Managing Itchy, Irritated Skin in Pets

Winter Itch? What to Know About Your Pet’s Skin This Season

As the weather gets colder and the heaters come on, it’s not just us who feel the effects of winter, our pets do too. If your cat or dog has been scratching more than usual, has dry, flaky skin, or leaves little piles of fur around the house, they might be dealing with a winter-related skin condition.

Cold, dry air and increased indoor time can trigger itchy skin in cats and dogs. Their once shiny, smooth coats may look dull or greasy, and their skin can become flaky, red, or irritated.

Below, we explore common causes of winter itch and what you can do to keep your pet comfortable through the chilly months.

What Causes Winter Itch in Pets?

Several conditions can cause your pet to become itchy during the winter season:

Dry Indoor Air

Running heaters all day may keep your home cosy, but it can also dry out your pet's skin, leading to itching and dandruff. The lack of humidity saps moisture from their skin, especially in areas like the belly, underarms, and paws.

Atopic Dermatitis

Even in winter, allergens are around. Indoor allergens like dust mites and mould spores are more concentrated in closed-up houses. If your pet has environmental allergies, you may notice inflamed skin, frequent licking, or rubbing their face on the carpet.

Contact Allergies

Pets love a warm spot to lie in, blankets, beds, and rugs, but sometimes these fabrics or laundry detergents can trigger a contact reaction. Red, itchy spots on their tummy or paws may indicate a fabric or cleaning agent sensitivity.

Fleas (Yes, Even in Winter!)

It’s a common myth that fleas disappear in winter. In reality, our heated homes provide the perfect environment for flea life cycles to continue. Fleas are still one of the top causes of itchy skin this time of year. Check for signs like black specks in the fur or scratching at the base of the tail.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)

If your pet is sensitive to flea bites, even a single bite can set off an allergic reaction. This often results in intense itching, particularly around the tail, back legs, or thighs, and may cause scabby patches.

Food Allergies

With fewer outdoor allergens in winter, food allergies can become more noticeable. If your pet has red, itchy skin and digestive upset or low energy, they might be reacting to something in their food, like chicken, wheat, or beef.

Hot Spots

Snow, rain, and wet grass can leave your pet damp, especially under collars and around their legs. This moisture can lead to painful hot spots: red, inflamed patches of skin that may ooze or scab over. These are often made worse by constant licking.

Mites

While less common than fleas, mites are still a concern, especially if your pet spends time around other animals. Mange caused by mites can lead to intense itchiness and significant hair loss, even in cold weather.

Skin Infections

Bacterial or yeast infections can develop in irritated or damp areas, especially in pets with underlying allergies. These often smell musty and look red, greasy, or crusty.