How to Care for a Dog’s Winter Skin and Coat #BayerExpertCare

Question: What is your dog’s biggest organ? Answer: His skin. Surprised? The same hold true for humans. Since dry, flaky skin is a common complaint of people during the winter months, it also makes sense to care for a dog’s skin, too. Indeed it is very important to know how to care for a dog’s winter skin and coat.

During a recent trip to PetSmart® , we discovered the Bayer® ExpertCare™ line of products specially formulated for dogs and cats. For the past three weeks, we’ve been using the spot-on skin moisturizer on Dexter, our Cocker Spaniel. In fact, the little man helped us pick some goodies out at PetSmart while his moms perused the health and wellness aisle. Here’s a typical reaction my dog has when he sees PetSmart:

Why Your Dog Needs Extra Moisture in the Winter Months

• Forced heat indoors
• Lowered humidity inside
• Dry heat
• Cold temps outdoors

As a Cocker Mom of nearly 25 years, I know the importance of essential fatty acids to support a dog’s skin hydration. A lot of pet parents may not realize that good health starts from the inside out, but that the outside coat and skin are imperative to proper health, too.

How Bayer ExpertCare Spot On Skin Moisturizer Works

Inside the box are four cute little vials that are called pipettes. It is recommended to apply one pipette every week for two months and then one every two weeks for as long as necessary. Basically, a box or two will get you through the winter months, more as desired.

Simply part the coat between your dog’s shoulders and empty the contents directly onto the skin in one or two spots, like this:

Since Dexter has a thicker coat, it is recommended to brush the area of application point the day of application to spread it out and avoid any residue. That’s it. Just don’t bathe your pooch for 2 days afterwards. The scent is very light and did dissipate on Dexter. It is light and airy and definitely not greasy to my touch. It feels like liquid silk for the skin.

What’s It Made Of?

My rule of thumb as a dedicated dog mom is this: I will not use anything on my dog that I would not use on myself, and I stand by my word on this. Here is the exact ingredient list from the Bayer ExpertCare spot-on skin moisturizer:

Bio-Diffusing Agent, Olus (Vegetable Oil), Gelling Agent, Melia Azadirachta Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Bud Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Cinnamomum Camphora (Camphor) Leaf Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil, Curcuma Longa Root Oil, Origanum Compactum Oil, Gaultheria Procumbens (Winter-Green) Leaf Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Bisabolol

These are all ingredients I feel comfortable to use on my skin and on my dog’s skin to support a healthy coat. Make sure you purchase the pipettes that meet your dog’s weight range.

 

This is the face of my happy boy the week of his first application:

 

And this is what my dog’s coat looks like after three weeks, using two pipettes of Bayer ExpertCare spot on skin moisturizer (mud not included hehe):

A Few Other Tips to Keep Dog Skin Healthy in Winter Months

Care for the Paws and Pads: A dog’s pads are more resilient than other parts of his body, but chemicals can be absorbed through them. In turn, chemicals like antifreeze can be licked by dogs and cause severe problems. Wipe dog pads off thoroughly after a walk, perhaps using some warm water and a washcloth to melt any ice balls that may have formed on the feet.

Cover Up: Dogs and cats get cold, particularly short-haired breeds, senior citizens, puppies, and pets with medical conditions. Look for an insulated sweater with a turtleneck, that covers the belly, and that allows for protection from neck to tip of tail.

Moisture in the Air: Dry air in the home can make pets itchier, cause dry noses, upper respiratory infections, more dander, and dry throats. Consider a humidifier.

Safety First: As the temperatures drop, the thermostat rises indoors. The usage of an electric heater or fireplace should be done with caution. Tails, fur and paws that come too close to flames, hot surfaces or the coils of an electric heater can be damaged, and an unattended heater could be knocked over by a curious pet. To make sure your dog is warm indoors, and that fire hazards are diminished, never leave a heater on without someone in attendance.

Consider gifting your dog with the gift of good health and peruse the aisles of PetSmart, and take your pooch with you: Well-behaved, leashed pets are welcomed there.

Let us know how you like the line of Bayer ExpertCare products and/or what you do to keep your dog’s coat and skin healthy in the colder months.

Here’s the good dog health!