Top Grooming Tips to Keep Your Dog Healthy | Winter

During winter, dogs usually stay inside and keep warm. Because of this, dog owners usually think that their dogs do not need much grooming during this time of year. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, you should keep your dog’s health optimal during cold and wet months through proper grooming. If you want to know how to groom your dog during winter, here’s what you should know.

Give Moisturizing Baths

Cold, dry air can also bring havoc to your dog’s skin. While it’s true that dogs are covered in fur, their skin can still be affected. The cold air outside and the heated air inside can dry up their skin. You should give your dog a warm, moisturizing bath to counter the effects of dry air. Choose a gentle and moisture-rich shampoo. After the bath, apply dog-safe coat conditioners and lotions on your dog’s skin as well. These products can reduce and even eliminate your canine companion’s skin irritation.

Remove and Prevent Dampness

If your dogs get into some snow and mud, bathe and dry them completely. Small dog breeds and short-coated canines are prone to hypothermia if they are exposed to cold for an extended period. Air-drying is all right during the warm months, but when it’s cold, blow-dry your dog if you can. This will accelerate the drying process.

Protect the Paws

Unprotected paws can experience infections, irritation, cracking, and cuts during winter. The low temperatures, salt, snow, gravel, and rain can affect your dog’s paws and footpads. Always keep a towel by the door for paw wiping after the walk. As you wipe, inspect your canine’s paws and the spaces in between the toes and pads.

Give a Winter Cut

Most dogs stay inside when the cold and wet months set in. They don’t depend on their thick fur to keep warm at all. You should give your dog’s coat a trim to keep the skin well-ventilated. After all, you can always provide a thick sweater and fleece blankets to keep your canine friend warm.

Trim and File Nails

Winter months hinder normal playtime outside your home. This prevents your dog’s nails from wearing down on their own. Be sure to inspect your dog’s nails weekly. Trim and file them to prevent them from catching on rugs or carpets. An easy sign is hearing the clicking of the nails against the floor.

Brush Regularly

If you don’t want to trim your dog’s fur this winter, be sure to brush it daily. This will eliminate dead hair, dirt, and tangles. It will also distribute the coat’s natural oils and improve blood circulation. While you brush, check your dog’s coat for sores, lumps, or bumps. If you find at least one, bring your furry family member to the vet.

Keep your dogs healthy in the cold and wet months by grooming them properly. At R Veterinary Group, we always remind our pet parents to maintain regular grooming all-year-round. Please visit our clinic in Linn Creek, Missouri, for an in-person consultation. You can also call us at 573-245-1027. That way, we can help schedule your appointment or answer your questions about our effective dog-safe grooming products.