When people think of winter pet problems, they often picture muddy paws and chilly morning walks, not itching, ear infections, and nonstop scratching. But if you live in Katy, Texas, you’ve probably noticed something surprising: when the temperature drops (even just for a few weeks), many dogs and cats get more uncomfortable, not less. Dry air, indoor heating, seasonal allergens, and year-round parasites can all team up to trigger skin and coat issues in winter.
The good news is that chronic itching is rarely something you have to “just live with.” With the right plan, most pets can feel significantly better. At Circle B Veterinary Hospital, we often help families pinpoint the real cause of winter skin flare-ups and create a treatment approach that keeps pets comfortable through the season, and beyond.
Winter in Texas doesn’t always mean snow, but it often means lower humidity, gusty fronts, and more time indoors with the heat running. That combination can dry out the skin, leading to flaking, dandruff, and increased sensitivity. Some pets also bathe less in winter, while others get bathed more because they’re spending more time inside; either can influence skin balance depending on the shampoo, drying method, and underlying skin condition.
Indoor living brings its own triggers, too. Dust mites, indoor molds, and even changes in cleaning products can irritate sensitive pets. And while we tend to think of “allergy season” as spring, many pets experience year-round allergies that don’t take a break just because it’s cooler outside. When winter arrives, the triggers may shift rather than disappear.
You might notice signs like:
These symptoms can look similar across many conditions, which is why the next step is figuring out the true cause.
Ear issues are one of the most common “winter itching” complaints. Dogs may shake their heads, scratch at their ears, or seem sensitive when you touch the area. Cats may scratch around the face, develop scabs near the neck, or tilt their head. Sometimes the ear looks obviously inflamed; other times it seems normal on the outside while the canal is irritated deeper in.
Ear infections can be caused by yeast or bacteria, but they often have an underlying trigger, especially allergies. When allergies inflame the skin, the ears can become a prime spot for secondary infection. And once an ear infection starts, the cycle of itch and inflammation can escalate quickly.
A key point: over-the-counter ear products aren’t always the safest choice, especially if the eardrum can’t be visualized or if the ear is painful. Some products can worsen irritation or delay effective treatment. A veterinary exam allows your pet’s ears to be evaluated properly and treated with the right medication for the specific cause.
Many pets with chronic itching have allergies, but allergies aren’t the only culprit. In Texas, parasite prevention needs to be taken seriously year-round, because fleas and other pests can show up even when it’s chilly. Some pets are so allergic to flea saliva that a single bite can trigger days of intense itching, especially around the tail base, back legs, and belly.
Mites can also cause itching, and skin infections may develop secondary to scratching or underlying allergies. Hormonal issues, stress-related over-grooming (especially in cats), and diet sensitivities can contribute too. Because so many conditions look alike, guessing often leads to “temporary relief” but not a real solution.
That’s why a tailored plan matters. At Circle B Veterinary Hospital, we focus on identifying the most likely cause and building a step-by-step approach that makes sense for your pet’s symptoms, lifestyle, and history.
The most effective itch plans start with the basics: a thorough skin and ear exam, a discussion of when symptoms started, and what has (or hasn’t) helped so far. Depending on what your veterinarian finds, they may recommend diagnostics to confirm the cause, such as ear cytology to check for yeast or bacteria, skin tests, or other screening that helps rule in or rule out parasites and infection.
Treatment options vary based on the trigger, but they often include a combination of:
The goal is not just to stop the itching for a week, but to reduce flare-ups and keep your pet comfortable long-term.
Once your pet is on the right veterinary plan, a few simple home habits can make winter easier. Keeping your home’s humidity in a comfortable range can reduce dryness. Using pet-safe grooming tools and avoiding harsh shampoos can protect the skin barrier. For itchy paws, wiping feet after outdoor walks can help remove irritants that collect on toes and paw pads, especially when weather changes bring in new pollens, mold, or debris.
Most importantly, don’t wait too long if your pet is chewing, scratching, or shaking their head regularly. The earlier you intervene, the less likely the skin is to become infected or the ears to develop a painful flare-up that requires more intensive treatment.
If your pet is itching more than usual this winter, you’re not imagining it, and you’re not alone. “Cold weather” and “skin problems” can absolutely go together, even in Texas, and the cause is often treatable with the right approach. Whether it’s allergies, ear inflammation, parasites, infection, or a mix of several factors, a clear diagnosis is the fastest path to real relief.If your dog or cat is struggling with scratching, licking, recurring ear issues, or chronic itching, Circle B Veterinary Hospital is here to help. Call today to schedule an exam, and let’s create a warm, practical plan to keep your pet comfortable and healthy through winter in Katy, Texas and all year long.