Keeping Your Dog's Coat In Great Health Throughout The Winter Period

Keeping your dog’s coat in great health is one of the most important steps to great pet care at all times. However, the harsh winter weather poses a significant threat to your pup’s appearance, health, and happiness. Only a dedicated strategy will suffice.

It needn’t be the daunting prospect that you perceive it to be. Focus on these seven simple suggestions, and your furry friend will be barking for joy all winter long.

#1. Choose Specialized Nutrition

You are already fully appreciative of the impacts that good nutrition can bring. For starters, it promotes good general health through hydration and balanced meals. And if your pup is getting a little older, you may be familiar with using supplements to promote bone health and prevent arthritis. Thanks to products like the DERmagic range, it is possible to promote a gorgeous coat of fur too. Crucially, the right nutrition additionally encourages healthier skin.

The concept of promoting increased health from the inside is nothing new. Still, paying extra attention to it will provide your pup with the strongest foundation for a healthier, happier winter. You can also use those treats to form brain-stimulating games. This is very beneficial if adverse weather stops you going from walks as often as you did in summer.

#2. Get Your Dog A Jacket

When looking for the perfect dog gifts this winter, a jacket is one of the best options. You will primarily consider it to be an item that looks cute and keeps your pup warm. Nonetheless, you should not overlook its ability to protect your dog’s coat. The reduced exposure to the rain and harsh winds can protect the hair and skin. It also repels dirt, chemicals, and moisture during daily interactions with other dogs.

Not all dogs need a jacket in winter. Some examples include; Bernese mountain dogs, huskies, bearded collies, chow chows, and Newfoundlands. However, most breeds can benefit from this addition in winter. Wool, cotton, and fleece fabrics are all popular options while some owners may need to look at waterproof properties too.

#3. Follow A Regular Bathing Ritual

As a pet owner, you may be worried about overbathing your pooch in winter. And, it’s true that daily bathing could cause more than damage than good by stripping the natural oils. If your dog spends most of its time indoors, a fortnightly bath should suffice. However, if the dog is one that gets dirty on a frequent basis, bathing should be a more frequent occurrence. Even if some washes are purely with water.

When the natural oils are stripped by the bathing experiences, it will be possible to restore oil levels with a range of products. Meanwhile, the benefits of an oatmeal bath include soothing the skin and promoting naturally glowing fur. They are very useful for dogs that tend to scratch a lot and can be added to the pet care ritual.

#4. Employ Daily Home Grooming

Keeping your dog’s fur clean in winter is vital, not least when rain increases the threat of muddying. All dogs should be brushed every couple of days in the winter months. The K9 of Mine guide to dog brushes for short-haired pups should help a lot of owners find the right choice. Meanwhile, dogs that shed a lot of hair will benefit from daily deshedding brushing. This helps maintain the look and condition of the fur.

Other home daily grooming steps may include using natural oils like coconut oil to leave the coat shiny. Meanwhile, protective agents to stop ticks and fleas are great additions. By reducing the frequency of biting and scratching, staying on top of the daily fur care challenges becomes a lot easier. IT keeps your dog comfortable too.

#5. Visit A Dog Salon

Due to the continued impacts of COVID-19, it might not be possible to visit your usual dog salon. However, many salons and groomers will continue to run safe practices with social distancing in place. This may mean that you are unable to enter the venue with your pup, but that should not stand in the way of your dog’s expert care. The fact is that a monthly visit will have a telling influence on the coat’s health.

First and foremost, regular coat trimming allows it to look its best. Meanwhile, a professional groomer will know how to keep your pooch’s fur at a suitable length for winter. Treatments for the dog hair itself may also include the use of oils and lotions. On a side note, nail clippings and ear cleaning can prevent bacteria spreading.

#6. Promote A Healthy Lifestyle

You know from personal experience that healthy living promotes healthy skin. Good sleep habits and regular habits allow the body to recuperate and flush out toxins. Dogs aren’t all that different. So, preparing for walkies in winter will go a long way to supporting your pup’s coat and general wellness. Try to enjoy a mixture of favorite routes and new destinations to give your dog the best of both worlds.

A great dog bed should be a key investment too. Not least because your pup may benefit from a different product to what they use in the summer. Choosing West Paw dog beds is a particularly good option. It can be supported by a comfortable sleeping environment and room temp. It should be snug, without dehydrating your dog.

#7. Treat Allergies

Good grooming and precautionary measures will promote better dog fur conditioning. Sadly, a lot of that hard work will be undone when your pooch has an underlying health issue. In truth, the main benefit of visiting a vet is that it will help your dog return to full health and comfort. Still, an improved dog coat is a very worthy byproduct.

If you’ve noticed your dog scratching or showing signs of discomfort, allergies may be the issue. You can try a little trial and error at home to diagnose the issue yourself. In truth, though, the professional route is the fastest way to get an accurate answer and get your back to their best. Frankly, that’s the least they deserve.