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Winter dry skin in dogs: what helps, and when to call the vet

Why dogs get flaky, itchy skin when the heat comes on, the simple fixes vets suggest (fewer baths, moisturizing shampoo, a humidifier, brushing, paw balm) and the signs that need a vet visit.

By the PawsRanked teamUpdated 4 min read

Illustration of a fluffy cream and tan dog relaxing on a rug while a hand brushes its coat with a wooden bristle brush, beside a small humidifier and a snowy window

Once the furnace kicks on, a lot of dogs start scratching more and leaving little white flakes on the couch. Cold air outside, dry heated air inside and a few too many baths can all pull moisture out of a dog's skin. The good news is that the most common fixes are simple and cheap. The catch is that flaky, itchy skin can also be a sign of something a home routine won't fix, so it's worth knowing the difference.

Why winter dries out dog skin

The American Kennel Club lists cold weather, dry air, bathing too often, harsh soaps and poor nutrition among the everyday causes of dry skin in dogs. It also points out that a dog who isn't rinsed well after a bath can end up flaky. VCA Animal Hospitals adds that going back and forth between warm, dry indoor air and cold, wet weather is hard on skin.

Those causes are the easy ones. PetMD's list also includes allergies, parasites such as fleas and mites, and health conditions such as hypothyroidism, Cushing's disease and skin infections. That's why both PetMD and the AKC suggest checking with your vet before you assume it's just the weather.

Five things that usually help

1. Bathe less often. VCA recommends bathing less often in winter, because frequent baths strip oils from the skin and coat. PetMD suggests every two to four weeks as a good goal for a dog with dry skin. Between baths, a waterless or dry shampoo and a quick wipe-down keep a dog fresh without soaking the coat. Our guide to how often to bathe your dog goes deeper.

2. Use a dog shampoo, and rinse well. VCA notes that dog skin has a different pH than ours, so human shampoo, even baby shampoo, is too harsh. PetMD says an oatmeal shampoo can relieve itching for a while. Whatever you use, rinse until the water runs clear, since leftover shampoo can leave skin flaky.

3. Run a humidifier. Both the AKC and PetMD suggest a humidifier where your dog spends time, especially if they sleep near a heat vent or a fireplace. Moving the bed a few feet away from a heat source helps too. Towel-dry your dog when they come in from rain or snow, as VCA suggests.

4. Brush regularly. VCA recommends regular brushing all winter to remove mats, which trap moisture against the skin and can lead to irritation. A natural bristle brush also spreads the coat's own oils down the hair.

5. Ask your vet about omega-3s and diet. VCA suggests talking with your vet about omega-3 fatty acids to help prevent dry, flaky skin, and the AKC says a complete diet matters for skin and coat. See our look at fish oil for dogs and cats before you buy anything.

Don't forget the paws

Paw pads take the worst of winter. VCA recommends booties if your dog will wear them, or wiping paws with a warm, damp towel after walks to remove salt and de-icers, and conditioning the pads with a protective balm.

For boots, wax and pet-safe ice melt, see the best cold-weather gear for dogs and our guide to winter paw care.

When to call the vet

PetMD advises calling your vet as soon as you notice a change in your dog's skin or coat. Dry skin usually isn't an emergency, but get your dog seen sooner if you notice:

  • Intense itching, chewing or licking that keeps your dog up at night
  • Red, broken, bleeding or crusty skin
  • Hair loss or bald patches
  • A greasy coat or a strong odor
  • Flakes that don't improve after a few weeks of gentler bathing and a humidifier
  • Fleas, flea dirt or other signs of parasites

Your vet may do skin scrapings, look at skin samples under a microscope or run bloodwork. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that the skin can be the first place to show signs of a body-wide problem such as a hormone disorder.

For more shampoos, wipes and conditioners, see the best dog shampoos and wipes, and for brushes, see the best dog grooming tools.

Sources: American Kennel Club, "Dry Skin on Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatments"; PetMD, "Dog Dry Skin: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention"; VCA Animal Hospitals, "5 Winter Weather Skin Tips"; Merck Veterinary Manual, "Diagnosis of Skin Diseases in Small Animals."