Grooming Your Dog Doesn’t Stop over Winter

The winter air is cold and chilly and it’s true that your dogs need to have a longer coat to keep them warm. Many pet parents wonder whether they need to give their dogs a break from regular grooming as it may make them uncomfortable and chilly.  

This can be no further from the truth; your pet needs much more attention in the winter months. If you don’t groom them during this time, their coat can matt and result in skin problems and discomfort. 

Here are a few winter grooming tips for your dogs: 

1. Bush and Demat Their Fur 

Ensure that you brush your dog’s coat at least once during the day; this will help prevent knots and mattings. Use a good quality brush that gets into your dog’s fur as this will be effective in removing sheds. However, be careful to brush evenly and don’t just focus on one spot alone, as that can make your pet uncomfortable. Once you have brushed the fur, comb it in sections. 

It’s important that you brush and demat your pet’s coat before bathing them as wet fur will only get tangled quickly

2. Washing

Its best to maintain regularity in your pet’s bathing schedule in the winter months. This could be once a month, a week or as required. Use high-quality pet shampoo as dogs have sensitive skin. Using shampoos that you use will affect the pH level of their skin. Look for good quality moisturizing, soap-free dog shampoos and use tepid water to bathe then. Ensure your pet’s fur is completely dry before you let it play. 

3. Nail Trimming 

It’s important to check your pet’s claws immediately after bath time. Most canines also grow fur in-between their foot pads. If this fur is excessively long, it can cause them to slip and fall when they are out on walks, and it’s important that you trim this with regularity. You should also clip their nails regularly. ​Very long nails can prevent their feet from staying directly in contact with the 

ground and it pushes their toes outward, which makes it very uncomfortable for them to walk.

4. Trim their Coat

Most pet owners prefer not to trim their pet’s fur in the colder months. But the fact is that colder weather boosts fur growth. You can keep their fur a little longer than an inch; however you would still have to trim it regularly. Dog breeds such as Samoyed & German Shepherd have long fur and their coats tend to thicken up during the winter months. 

However even if you have a Maltese, Lhasa Apso or Shih Tzu, you would have to regularly trim their coats as they have sensitive skin. ​

​In short, you need to continue grooming your pet regardless of the season. You can also bring your pet to our Indoor pool for a spot of fun. They will have a fun time swimming around in the warm water of the pool. We also offer a complimentary warm water rinse & blow-dry, to dry your dog before you leave the center.