Why Some Pets Struggle With Dry Winter Air in Indiana Homes

As winter settles into northeast Indiana, many of us start turning on the heat indoors to stay warm. There’s just one problem: heaters are notorious for drying out the air. 

This low humidity can wreak havoc on our pets, especially if they already struggle with dry or sensitive skin. If you’ve ever seen your pet scratch themselves, suffer from hot spots, or just act downright uncomfortable during the winter, you’re not alone. 

As a trusted Fort Wayne vet practice, the team at Dupont Veterinary Clinic wants to help you and your pet stay comfortable this winter, dry, cold air and all. 

What Happens to Pets in Dry Winter Air?

Winter indoor heating systems strip moisture from the air as they warm it up. This causes humidity levels to go down, which means pets are exposed to drier air. They can lose moisture through their nose, paws, and skin, leading to itchy skin, dry noses, and cracks. Without appropriate moisture or treatment, hot spots or sores can develop and become infected. 

You might notice dandruff (dry skin) on your cat, or frequent scratching from your dog. These are telltale signs that your pet needs more moisture in the air. 

Benefits of Using a Pet Humidifier

Humidifiers aren’t just useful when a human in your household has a cold. They’re also key for helping your pets feel better during the winter when the air is dry. 

Humidifiers can: 

• Help moisturize your pet’s nasal and respiratory passages. By adding moisture to the air, you also add moisture to your pet’s sensitive tissues. This can help reduce irritation, coughing, and sneezing.  
• Soothe itchy, dry skin. Are you tired of your cat’s dandruff getting sprinkled throughout the house every time she grooms? Moist air helps reduce flaking and supports the function of your pet’s skin barrier. As a result, your pet will feel more comfortable and itch less. 

Opt for a cool-mist humidifier rather than a steam-based one for pet safety. Make sure you clean and thoroughly dry the humidifier at least once a week, if not more frequently. You don’t want mold or bacteria to grow in there and start creating new problems!

Tips for Indiana Pet Skin Health in Winter

Along with a humidifier, consider using a hygrometer to monitor your home’s humidity levels. Aim for a humidity level at around 40 to 60%. You can also:

• Consider bathing your pet less often—maybe just once a month or so—to avoid stripping protective natural oils from your pet’s skin.
• Opt for lukewarm baths with moisturizing shampoo to help keep your pet’s skin supple. Brush your pet frequently—every day is ideal—to distribute the body’s natural oils and get rid of any shedded fur or dead skin. 
• Consider adding omega-3 fatty acid supplements to your pet’s diet to help support skin health, and make sure they get plenty of fresh water. 

If your pet’s skin is bothering them, reach out to our experienced team of Fort Wayne vets at Dupont Veterinary Clinic. With our deep knowledge of how the local climate affects pets, we can help your furry family member get back on track. 

Call us at (260) 637-7676 to schedule an appointment.