Many people like to keep their dog’s
hair a bit longer over winter to keep the chill out. However this means you
also need to be extra diligent when brushing at home to avoid matts or knots.
In fact, a regular grooming schedule during winter is
just as important as in the warmer weather. Grooming isn’t just to look good,
it’s also crucial for your dog’s health.
During the
winter months, matts are the worst enemy to your dog’s coat’s natural
insulating qualities. A clean, mat-free coat helps to insulate body heat and
radiates this heat back into the body, keeping a protective barrier between the
dog and external cold air.
Fur that’s matted doesn’t insulate or provide warmth;
instead, it is uncomfortable for your dog, and can lead to skin infections and
hot spots.
Matts are knots that have become so tightly clumped
that the fur is bound right down to the skin. Unfortunately we see too many
dogs who come in who haven’t been groomed for a long time and we have to shave
them quite closely to get rid of the matts.
Here are some basic tips for pet parents to help keep
their fur-kids healthy and happy during the winter season.
Tip 1. Bathing
your dog regularly is one of the most important things you can do for your dog
in the winter, as a clean dog is a happy, healthy dog. During the cold winter
months, many of us suffer with dry, chafed, and scaly skin due to the
combination of cold air, wind and internal heating. Even though they’re covered
with a layer of fur, our dogs also feel the drying effects of winter, so it’s
important to use a gentle, non-drying shampoo designed specially for dogs. If your dog tolerates it, your may want to try
blow-drying to ensure a quick dry. Be sure to use a dryer with very low or no
heat.
Tip 2. Brush and
comb your dog’s coat at least 2-3 times a week. Keeping your pet’s coat free of
knots and matts is as important as maintaining regular baths. Using a brush is
fine, but to ensure you are getting all the way down to the skin use a comb after
brushing to ensure there are no underlying knots.
Tip 3. If your time is limited, you can
avoid the hassles of regular brushing at home by keeping your pooch’s hair
short, continuing your regular grooming schedule and popping a jumper or coat
on when it gets chilly. There
are many different styles of doggy coats to choose from, whether you prefer
woollen or fleecy, button up or pullover. There are also waterproof coats so
you can continue walkies even on those not so great winter days. Combine this with warm, comfy bedding
and you’re all set for winter!
The team at Animal Affair can devise a
grooming schedule to suit you and your fur-kid. We also carry a wide range of
grooming products, dog coats and beds for winter.
Remember just because it’s winter, it
doesn’t mean you can leave your dog’s hair to its own devices. Just like us
they need regular grooming, whether it’s at home or at the salon.
For
more information give us a call on 07 5444 6381.
