Ultimate Winter Survival Guide for Pet Skin and Ears
Posted - December 9, 2024
By Carol Bryant, Professional Pet Blogger
The winter months bring unique challenges for pet care. Cold outdoor temperatures combined with dry indoor heat can lead to ear and skin issues. Dogs and cats aren’t the only ones prone to winter skin and ear changes; horses, birds, small pets, and reptiles can also be affected.
Fortunately, Pet King Brands is renowned for its innovative, enzyme-based pet healthcare products. Both ZYMOX and Oratene products offer in-home, veterinarian-recommended solutions for pet ear, skin, and oral issues.
This winter survival guide will help you protect the skin and ears of all pets that share your life.
Dog Winter Skin Care
Adjust Bathing Habits: Excessive bathing in winter months may strip your dog’s coat of its natural oils. Reduce the frequency of baths and choose moisturizing products such as ZYMOX Advanced Enzymatic Shampoo and Conditioner for irritated, dry, or itchy skin.
Examine Skin and Paws: After a walk and generally speaking at least daily, look at your dog’s skin and paws. Check for skin problems by running your fingertips through your dog’s body. Look for fleas or ticks, which tend to hop a ride on dogs in colder months. Look at the paws and the toes. Make sure there are no cuts, wounds, or foreign objects stuck. Rinse paws with warm water before heading back inside after a walk.
Pro Tip: Keep ZYMOX Topical Spray or Topical Cream with 0.5% hydrocortisone on hand. They help provide relief from inflammation, dermatitis, or other skin irritations.
Moisturize Inside and Out: Apply pet-friendly balms or oils, especially to paws and nose, to help keep skin hydrated. Good skin care starts from the inside out. Talk to your veterinarian about adding a high-quality fish oil to your dog’s diet, which may help prevent or alleviate dry, flaky skin.
Clean and Dry Ears: Don’t forget to tend to your dog’s ears, even in winter. Dirt, debris, wax, and bacteria don’t take the season off. Alleviate temporary redness and discomfort with ZYMOX Advanced Enzymatic Ear Wipes and flush ears with ZYMOX Enzymatic Ear Cleanser.
Here’s how Dr. Lindsay Butzer uses ZYMOX products to clean and maintain ears:
https://youtu.be/PNSs616puXw
Cat Winter Skin Care
Hydrate and Hydrate Some More. Like dogs, cats need to stay hydrated year-round, especially in the winter when they may be less active. Here’s how to keep your pets hydrated.
Combat Dry Air. A humidifier can help all pets in the household by counteracting the dry air.
Watch for Skin Issues. Examine your cat’s skin and groom it regularly. Report any skin issues to your veterinarian. We recommend keeping ZYMOX Enzymatic Topical Cream with 0.5% hydrocortisone on hand. It helps to relieve itching and inflammation caused by dermatitis, insect bites, and allergies.
Protect Paws, Nose, and Ears. Pay attention to skin or ear reddening, flakes, or dry skin. If your cat develops dandruff, consult your veterinarian. It may be from allergies or another underlying issue. Keep ears in tip-top shape with ZYMOX Advanced Enzymatic Ear Wipes and flush ears with ZYMOX Enzymatic Ear Cleanser.
Winter Skin Care Tips for Horses
Protect Against Mud and Moisture. Horses exposed to muddy, wet conditions may develop mud fever or pastern dermatitis. Clean and dry your horses’ legs thoroughly if exposed to mud.
Adjust Nutrition. Supplements like flaxseed oil or fish oil may benefit your horse’s coat and skin. Talk to your veterinarian about the right supplement.
Monitor for Skin Conditions. Pay attention to the skin and look for swelling, redness, or scabs. Never second-guess the condition, and consult with your vet. If your horse develops a bacterial skin infection, such as rain rot, your vet may prescribe antifungal treatments.
Pay Attention to Hide and Hoof. Soothe and heal skin irritations with an enzyme-rich formula that contains aloe vera. We recommend the ZYMOX Equine Defense Enzyme Formula Topical Spray.
Caring for Bird Needs in the Winter
Maintain Warm and Stable Temperatures. Keep bird cages away from drafty doors, windows, and vents to prevent sudden temperature changes. Cover the cage at night with a breathable cover to keep your bird warm while allowing adequate airflow.
Provide Proper Humidity Levels. Indoor heating can dry the air, leading to feather and skin issues. Lightly mist your bird with lukewarm water and maintain a humidity level suitable for your bird.
Promote Healthy Skin and Plumage. Pay attention to wounds, skin irritations, feather plucking, abscesses, and more. ZYMOX’s LP3 enzyme product, Avian Care, is veterinarian-recommended and non-stinging for all birds.
Reptile and Small Pet Care in the Cold Months
Maintain Proper Temperatures. Reptiles are cold-blooded, so they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. Ensure your reptile has a reliable heat source to bask in.
Adjust Lighting if Necessary. Winter heating can reduce humidity, which can affect certain reptiles, such as chameleons or geckos. A hygrometer can help monitor moisture levels.
Monitor Eating. Always monitor how much your pet eats, especially in the colder months, whether you have a gerbil, reptile, bird, cat, dog, or horse. Some animals may eat less due to seasonal changes. Never overfeed your pet. It is a myth that pets must be heavy to insulate themselves during the colder periods.
Pro Tip: ZYMOX offers an entire line of products for reptiles and small pets to keep their skin thriving all year long.
As a bonus, check out our Winter Wellness Guide for Senior Pets if you have an older pet and our Emergency Kit Guide for Pets to prepare you for anything.
By paying attention to their specific needs, your pet can remain happy and healthy until the warmer spring and summer months. A little extra effort goes a long way.
