Cold temperatures and low humidity can make your dog or cat’s skin dry, flaky, itchy, and painful. Cincinnati’s Veterinary Dermatology Services, serving Ohio, Northern Kentucky and South Indiana, advises you to pay special attention to your pet’s skin during the winter to keep him or her healthy and comfortable. These tips will help you provide the best animal skin care for your pet:

• Groom Your Pet Regularly: Brushing your pet with a soft brush removes dead skin cells, stimulates blood circulation, and triggers the release of natural oils. It also prevents tangles. Trim pet hair to reduce the accumulation of ice, salt, and other substances.
• Shampoo Your Pet Less Often: Shampoos wash out certain natural oils from your pet’s skin. This can lead to dryness, dandruff, and flaking. Consider a water bath or substituting standard shampoo with oatmeal, moisturizing shampoo, or shampoo for sensitive skin.
• Feed Them A Healthy, Water-Rich Diet: Consult with your pet dermatologist about a special diet or diet supplements. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids improve skin health. Also, because more energy is expended during the winter, it is easy for your pet to become dehydrated. Make sure they get enough water.
• Create A Healthy Indoor Environment: Use a humidifier, and avoid scented or chemical products that cause skin irritation.

If dryness, itchiness, or another skin problem persists, it is necessary to call a veterinarian. Cincinnati, OH’s Veterinary Dermatology Services specializes in skin conditions. Working in tandem with a primary care vet, the pet dermatologist his comprehensive knowledge of animal skin care to quickly identify and treat a range of skin conditions.

Keep your pet’s skin healthy this winter. Call Veterinary Dermatology Services at (513) 489-4644 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online.