Did you know that dog skin issues are among the most common reasons for vet visits?

As we make our way through spring, you may have noticed your pup scratching more. Or generally, your dog may have a specific season in the year that they’re more itchy. You’re not imagining it!

Just like humans, dogs are affected by seasonal changes, and these shifts can aggravate or trigger a range of skin conditions. From winter dryness to spring allergies, it’s important for pet parents to recognize the patterns—and know what to do next.

Whether you’re dealing with itchy hot spots, crusty patches, or recurring infections, we’ll guide you through how the seasons can influence skin issues in dogs, what conditions to watch out for, and how to treat them effectively.

The environment has a direct impact on your dog’s skin barrier health. As the seasons change, so do factors like temperature, humidity, allergens, and pests. All of these factors contribute to your dog’s skin health. Depending on these elements, your dog’s skin may experience irritation or worsening of existing conditions.

Spring & Summer: Allergens, Parasites, and Yeast Infections

When warmer months come around, we’re all happy to say goodbye to the cold winter. These more friendly months, temperature-wise, bring blooming plants, pollen, and insects. Unfortunately, all of these factors can wreak havoc on sensitive dogs!

Environmental allergies, also known as atopic dermatitis, often flare in spring and summer, leading to redness, itching, and chronic ear infections. You may notice:

• Excessive licking or chewing of paws

• Hair loss around affected areas

• Inflamed skin or red bumps
  
  

During these times of the year, you should also be on the lookout for parasites like fleas and mites. Their increased activity could mean your dog is more likely to get a skin condition called mange. Mange, caused by microscopic mites, results in intense itching, crusting, and hair loss—especially around the eyes, ears, and elbows.

Another thing to consider is that dogs with yeast infections may develop greasy, smelly skin with a thickened texture. These infections thrive in humid weather and often affect skin folds, ears, and between toes.

As temperatures drop and indoor heating rises, the air becomes dry, which can strip moisture from your dog’s skin and coat. You may notice increased flakiness, dull fur, and irritation—especially if you have a breed that’s prone to dry skin like bulldogs, pugs, or retrievers.

Hot spots, also known as acute moist dermatitis, can develop if your dog is persistently licking or biting because they’re uncomfortable.

Remember that most dogs’ winter coats trap moisture or dirt, which means there’s a potential for bacterial buildup if your don’t take grooming seriously.

Tips for winter:

• Use a humidifier indoors to restore moisture

• Bathe your pup with veterinary-recommended moisturizing shampoos

• Add omega-3 fatty acids (like camelina oil) to your dog’s diet to support skin hydration

You could easily dismiss a rash or scab as a minor issue; however, some conditions require medical attention. You know it’s time to take to the vet when you see any of the following issues:

• Bleeding, oozing, or crusting

• Hair loss in circular patches

• Bad odors or signs of infection

• Obviously persistent scratching, biting, or licking

Visual tools can help you identify potential problems, but don’t rely on pictures alone. Make sure to ask your vet for a detailed diagnosis—this could require lab testing, skin scrapes, or allergy panels.

Flea, Tick, and Parasite Control (First Line of Defense)

External parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites are not just itchy nuisances—they’re leading causes of allergic reactions, skin infections, and even systemic illness.

Protect yourself by:

• Using monthly preventatives year-round (topical, oral, or collar-based). Your vet may recommend brands like NexGard, Bravecto, and Simparica. All of these are well-known and commonly recommended in vet offices.

• Remember to treat all pets in the household, not just the symptomatic one. Stop spreading before it can start.

• Regularly wash all of your dog’s bedding, collars, and vacuum floors to eliminate eggs and larvae.

Nutritional Support & Skin-Boosting Supplements

Diet plays a foundational role in maintaining healthy skin. Deficiencies in essential fatty acids, zinc, or vitamins can contribute to flakiness, inflammation, and poor coat condition.

To keep your dog’s skin in top health, remember to:

• Feed a complete and balanced diet, ideally a veterinary-formulated brand.

• Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil or camelina oil, to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

• Consider hypoallergenic diets if your vet suspects food-related sensitivities (e.g., hydrolyzed protein or limited ingredient diets).

Hint: Consult with your vet, but whenever starting new supplements, start with small doses and work up gradually. Too much at once can cause digestive upset.

Grooming & Bathing Routine: Clean but Not Overdone

Dirt, pollen, and bacteria build up on your dog’s skin just like on ours. But overbathing can strip away essential oils and worsen dryness.

Let’s talk about finding the right balance for bath time for your dog:

• Bathe every 2–4 weeks unless your vet prescribes more frequent washing.

• Use vet-approved shampoos tailored to your dog’s needs (oatmeal, medicated, antifungal, or antibacterial).

• Dry thoroughly—especially in skin folds or between toes—to avoid fungal growth.

• Brush regularly to remove dead skin, distribute oils, and detect issues early.

Environmental Management: Reduce Allergens and Irritants

Dogs with environmental allergies (like atopic dermatitis) often suffer due to triggers in the home—pollen, mold, dust mites, or even certain fabrics.

Here’s what we recommend doing:

• Vacuum and dust frequently, especially around dog beds and resting areas.

• Wash your dog’s bedding weekly in hot water.

• Use HEPA filters in your home to reduce airborne allergens.

• You could also rinse your dog’s paws and belly with water or grooming wipes after outdoor walks, especially in high pollen seasons.

Create a Skin Health Calendar

Keeping track of flare-ups, treatments, diet changes, and grooming is challenging for some people. However, putting it down in writing is extremely beneficial because it can help identify patterns.

Don’t make this too fancy. Use a simple calendar or app to or FB notse:

• When itching worsens (seasonal?)

• What foods were fed

• Bathing and medication schedules

• Vet appointments and reactions to treatments

This helps your vet make more informed decisions and gives a clearer picture of your dog’s skin health journey! If this approach works well for your dog's skin, you might want to keep tracking like this for all your future vet visits. Being extra prepared can make a big difference!

Dog skin issues can be frustrating, but they’re often manageable if you have the right knowledge and understand the need for seasonal care. Recognizing when certain symptoms arise can help you take preventative action instead of reacting to problems after they appear.

Whether it’s a case of dog yeast infection, dog hot spot, or mange, working with your vet and staying proactive can make all the difference.