Winter Skincare Solutions For Dogs and Cats

Posted on February 16, 2018 by Holly

Winter’s cold weather and low humidity conditions can cause your skin to become dry and uncomfortable. This also affects dogs and cats, despite their layer of fur for protection. Winter skin and coat problems are a common concern for pet owners. Indoor heating can dry out the air and circulate allergens throughout your home. Just as you may take extra steps to keep your skin healthy when the weather turns cool, we’ve also put together some tips for your pets.

Exposed Skin

Dogs and cats grow their winter coat, but this does not mean they are always protected from frostbite and skin injury. The most vulnerable frostbite areas are 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 low wind chills, extreme colds, and other winter weather warnings. Snow and ice can cut paws, so keep paw pads hydrated and protected with a spray or balm before walking. When you return home, wipe their paws to remove potentially toxic or irritating substances like salt, ice melt products, and antifreeze.

Humidity

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

Winter Allergies

Allergies may burden your dog or cat throughout the warm weather, but during the winter months, pets usually spend most of their time inside your home. Dust mites and mold are common indoor allergens triggered in the colder months. If it’s already dry, continual scratching from allergies and irritants can damage your pet’s skin and make them prone to other skin problems or infections. 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’s skin is easily dry or irritated during winter, talk to your veterinarian about trying a special diet or incorporating supplements. Omega fatty acids can be supplemented to help support healthy skin. Poor nutrition, including low dietary protein levels can cause a dull hair coat.

Grooming & Bathing

It can be challenging to bathe your dog or cat in the winter. Instead, use wipes for spot cleansing or a waterless shampoo. Regular brushing also helps encourage blood circulation and distributes natural oils to help moisturize the skin.

VetRxDirect offers a variety of products to meet your dog or cat’s skincare needs every season. Check out these top picks for winter:

Aloe and Oatmeal Shampoo is a soothing shampoo for dogs and cats with itchy or dry skin. It contains soothing oatmeal extract, moisturizing aloe vera, and emollients to soothe dry, irritated, and flaking skin. Wipes gently cleanse the skin and keep the haircoat fresh in between baths.

Demoscent Bio Balm is a fragrance-free product that moisturizes and protects exposed skin areas, including paw pads, nose, and elbows, from the harsh effects of winter. Bio Balm also helps treat dry, rough, and cracked skin caused by pressure calluses or excessive thickening of the skin.

O3 Omega features high potency essential fatty acids EPA and DHA from wild-caught fish oil. It includes vitamins A, D, and E. It helps promote healthy skin and coat and immune and joint health. Giving O3 Omega to your dog or cat is easy since it comes in various options, including capsules, clip tips, and liquid.

Dermoscent Essential Mousse is a no-rinse cleansing, hydrating foam for dogs and cats that deodorizes and gently cleans without the hassle of bathing. It removes dirt, allergens, and dandruff with all-natural ingredients. Essential Mousse does not contain soap-based cleansers and has a gentle, pH-balanced formula.

Bath Time Without The Water

Posted on August 8, 2017 by Holly

Is your dog hard to bathe? Have you ever even tried to wash your cat? Does the thought of bathing your pet make you cringe? For many dog and cat owners, bath time is a messy, lengthy, and sometimes impossible endeavor that can upset you and your pet. Luckily, there is a solution that doesn’t involve flooding out your bathroom and may save you time and inconvenience. Waterless shampoos may be your answer! Whether you are bathing your pet due to a skin condition or to get them cleaned up, there’s a good variety of options, including sprays, foams, and powders.

Dry or waterless shampoo works like a regular shampoo but without the water. It absorbs excess oils on the skin and coat without stripping them away. It also removes odors, so your dog or cat smells clean and fresh. Some formulas even lift dirt and debris from the coat so you can brush it out. To use it, you apply it and ensure it spreads well to get the best clean. You can work it into the fur like a normal shampoo, then brush it out or towel off the extra. With the right shampoo, your pet will be left with a soft, clean, and better-smelling coat.

Unfortunately, waterless shampoos do have a limitation on how much they can achieve. They work well between regular baths and are good for quick clean-ups if your pet gets dirty often. But if your pet is really dirty, it won’t be able to completely replace bathing with a conventional shampoo.

You should always ask your vet before choosing new shampoos and conditioners for your pet. Your veterinarian will also know what product will work best for your pet. VetRxDirect offers several types of waterless shampoos to choose from; some of the most popular include:

Douxo S3 PYO Mousse helps support the microbial balance of the skin and soothe irritated skin. It contains chlorhexidine and provides antiseptic cleansing. Douxo also supports the skin’s physical barrier for supple, hydrated skin. Douxo S3 PYO products are free from soaps, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, colorants, and nanoparticles.

Allerderm Foaming Cleanser is a rinse-free, micellar cleansing water that quickly and gently cleans dirt and debris from the skin and hair coat. It is easy to apply and does not require water or rinsing. Allerderm has a neutral pH and a non-irritating formula, making it suitable for sensitive skin.