and a little extra moisture in the air go a long way toward keeping your dog’s skin healthy and coat shiny.
By paying attention to your dog’s comfort and care this season, you’re helping them stay happy, hydrated, and healthy—no matter how chilly it gets outside.
At Scenthound, We’re Here for Dog Parents Like You
At Scenthound, we make it easier for dog parents to stay on top of their pup’s skin and coat health year-round. Our wellness-focused grooming services are designed to support your dog’s hygiene and comfort through every season—because caring for your dog’s skin isn’t just about looking good, it’s about feeling good, too.
We help dog parents become more confident, informed, and proactive in caring for their dogs—because every dog deserves to live clean, healthy, and happy.