Grooming Pets in the Winter Season
The winter season might make you extra grateful for your dog door, but how is your dog feeling about it? Cold weather brings some added issues for dogs, issues that not every pet owner realizes. From nail trimming to brushing the coat a little more often, it’s important to put a little more focus on grooming your pets when it is cold outside, especially if you live in an area that sees any kind of snowfall. Use the tips below to help your dog enjoy the winter season this year.
Take Care of the Coat
Many people think that you can’t trim a dog’s coat in the winter. If your dog is an inside dog, this isn’t true. Dogs who are outside all year round will need that extra layer of fur to keep them warm, but inside dogs are going to be spending most of their time in the house, so it’s fine to keep them trimmed as long as you don’t leave them outside for extended periods of time.
Dogs do get an extra layer of fur over the winter, so it’s important to brush their coats more frequently. Otherwise, they tend to get matted, and they can also hide indications of a serious illness. Brushing the coat also helps spread the oils through the fur so they have an added layer of protection from the elements. Consider brushing your pet daily. After all, it’s a great excuse to spend some extra time bonding with your fur baby.
Trim the Nails
In the warmer months, your dog probably runs out the dog door a little more frequently than in the winter months. That means they get more exercise, and their nails are naturally worn down more than they are in the winter. Since they don’t get that outdoor time in the winter months, the nails need an extra bit of attention. A good rule of thumb to follow is to trim the nails when you hear them clicking on the floor. Don’t forget to file those sharp edges down when you are done. Ask a grooming expert to show you how to do this the first time so that you can safely do it the next time.
Protect the Paws
Pay a bit of extra attention to their paws in the cold season. Put a rug or towel by the dog doors so that dogs can wipe off their paws just by walking through the area. You might also consider taking the time to wipe their paws for them so you can clean off the pads and all the crevices in between. Be sure to keep at least a small area outside free of ice so that your dog can walk across it without slipping or getting painfully stuck to the ground.
Winter time might mean less time outside, but it means more attention inside. Grooming is key to your pet’s health this time of year, but it also provides a great reason to give your pup a bit of extra attention.