As the weather cools down, taking extra care of your dog’s grooming needs is essential. Here are some common fall and winter dog grooming concerns and how to address them to keep your dog healthy and comfortable.
Fall and Winter Dog Grooming Concerns
1. Dry skin and coat
Fall and winter’s cold, dry air can strip your dog’s skin and coat of their natural oils, leading to dryness, itchiness, and dandruff. To help combat this, you can:
- Bathe your dog less often, using a gentle shampoo and conditioner.
- Brush your dog’s fur regularly to distribute natural oils and remove loose hair.
- Use a humidifier in your home to add moisture to the air.
- Consider giving your dog a fish oil supplement to help improve their skin and coat health.
2. Matting and tangles
A dry, matted coat can trap dirt and debris, leading to skin irritation and infection. To help prevent matting and tangles, brush your dog’s fur regularly, especially if they have long or curly hair. You may also need to trim your dog’s fur more often during the fall and winter.
3. Paw pad dryness and cracking
The cold, dry air and salted sidewalks of winter can be rough on your dog’s paw pads. To help protect your dog’s paws, you can:
- Trim their nails regularly.
- Apply a paw balm to their paw pads before going for walks.
- Rinse their paws with warm water after walks to remove salt or debris.
4. Increased shedding
During the fall and winter months, dogs shed their summer coat in preparation for their winter coat. This process can lead to increased shedding around the house. To help reduce shedding, you should brush your dog’s fur regularly. You may also want to use a de-shedding tool to remove loose hair.
5. Winter parasites
Even in the winter, dogs can still be at risk for parasites such as fleas and ticks. To protect your dog from parasites, use a topical flea and tick preventative year-round.
6. Ear infections
Dogs with floppy ears are more prone to ear infections, especially in winter. To help prevent ear infections, you should check your dog’s ears regularly for signs of redness, inflammation, or discharge. You can also clean your dog’s ears with a veterinarian-approved ear cleaner.
If you have any concerns about your dog’s grooming needs during the fall and winter, talk to your veterinarian or a professional dog groomer.
At-Home Dog Grooming Tips
Here are tips for grooming your dog at home during the fall and winter
- Choose a warm location to groom your dog. You may also want to use a space heater to keep your dog warm and comfortable.
- Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner. Avoid using shampoos that contain harsh chemicals or detergents.
- Brush your dog’s fur thoroughly before bathing them. This step will help to remove any loose hair and mats.
- Rinse your dog thoroughly after washing them. Make sure to remove all of the shampoo and conditioner from their fur.
- Dry your dog’s fur completely. You can use a towel, blow dryer, or both.
- Be sure to trim your dog’s nails and clean their ears.
We Care About Your Dog’s Health and Well-Being
If you are uncomfortable grooming your dog at home, you can always take them to Canine Couture Dog Grooming. We deliver professional grooming services and work to ensure your pet has the best experience from our staff. Our spa-inspired environment is perfect for fall and winter dog grooming services. To address common fall and winter dog grooming concerns, call (678) 947-6556 or message us online. You can also review our grooming, dog washing, and touch-up services online. Your dog will be groomed, clean, and happy.
