Winter Skin & Coat Care for Dogs and Cats

Posted on 14 January 2026
By Dr. Jill Tack, Board Certified Naturopathic Doctor
Posted in Cat Care, cat food, Dog Care, dog food, pet care, pet food, winter pet care
0

Winter can be hard on your pet’s skin and coat, but the right nutrition can make all the difference. Learn how moisture-rich food, healthy fats, and simple holistic support can help dogs and cats stay comfortable and shiny all winter long.

Winter Coat & Skin Care for Dogs and Cats

Holistic Support from the Inside Out

Cold weather can be tough on our pets’ skin and coats. Dry indoor heat, cold outdoor air, and seasonal diet changes often show up as itchy skin, flaky coats, and extra shedding. The good news is that winter skin issues are usually a sign the body needs more support, not stronger shampoos.

At The Pet Beastro, we believe food is medicine. When you nourish the body properly, the skin and coat follow. Even small changes can make a big difference during the winter months. If you’re a pet parent, here’s how we help dogs and cats stay comfortable, shiny, and itch-free all winter long.

Why does my pet’s skin get dry in the winter?

Cold air outside and dry heat inside pull moisture from the skin. Winter dryness is extremely common in dogs and cats, especially those eating dry kibble year-round. Skin is the largest organ in the body, and when hydration or nutrition is lacking, it’s often the first place problems show up.

Common winter signs include:

Flaky or dandruff-like skin
Increased scratching or licking
Dull, brittle coats
Excessive shedding
Hot spots or redness

What should I feed my dog or cat for healthy skin and coat in winter?

Skin health starts in the bowl.
Pets thrive on species-appropriate, moisture-rich diets that provide healthy fats, amino acids, and bioavailable nutrients.

During winter, we often recommend:

Raw food or gently cooked diets
Freeze-dried food rehydrated with warm water
Adding fresh toppers instead of increasing kibble

Dry kibble is only about 10% moisture. Raw and fresh foods are closer to 70%, which better supports hydration, digestion, and skin elasticity.

How do healthy fats help my pet’s coat?

Healthy fats are essential for soft skin and shiny coats.
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help reduce inflammation, support the skin barrier, and improve coat texture.

Great winter fat sources include:

Fish-based oils
Whole-food omega blends
Raw diets naturally rich in healthy fats

Is moisture really that important for skin health?

Yes. Hydration is everything. Well-hydrated skin is resilient skin. In winter, pets often drink less water, especially cats.

Easy ways to boost hydration:

Add warm water or bone broth to meals
Use goat or sheep milk as a topper
Feed wet, raw, or gently cooked foods

Even one moisture-rich meal a day can help improve skin comfort and coat quality.

Can supplements help with winter skin issues?

Yes, when chosen thoughtfully. Supplements can support skin and coat health when used alongside good nutrition.

Common winter support options include:

Omega fatty acid supplements
Probiotics for gut-skin connection
Whole-food skin support blends
Seasonal immune support

The key is choosing supplements that match your pet’s needs. More is not always better, and quality matters.

Do cats need skin and coat support in winter too?

Absolutely. Cats are masters at hiding discomfort. Dry skin in cats often shows up as dandruff, excessive grooming, or hairballs.

Cats benefit greatly from:

Moisture-rich diets
Omega fats
Digestive support
Reducing dry kibble reliance

We work with many cat parents in Warren and Madison Heights who are surprised how quickly coats improve with small diet changes.

How can I help my pet naturally this winter?

Support the whole body, not just the symptoms.
Winter skin and coat care works best when nutrition, hydration, digestion, and immune health are all supported together.

At The Pet Beastro, we can help pet parents to choose better winter diets, select supplements with purpose, and add simple and effective toppers.

You don’t need to overhaul everything. Sometimes replacing one meal, adding moisture, or upgrading fats is enough to make a noticeable difference.

Visit The Pet Beastro for Winter Skin & Coat Support

If your dog or cat is struggling with dry skin, itching, or dull coat this winter, our team is here to help.

Visit us in:

We’ll walk you through food options, supplements, and small changes that support healthier skin and coats all winter long.