If you’re like most pet owners, you’ve probably noticed that your pets’ skin 
can tend to get dry, itchy, and flaky in the winter time. This can be quite irritating for pets and their people alike! Fortunately there five simple steps you can take to provide natural relief.
- Keep the house humid. Use humidifiers to counteract the drying effects of forced-air heating systems. They help maintain adequate moisture in the air, preventing dehydration.
- Use oatmeal-based grooming products. Oatmeal is recognized as a natural moisturizer that temporarily relieves itching, and re-moisturizes dry skin and soothes minor skin irritations. Be sure to use a high quality shampoo such as Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo or other high quality natural pet shampoos that contains at least two or three percent colloidal oatmeal. Lather up your dog and massage oatmeal shampoo down to the skin. Leave the preparation on the dog for three to five minutes, rinse well and towel dry or blow dry with air that is not too hot.
- Don’t overdo the baths. Limit baths to every week or two in the cold months, as excessive bathing can deplete the skin’s natural moisturizers. Use grooming wipes or waterless grooming foam in between baths if needed to help control odor and dander.
- Pay close attention to your dog’s diet. Dry, flaky skin can also be caused by poor quality diet or food allergies. What you feed your pet is just as important as what you put on his skin. Feed super premium foods formulated to avoid skin allergies. For severe cases of dry skin, you can also supplement your pet’s diet with olive oil mixed into his food.
- Ask your vet. Last, but certainly not least, absolutely consult with your veterinarian if your dog’s skin problems persist.
