Winter Skincare With Dermoscent for Dogs and Cats

The snow, ice, and cold temperatures of winter bring a set of challenges for our animals. Despite their layer of fur for protection, dogs and cats can experience dry, uncomfortable skin. Indoor heating can dry out the air and circulate allergens throughout your home. Cold weather and frozen surfaces can cause frostbite. In fact, winter skin and coat problems are a common concern. Just as you may take extra steps to keep yourself healthy when the weather turns cool, we’ve put together some tips for your pets too. We’ve also featured a few Dermoscent skin care products below.

Humidity

Make sure your home is comfortable for you and your pets all winter long by controlling the humidity levels. If you have forced air or a central furnace system, it will emit dry heat throughout your home. This low-humidity environment quickly dries out the skin and nasal passages and causes static electricity shocks. To combat dry air, try using a humidifier and fixing cold air drafts.

Winter Allergies

Allergies are more common during the warmer months when pollens, grasses, and bugs are more plentiful. Dust mites and mold are common indoor allergens that trigger reactions in people and pets. Continual scratching caused by allergies and irritants can cause dry skin to become damaged and prone to infection. While they cannot survive freezing temperatures outdoors, fleas can thrive indoors during winter. Consider using preventatives all year long to keep your pet from being bitten.

Diet & Nutrition

If your dog or cat’s skin is easily irritated during winter, talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s current diet or incorporating supplements. Poor nutrition, including low levels of dietary protein and essential fatty acids, can also cause a dull hair coat.

Grooming & Bathing

In the winter, reduce the number of baths you give to your dog or cat. Soaps and shampoos can strip the natural skin oils and dry it out, causing flaky, itchy skin. Instead, try a moisturizing or waterless shampoo. You may also try bathing wipes for spot cleaning. Regular brushing encourages blood circulation and distributes oils to help moisturize the skin and hair coat.

Exposed Skin

Dogs and cats grow their own winter coat, but this does not mean they are always protected from frostbite and skin injury. Frozen surfaces The most vulnerable areas to frostbite are on paw pads, ears, and tail. Learn more about the signs of frostbite. Monitor weather conditions closely and limit your pet’s time outdoors, especially during wind chill, extreme cold, and winter weather warnings. Snow and ice can cut paws, so before going for walks, keep paw pads hydrated and protected with a spray or balm. When you return home, wash their paws to remove any potentially toxic or irritating substances like salt, ice melt products, and antifreeze.

VetRxDirect offers a variety of products to meet your pet’s skincare needs through every season. Check out these products from Dermoscent, and visit our website for more information.

Dermoscent Dermatology Products For Winter

Dermoscent Essential 6 at VetRxDirect

Dermoscent Essential 6 Spot On is a topical treatment of omega essential fatty acids, natural essential oils, and Vitamin E to moisturize and regulate the skin. It helps reduce dandruff, deodorize, regulate dryness and greasiness, control shedding, and protect skin. Essential 6 also helps maintain healthy skin and reinforces the skin barrier for dogs and cats prone to allergies.

 

 

Dermoscent Essential Mousse at VetRx DirectDermoscent Essential Mousse is a soap-free, rinse-free foaming cleanser for dogs and cats. This pH-balanced, gentle formula cleans dirt and dandruff and deodorizes with soothing natural ingredients. It contains essential fatty acids which moisturize dry, sensitive skin and nourish the haircoat. This waterless cleanser helps extend the time between bathing and is ideal for quick clean ups.

 

BioBalm at VetRxDirectBioBalm is designed to nourish your dog’s dry skin. It moisturizes and protects exposed skin areas including the paws, nose, and elbows. It helps prevent cracking, chapped, dry, and thickened skin. Ideal for calluses and soothing irritation between the toes. Bio-Balm is water resistant making it ideal for winter skin hydration and for protecting the paws.

 

 

 

How do you keep your pet healthy and happy during the winter? Leave us a comment below!

A New Year For Your Pet’s Health

The start of the new year motivates many of us to set new goals and gain a fresh start for the upcoming year. Although, setting a resolution to make personal changes is often easier said than done whether we set the bar too high for ourselves or lose motivation along the way. What if we made resolutions with our pets? This New Year, try making some changes to improve your pet’s health and happiness. Happy, healthy pets can only help to make happy and healthy owners!

More Time For Playtime

Make a simple resolution to set aside dedicated time to play with your dog or cat. Use a classic favorite or try a new toy to keep them interested. Playtime is not only fun and stimulating but also gives your pet the positive social attention from you. Playtime is also a good way to get them up and moving, especially for indoor cats.

Tricks & Training

Challenge your dog or cat by teaching them a new trick or start some training. Sharpen up on obedience skills, join a training class, or work on some behavior problems. Teaching a new skill or practicing a learned one is a good way to keep your dog or cat’s brain active and promote mental health. Reward them on a job well done with positive reinforcements like training treats.

Don’t Skip the Vet

Scheduling your dog or cat for their yearly exams is essential to keep them healthy and happy. Prevention is the best medicine. Regular exams allow your veterinarian to detect any potential diseases, which are easier to manage when caught early. If your pet already has a medical condition, check-ups are vital to ensure your pet’s condition is being managed and allow your vet to adjust any treatments. You may need to visit your veterinarian more frequently if your pet is taking prescription medications or treatments like insulin injections or fluid therapy. 

Stay On Schedule with Preventatives

Mark your calendar, set your phone reminders, and place your post-its to keep on schedule with flea & tick, dewormers, and heartworm preventatives. These medications are only effective for a specific amount of time so it’s important to give them on time. Skipping or delaying doses can leave your dog or cat unprotected from heartworm disease, intestinal parasites, fleas, ticks, mites, and other parasite infections. While being uncomfortable, these infections also pose a significant risk to your dog or cat’s health. And heartworm disease treatment is not currently available for cats. Learn more.

Keep Those Pearly Whites

Make a resolution to practice regular oral hygiene habits with your dog or cat. Dental care is often overlooked but it plays a large role in your pet’s overall health. Dental conditions like periodontal disease can cause inflamed gums and lead to painful tooth extractions. Regular cleanings and oral exams by your veterinarian paired with good home hygiene habits will keep your pet’s teeth in top condition. Accomplished with patience and pet toothpaste, daily brushing is one of the best ways to prevent plaque and tartar buildup. Dental chews, water additives, and dental diets are also very beneficial for dental care at home.

Healthy Diet

One of the most common resolutions for people is to start a healthy diet, make this one for your pet too!  Always talk with your veterinarian about your pet’s current food and seek their advice before changing your dog or cat to a new food. Making sure your pet’s diet fits their nutritional needs is a great way to keep them healthy. Animals that are working and activities require different nutrition than young and growing or senior aged animals. Some medical issues require special therapeutic diets to help manage their condition.

Grooming

Grooming your dog or cat is a great way to bond with your pet and keep them looking and feeling great. Brushing removes excess fur, reduces shedding inside your house, and distributes the natural oils of the skin. This can be a calming and productive activity for both you and your pet. Your pet will love the extra attention. It also allows you the chance to look over your pet’s body to check for any skin problems. Time for some new tools? Check out the furbliss grooming brush.

 

Have you made a New Year’s pet resolution? Leave us a comment below!