Why Winter is Different for Your Dog?

by Ventura County Mobile Dog Grooming Premier Mobile Dog Grooming in Ventura Co., CA

Whether you live in a mild climate or endure freezing winters, winter presents a number of challenges to your dog's health and grooming. Many dog owners hold onto a very common misconception. That misconception is that dogs don't need to be groomed or, at best, only minimally groomed during winter. Nothing could be further from the truth. In this latest in our series of articles, we address a number of mis-guided ideas as well as discuss some steps you can take to keep your dog happy and healthy over the winter season. Remember, good dog grooming isn't just for looks. Grooming impacts your dog's overall health as well.

Do not be lulled into the belief that once your dog's winter coat grows in, that it should be allowed to grow long naturally. Equally false is the notion that because you and your dog might stay inside more in the winter, your dog, they aren't getting dirty enough to warrant grooming. Neither of these ideas are correct. In fact, winter is a time when dog grooming becomes more important -- not less.

Thick winter coats on dogs can develop into a problem if the hair/fur is not properly maintained. Matted fur does not insulate your dog from cold temperatures, and can lead to uncomfortable, painful hot spots. It can also lead to possible infection on or under the skin.

Dry forced air heating and the dryness of very low outdoor temperatures are very drying to your dog's skin. Look for scratching, or dry rough skin under the fur.

Steps you can take:

(1) Paw protection -- Check your pet carefully when coming in from outside in the wintertime. See if they have cracks, irritation or infection of the paws which can be caused by snow, mud, salt, or freezing. Also see if there are chunks of mud or snow between paw pads.

(2) Winter bathing -- winter activities for your dog may result in wet, muddy, matted fur. If you dog stays inside during the cold months, you may want to take away the "doggy" smell that will develop over time from the natural oils in the dogs fur and skin. A good mobile groomer can keep your dog in top clean condition. Having a mobile grooming service will prevent your dog getting in and out of a cold car or from severe weather. A good mobile grooming service will ensure that your pet is completely dry before going outside.

(3) Cuts for winter -- Relax! You are totally fine allowing your dog's hair to be cut in the winter. They aren't outside all the time (they shouldn't be anyway), spending most of the time inside with humans in a centrally-heated environment, If you are still concerned about your pet being cold, ask your mobile groomer to leave the trimming a little longer, or put a sweater on your dog.

(4) Moisturizing -- During the winter, its important to prevent dry, chapped, or cracking skin. Your mobile groomer will ensure the use of moisturizing shampoos, conditioners, and lotions to address any dryness.

(5) Brushing -- While your mobile groomer will address this during an appointment, you will want to continue to brush the fur of your pet between grooming appointments. You should be brushing your dog's fur every day to address tangled hair, remove any dirt or dead hair, and to and distribute natural oils in the fur.

(6) Nail trimming -- Without the outdoor activity that naturally keeps a dog's nails under control, you will want to pay attention to growing nails. A good periodic program of grooming by a good mobile dog groomer will keep this under control.

(7) Consider doggie boots -- to protect your dog's paws from the harsh chemicals and salts used to melt snow on sidewalks and streets, see if your dog will accept wearing protective boots on their paws.

We hope this has been of help to understanding the issues facing dogs in winter. If you happen to be in Ventura County, California, Ventura County Mobile Dog Grooming will be happy to help you implement these measures to keep your dog happy and healthy in the coming winter.