Why Is My Dog Itchy in Winter? 5 Ways to Soothe Dry Skin

Is your pup scratching more than usual lately? You’re not imagining it. When winter arrives, dry air outside and heated air inside combine to pull moisture from your dog’s skin. Add in icy sidewalks, salty roads, and constant paw-licking, and even the healthiest dogs can end up with flaky skin, itchy bellies, or restless nights.

The good news? You don’t have to just “wait for spring.” With a few simple adjustments—many of which you can start today—you can help your dog maintain healthy skin, stay hydrated, and feel more comfortable all season long. In this guide, we’ll break down the most common causes of winter dryness in dogs and five pup-parent-approved ways to support their skin and coat naturally.

Why Winter Can Be Tough on Your Dog’s Skin & Coat

Seasonal changes don’t just affect us—they impact our dogs, too. When the temperature drops, the environment shifts in ways that can challenge their skin and coat:

• Colder outdoor air holds less moisture, which can make it harder for skin to stay hydrated.*

• Indoor heating reduces humidity, creating a drier environment for both people and pets.*

• Snow, ice, and road salt add extra exposure for sensitive paws and bellies.

Together, these factors may contribute to changes in the way your dog’s skin and coat look or feel during winter. The good news? With a few mindful adjustments, you can help support your pup’s skin and coat wellness all season long.

5 Easy Ways to Support Skin & Coat in Winter

1. Wipe Paws & Bellies After Walks

Snow adventures are fun—until the salt, slush, and grit hitch a ride home on your pup’s paws. A quick wipe-down after each walk keeps your floors cleaner and helps limit extra exposure for sensitive paw pads and bellies. Think of it as a simple reset before they curl back up on the couch.

2. Stick to Lukewarm Baths

We love long hot showers in winter, but for dogs, too much heat can wash away the natural oils that support healthy skin. Instead, use lukewarm water and a gentle, dog-safe shampoo. You’ll get the clean you want while helping your pup’s coat stay nourished.

3. Brush Regularly

Brushing isn’t just about looking sharp—it’s about wellness. Regular grooming helps spread natural oils, reduces tangles, and keeps coats fresh. Plus, most pups see it as bonus cuddle time, making it one of the easiest winter care habits to stick with.

4. Use a Humidifier Indoors

If your skin feels dry when the heat is on, chances are your pup feels it too. A small humidifier near their favorite rest spot can add moisture back into the air, supporting an environment that helps skin stay balanced. Bonus: you’ll both notice the difference.

5. Add Omega-Rich Daily Support

Skin and coat wellness starts from the inside out. Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and antioxidants are known to help support normal skin hydration and a healthy coat.* Adding them into your pup’s routine is one of the simplest, most impactful winter care upgrades you can make. [1,2]

Nutrients That Help Dogs Thrive in Winter

When it comes to seasonal skin challenges, not all fixes are created equal. A soothing bath or cream can help for the moment, but true support for your dog’s comfort starts from within. That’s where certain nutrients shine—working behind the scenes to help skin and coats stay healthy no matter how chilly it gets.

Salmon & Fish Oil
Often called “skin superfoods,” fish oils provide omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA) that help support normal skin hydration and coat condition.* They also play a role in maintaining a healthy, balanced response to everyday seasonal stressors. [3]

Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from everyday oxidative stress.* It also supports normal skin barrier function, which helps maintain moisture and contributes to overall coat health. [4]

Zinc
Zinc is a vital mineral that supports healthy skin and tissue function.* Adequate levels help maintain coat shine and normal skin appearance, even during drier months. [5]

Colostrum & Apple Cider Vinegar
Colostrum contains natural proteins that help support immune system balance and skin barrier integrity.* Apple cider vinegar provides beneficial compounds that may help maintain a healthy internal environment to support skin wellness. [6,7] 

Real Pup Parent Feedback

📊 8/10 dog parents reported seeing itch relief with PupGrade Itch & Allergy Support.**

📊 84% saw improvements in their dog’s skin and comfort with Skin & Coat Support.**

Help Your Dog Stay Comfortable This Winter

Winter doesn’t have to mean more scratching or dull coats. By combining simple home care—like gentle grooming and better indoor air—with daily nutritional support, you can help your pup feel comfortable and look their best all season long.

👉 Want an easier way to build that winter routine? PupGrade’s Skin & Coat and Itch & Allergy Soft Chews are made with omega-3s, vitamins, and science-backed ingredients to support your dog’s skin and coat health from the inside out.*

Use code BLOG10 at checkout for an extra 10% off your first order!

Made in USA | GMP Certified | 3rd-Party Tested | Driven By Love

This information is intended for general purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet or health routine, especially if you notice persistent or concerning changes in your dog's movement or behavior.

**Based on a survey of PupGrade customers.

**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.

Resources: 

1. Carlisle C, Metzger BT, Tintle NL, Polley K, Jackson KH, Le Brun-Blashka S, Griffiths J, Harris WS. The Effects of Omega-3 Supplementation on the Omega-3 Index and Quality of Life and Pain Scores in Dogs. Animals (Basel). 2024 Oct 29;14(21):3108. doi: 10.3390/ani14213108. PMID: 39518831; PMCID: PMC11545626. 

2. Marchegiani A, Fruganti A, Spaterna A, Dalle Vedove E, Bachetti B, Massimini M, Di Pierro F, Gavazza A, Cerquetella M. Impact of Nutritional Supplementation on Canine Dermatological Disorders. Vet Sci. 2020 Apr 3;7(2):38. doi: 10.3390/vetsci7020038. PMID: 32260299; PMCID: PMC7355824. 

3. Solomon, Dr. D. (2018, August 15). Fish oil for dogs and cats: Six benefits. Animal Medical Center of Chicago. https://www.animalmedicalcenterofchicago.com/fish-oil-for-dogs-and-cats-six-benefits/ 

4. Plevnik Kapun, A., Salobir, J., Levart, A., Tavčar Kalcher, G., Nemec Svete, A., & Kotnik, T. (2014). Vitamin E supplementation in canine atopic dermatitis: improvement of clinical signs and effects on oxidative stress markers. The Veterinary record, 175(22), 560. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.102547

5. Lin, P. H., Sermersheim, M., Li, H., Lee, P. H. U., Steinberg, S. M., & Ma, J. (2017). Zinc in Wound Healing Modulation. Nutrients, 10(1), 16. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10010016

6. Almeida, M. M. B., Amin, M. T., Auchter, M., Baimark, Y., Callejón, R. M., Candido, T. L. N., Cerezo, A. B., Charoenkiatkul, S., Chou, C. H., Daglia, M., Signore, A. D., Dong, D., Fushimi, T., Guerreiro, T. M., … Booth, I. R. (2016, October 31). Varieties, production, composition and health benefits of Vinegars: A Review. Food Chemistry. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814616318076?via%3Dihub

7. Rossi L, Lumbreras AEV, Vagni S, Dell'Anno M, Bontempo V. Nutritional and Functional Properties of Colostrum in Puppies and Kittens. Animals (Basel). 2021 Nov 15;11(11):3260. doi: 10.3390/ani11113260. PMID: 34827992; PMCID: PMC8614261. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8614261/