February is often the driest month of the year, making skin issues more common in pets. Dry heat, cold air, and winter grooming routines can lead to dandruff, itchiness, or irritation. Monitoring skin condition helps prevent discomfort and keeps your pet’s coat healthy through late winter.
Check for subtle signs. Flakes along the back, rough patches behind ears, or excessive scratching indicate dryness. Dogs may rub on furniture, while cats over-groom itchy areas. Even horses and goats develop flaky winter coats if humidity drops too low or grooming becomes inconsistent.
Evaluate your home environment. Furnaces dry the air, reducing skin moisture for both humans and animals. Using a humidifier in main living spaces balances comfort. Position beds away from drafts or heater vents to avoid constant airflow on sensitive skin.
Moisturizing grooming habits help. Use gentle, hydrating shampoos no more than necessary, and follow with a conditioner or leave-in spray suitable for pets. Brush frequently to distribute oils. Winter is a great time to introduce soft brushes or grooming gloves that provide gentle exfoliation.
Adjust diet for skin health. Omega-3 fatty acids, moisture-rich meals, or warm water added to food support skin hydration from the inside. Rabbits and small animals also need high-quality hay, which supports coat condition. Horses benefit from good forage and access to warm drinking water.
If your winter skin check reveals trouble spots, products like hydrating sprays, gentle shampoos, or omega supplements available at The Hungry Puppy can help restore comfort quickly. Small shifts create big improvements during deep winter.