For pets that spend most or all of their time indoors, winter months can be particularly challenging. Extra attention to a few details will help keep our furry friends comfortable and happy.

Closed windows and switched-on heaters result in lowered humidity that can lead to dry and itchy skin or stand up static hair in your pet, similar to the way that it does with humans.

To help combat these winter ailments:

• Brush your pet more frequently to encourage natural body oils to emerge
• Placing a pan of water atop a radiator can help raise humidity.
• Add a small amount of Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil as a food supplement to enhance healthy skin.

If these suggestions do not help, and your pet is still experiencing discomfort, please consult your veterinarian as other problems such as allergies or psoriasis may exist.

Extra Care for Dogs

• Less time outside may mean more frequent nail clipping.
• Chemicals and salt tossed on streets and sidewalks to melt ice can cause dry, cracked, and painful footpads. Wipe dog’s feet with a warm wet cloth when returning from a walk to avoid painful feet and the ingestion of harmful chemicals. Rubbing Bag Balm into a pet’s feet helps cracked foot pads.
• Some dogs tolerate booties for their walks. These help reduce exposure to salt and chemicals.
• Short haired and small to medium sized dogs generally enjoy a warm snuggly coat or sweater for their daily outings.