WINTER GROOMING TIPS
With winter right around the corner, it’s a good time to get prepared on how to look after your dog’s winter coat.
In winter, most dogs grow additional hair that naturally helps keep them warm. It’s important to be careful when it comes to trimming and shaving their coat, as even the smallest trim can make a big difference when it comes to heat retention.
Daily Grooming
Winter coats require additional care. Regular grooming with a slicker brush will help to remove dead hair and skin, prevent matts, skin infections and distribute natural oils across the coat.
Double-coated breeds such as Huskies, Australian Shepherds and Border Collies have a thick undercoat to help with heat regulation. Grooming double-coat breeds daily is essential to optimise their heat retention.
Fluffy dogs such as Poodles and Pomeranians also have naturally longer coats in winter which can become easily matted, which is why not only is daily grooming important, but having your dog professionally groomed every six weeks is recommended. This is especially important if they enjoy strutting their stuff in warm winter apparel, as coats and jumpers can cause friction matting.
For single coat breeds like Staffies and Whippets we recommend using a bristle brush to stimulate skin and remove dead hair. Shorter coat breeds may also benefit from wearing a jumper to keep warm on cooler days as they don’t have the same insulation as breeds with thicker coats.
Just like us wearing a beanie all day, dogs can get a little irritated when wearing a coat for long periods, so remember to give them a brush or a massage to help keep their skin feeling fur-bulous.
Skin Care
Just like humans can get dry skin in winter, dogs can too!
Check your pet regularly for signs of dry or irritated skin such as:
- Itchiness (excessive scratching or licking)
- Dandruff
- Flakiness
- Hair loss
- Odour
- Oiliness
Regular bathing with warm water and a moisturising shampoo can help to combat dry skin. It is also important to ensure that your pet is staying sufficiently hydrated during the cooler months. Ensure they always have access to clean, fresh drinking water and are encouraged to drink regularly.
Additionally, some supplements have been specifically developed to help improve dry skin, however we recommend always consulting a Vet before adding any additional supplements to your dog’s diet.
It is also essential to ensure that your pet is dried thoroughly after a bath or exposure to rain or moisture. Warm and damp skin provide a welcoming environment for hotspots to form.
Paw Care
Walking on hard surfaces such as concrete naturally wears down your pets’ nails. If you find your pet isn’t outside as much in cooler weather, you may need to trim their nails more frequently to ensure they are not causing any discomfort. If you notice your dog’s nails are clicking against the ground as they walk, then it’s probably time for a trim.
To trim your pet’s nail, hold their paw gently but securely, trimming off only the tip of the nail. Avoid cutting the quick of the nail, where the blood vessel and nerves of the nail are.
Additionally, cold and damp conditions mean mud and other nasties can irritate your dog’s paws. Regularly check your dog’s paws to ensure no foreign matter is uncomfortably lodged. Trimming the hair between the paw pads can help to easily spot any unwanted nasties.
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