As temperatures drop, many dog owners notice their pups scratching more than usual. Dry, itchy skin in dogs is especially common during winter, when cold air outside and dry, heated air indoors strip moisture from your dog’s skin. Just like humans, dogs are more vulnerable to skin irritation when humidity levels fall and environmental stress increases.
Winter conditions can trigger flaky skin, excessive itching, and dull coats in dogs due to a combination of cold weather, indoor heating, seasonal allergens, and even hidden parasites. Left unaddressed, dry winter skin can become uncomfortable and lead to further skin issues.
Understanding why dogs get dry, itchy skin in winter is the first step toward protecting their skin naturally. With the right care, nutrition, and gentle remedies, you can help keep your dog’s skin healthy, hydrated, and comfortable all season long.
Why Winter is Hard on Your Dog’s Skin Barrier
Winter might be magical for snow days and cosy nights in, but for dogs, it can be tough on their skin. Wintry weather can lead to chapped paws, itchy skin, and dry, flaky coats, and since most dogs still need their daily outdoor adventures, avoiding winter weather isn’t really an option. That’s why knowing how to protect your dog’s skin during the colder months is so important.
In winter, humidity levels drop both outside and inside. Cold air outdoors and artificial heating indoors work together to strip natural oils and moisture from your dog’s skin, leaving it dry, irritated, and extra itchy. Add in more time spent indoors, and dogs are also exposed to higher levels of indoor allergens like dust mites and mould, which can make sensitive skin even worse.
Winter can also bring an increase in contact irritants. Spreading salt may keep pavements safe, but they can be harsh on your dog’s paws, drying out paw pads and irritating the skin. When skin lacks moisture, it becomes less elastic and more prone to damage from scratching, rubbing, and cold winter air.
And despite the common myth, fleas and ticks don’t always disappear in winter. These pesky parasites can thrive in the warmth of your home, especially when pets are spending more time indoors. That’s why continuing flea and tick prevention year-round is just as important in winter as it is in summer.
Common Signs of Winter Skin Irritation in Dogs
It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your dog’s skin health, but this becomes especially important as temperatures drop. Winter conditions can sneak up on your dog’s skin, so knowing what to look for can help you act early and keep them comfortable.
Here are some common signs of winter-related skin irritation in dogs:
- Itching and scratching: Frequent scratching, biting, or chewing, especially around the ears, face, and paws, can be a clear sign of dry or itchy skin.
- Dry or flaky skin: Dandruff or flaky patches are often caused by low indoor humidity and are a common winter skin complaint.
- Cracked paws or nose: Wintry weather and irritants like road salt can lead to sore, cracked paw pads or a dry, cracked nose.
- Changes in coat condition: A dull, brittle coat may signal that your dog’s skin is lacking moisture.
- Increased shedding: Shedding more than usual during winter can also be linked to dry, irritated skin.
If your dog’s symptoms persist or seem to worsen despite your care, it’s best to consult your vet. Ongoing skin issues may be caused by allergies, parasites, or underlying health conditions that need professional attention.
Why Some Dogs Are More Prone to Dry Skin in Winter
Just like people, some dogs are simply more sensitive to winter conditions than others. Certain factors, such as breed, coat type, and age, can make dogs more vulnerable to dry, itchy skin when temperatures drop.
Dogs with naturally sensitive skin are often more prone to skin issues year-round, and these problems can worsen during winter. Breeds such as Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, and Golden Retrievers are especially susceptible to irritation and dryness as chilly weather and low humidity strip moisture from the skin. Short-coated breeds may also feel winter’s effects more intensely. With less natural insulation, their skin is more exposed to cold air and harsh weather, which can lead to increased dryness and discomfort.
Senior dogs are another group that may struggle during the winter months. As dogs age, skin regeneration slows, and natural oil production decreases. This makes it harder for their skin to retain moisture, causing it to become dehydrated more quickly and resulting in dry, flaky skin.
Understanding why your dog may be more prone to winter skin irritation can help you take extra steps to protect and support their skin throughout the colder months.
Winter Grooming Routine for Dogs
A proper winter grooming routine plays a crucial role in preventing dry, itchy, and irritated skin. As cold weather sets in, small changes to your dog’s care routine can make a big difference to their comfort and skin health.
Protect against cold air
If your dog spends time outdoors, try to limit exposure to harsh winds and freezing temperatures. Use dog-safe jackets or winter boots to help protect their skin, coat, and paws. After walks, gently wipe down their coat and paws to remove dirt, road salt, and other irritants they may have picked up.
Stick to regular grooming
Consistent brushing and grooming help remove dead skin cells and distribute natural oils across the coat. This supports healthy skin, reduces dryness, manages seasonal shedding, and prevents matting, especially in longer-coated breeds.
Avoid over-bathing
While keeping your dog clean is important, bathing too often can strip away the natural oils that protect their skin during winter. When baths are needed, choose a gentle, moisturising shampoo, such as Hownd’s Got an Itch, to soothe, hydrate, and support dry, flaky, or itchy skin.
Use a humidifier indoors
Indoor heating can dry out the air during the winter months, leading
to dry skin for both you and your dog. Using a humidifier helps add moisture back into the air and supports healthier skin and coats.
Support skin from the inside out
Your dog’s skin and coat health are directly influenced by nutrition and hydration. Make sure fresh water is always available and feed a balanced diet rich in essential fatty acids to help maintain a hydrated, shiny, and healthy coat.
Grooming Mistakes That Make Winter Skin Worse
During the winter months, it’s easy to make small grooming mistakes that can have a big impact on your dog’s skin. Cold weather, dry air, and extra layers of fur mean your usual routine may need a few seasonal adjustments.
As mentioned earlier, limiting baths to only when necessary helps protect the natural oils your dog produces to keep their skin healthy. Over-bathing can strip away this protective barrier, leaving skin dry and irritated.
Proper drying is just as important as bathing itself. Incomplete drying after a bath, or even after a wet winter walk, can trap moisture against the skin, increasing the risk of skin infections and hot spots. Use towels thoroughly, and if needed, a hairdryer on a low or no-heat setting, paying extra attention to thick or double-coated breeds.
Shaving or over-trimming during winter is another common mistake. Removing too much coat can reduce insulation, make your dog feel colder, and interfere with their natural shedding cycle. Instead, focus on gentle trims and always use a conditioning shampoo to help seal in moisture and protect the coat.
It’s also best to avoid grooming your dog when they’re cold. After a winter walk, the skin can be more sensitive and easier to damage, so allow your dog to warm up fully before brushing or trimming.
Finally, don’t forget about your dog’s paws and nose. These sensitive areas come into direct contact with harsh winter weather, icy surfaces, and road salt, so they need a little extra TLC during the colder months. Cleaning and thoroughly drying your dog’s paws and nose after every walk helps prevent irritation, cracking, and painful dryness.
Using a soothing balm on sore, inflamed, or itchy skin can also make a big difference, especially if your dog is heading out for regular winter walks. Natural ingredients like calendula are known for their calming and skin-supporting properties and can help protect against environmental damage. Products such as Hownd’s Skin, Nose & Paw Balm provide year-round protection by soothing, nourishing, and shielding your dog’s skin from the elements, helping to make those chilly winter walks far more comfortable for your pup.
Supporting Healthy Skin from the Inside
Alongside external care, supporting your dog’s skin from the inside out is just as important during the winter months. Feeding a high-quality, nutrient-dense diet helps strengthen your dog’s natural skin barrier and can make a noticeable difference in skin comfort and coat condition.
Key nutrients such as Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamins A, E, and B play an essential role in maintaining healthy skin and reducing dryness and irritation. These nutrients help support skin hydration, elasticity, and overall resilience during colder weather.
Hownd’s hypoallergenic formulas are made with carefully selected ingredients rich in essential fatty acids and natural antioxidants to support skin and coat health. Ingredients such as canola and linseed oils, along with quality proteins and slow-release carbohydrates, help nourish your dog from within and promote long-lasting skin support.
Helping your dog from the inside out is just as important as protecting their skin while you’re out and about, especially when winter weather puts extra stress on their skin.
When Dry, Itchy Skin Might Be More Than Seasonal
While dry and itchy skin is often a temporary, seasonal issue, some cases can persist despite consistent care or changes in climate. When symptoms don’t improve, it may be a sign that the problem goes beyond winter-related dryness.
If you notice ongoing itching, irritation, or skin changes in your dog, it’s important to speak with your vet to determine the root cause. Identifying underlying issues such as allergies, parasites, or health conditions early can help ensure your dog stays comfortable, happy, and healthy all year round.
