Indiana Winters

[Bethany2386]

Ok, so I have a question... In Indiana, the winters mean dry air... I get horrible dry cracked skin myself and I try to use a humidifier at night. My question is, do my chins need to have a humidifier? I don't want their skin to get too dry...

Also, another question... My chins are downstairs. At night, we shut off all the lights when we go to bed. My thing is that I feel bad doing that... Should I be leaving a light on for them or should I get a night light or something?

 

[tunes]

I would go easy on the humidifier, or you could end up with fungus. Chins originated from the Andes mountains, so the drier climate shouldn't bother them.

Your chins can see just fine in the dark. Plus, I believe they need a natural sleep/wake cycle of lights. Leaving the lights on would deprive them of that.

 

[Bethany2386]

Ok, thank you! I only use a humidifier in my bedroom. They do not come in my bedroom unless our kids have friends staying over. Thank you for your help!

 

[Stackie]

I also live in Indiana, I don't use a dehumidifier or anything. I just cut down the dust baths, which keeps from drying out their skin as much.

 

[alli713]

Winter here in WI is pretty dry as well. I've never had any issues though with cracked feet.

If you're worried, you can always pick up some bag balm or Vitamin E capsules to keep on hand to moisturize their paws and ears in case they do get too dry.

I just cut down the dust baths to once a week in the winter.

 

[Bethany2386]

I had bag balm for my tattoos, but apparently it went bad since the last time I got a tattoo... So, I was planning on getting more. I will cut them down to once a week dust baths. When should I cut them down to that? Should I start now or wait until it's very dry and cold out?

 

[Idgie]

I have an all-house humdifier that I run in the winter here in Chicago. It is set no higher than 25% and usually more like 15% or I'll have water on my windows. (In the summer I run a dehuidifier in my basement.) Idgie lives on the main level with us and she does just fine in the winter, though my skin is quite dry. I usually give her 2 dustbaths a week in the winter.