How to Keep Your Dog’s Skin Healthy and Clean in Winter

During winter, there is always so much to prepare for to ensure a happy time for your furry companion. This season brings unique challenges for dogs. Most commonly seen are hypothermia from cold temperatures, frostbite on exposed areas like paws, and skin exposure to harmful chemicals like antifreeze. Expert dog grooming services guarantee happiness for your dog’s comfort, good health, and well-being. Professionals are trained to provide a higher level of care for your beloved’s specific needs.

Jack Pet Grooming is a well-known provider of at-home grooming services in Abu Dhabi. Our skilled professionals profoundly offer the finest pampering experience possible for improved physical health, and early detection of health issues. We bring all the necessary grooming equipment that offers numerous benefits including prevention of matting and distribution of natural oils.

Additionally, it includes the removal of loose hair, helping prevent skin problems and keeping it soft. Keep reading further as we share eight tips to care for your beloved furry companion in winter—keeping their delicate skin healthy and absolutely clean.

Handy Tips to Take Care of Your Dog in Winter Season

As pet parents, it’s your sole responsibility to think regarding the comfort of your dog in these cold months. Below is a list of things that you could do for them at your best:

Limit Their Outdoor Time

Just like human beings, animals too feel cold, particularly dogs, due to various factors. These encompass certain demographics, including fur insulation, age, gender, breed, and weather conditions in the region. Therefore, if you have a dog at your home, ensure to safeguard them by limiting their outdoor time and keeping them indoors mostly. In winter, dogs are most likely to catch a cold as they are exposed to chill.

Sometimes, they can freeze or even become disoriented, which can impact their well-being in the long run. Bring them out for walks only during the late morning or early afternoon hours, and let's have a good time.

Feed Your Dog Right Food

As seasons change, your dog’s nutritional requirements change as well. Typically, during the winter months, the temperature drops to a lower level and nights become generally longer than days. Hormones start triggering your dog’s urge to eat, making them feel the urge to eat food.

Feeding them plenty of higher-protein food is essential to ensuring they are warm and comfortable. Besides, monitoring their weight is needed to ensure you’re not overfeeding them and their weight stays under control. You must be mindful of your dog’s routine activity and further adjust the diet accordingly.

Our professionals can provide helpful guidance on your pet’s diet during grooming sessions. By keeping their nutrition balanced, you ensure that your dog stays healthy, energetic, and ready to tackle winter.

Keep The Bedding Warm and Comfortable

Being responsible pet parents, do not let your dog sleep on the floor, particularly when it’s cold outside. It can lead to joint stiffness. Not only this, it can cause them discomfort or even severe illness. Provide them with a cozy and safe space to rest. Consider using thick, warm bedding to keep your dog comfortable. Place their bed in a draft-free area, away from windows or doors. You can add extra blankets for warmth. Older dogs or those with arthritis may benefit from heated bedding.

Prevent Dehydration

Hydration is essential in the winter, especially for dogs. They need water to regulate their body temperature & keep their skin hydrated. Therefore, always ensure your dog has access to clean, fresh water. If they spend time outdoors, check their water bowl regularly to ensure it hasn’t frozen.

Keep The Room Heater at a Distance

Using room heaters or angithis during winter helps to cope with low temperatures. These keep your home warm and more comfortable. Besides, they can also pose risks to your dog, especially if your dog moves frequently around the home. Dogs love to be around heat during cold temperatures. But, direct exposure to heaters can cause burns or dry out your dog’s skin.

Not just this, extreme closeness to the appliance can cause them electric shocks or severe burns. Therefore, place heaters in a location where your dog cannot accidentally touch them. Humidifiers can help prevent the air from becoming too dry as it can irritate your dog’s skin & nose.

Brush Them Regularly

Brushing your dog is like giving them a mini massage that keeps their fur neat and their skin healthy, especially during the winter. Cold weather can make your furry friend's fur dry or tangled. Regular brushing:
 

• Spreads Natural Oils: Your dog’s skin makes oils that help keep their fur soft and shiny. Brushing spreads these oils all over their coat.
• Stop Tangles: Tangles in fur can be uncomfortable and even hurt your dog. Brushing keeps their fur smooth and mat-free.
• Keep Them Clean: Brushing removes loose fur and dirt, so your dog stays clean longer.
• Feels Good: Gentle brushing helps their skin feel better and improves their blood flow.

 

Do note to brush your dog every day if they have long fur, or a few times a week for short fur.  Ensure to be gentle, especially near their ears and belly so that they stay calm. If you are still unsure about how to brush your dog in the right way, hiring expert dog grooming services can help. Experts take into account several factors including your dog’s skin condition, lifestyle, etc for a relaxing pampering session.

Maintain an Active Lifestyle

Cold weather can limit outdoor activities. Even then, keeping your dog active is essential for their physical and mental well-being. Make it a habit to take them out when the temperature is milder and the wind chill is less severe for your furry companion. Avoid when it's extremely icy, cold or windy as your pet can fall sick and catch cold. Keep outdoor walks short and focused on exercise rather than leisure. When inside the home, provide puzzle toys or play games like tug-of-war to keep your dog engaged.

Keep an Eye Out For Illnesses

Animals, especially dogs, are more prone to certain illnesses in winter. This comprises respiratory infections, dry skin conditions, etc. It’s high time to look out for symptoms including coughing, sneezing, excessive scratching, or even changes in behavior. If you notice any unusual signs, immediately consult your veterinarian to address issues before they worsen.

Schedule Expert Dog Grooming Sessions Often

Amidst of all, the most important step you can take is to book regular grooming sessions for your dog. Professional grooming ensures their coat and skin stay healthy and free of debris and other dust particles throughout winter. Additionally, it also:

• Prevents matting that traps moisture and irritates the skin.
• Removes loose hair & stimulates the skin for better circulation.
• Helps identify early signs of skin issues or other health concerns.

Jack Pet Grooming offers at-home dog grooming services to make grooming easy & absolutely stress-free for both you and your dog. Our skilled professionals use the best tools & techniques to care for your pet, ensuring they’re comfortable and happy. Scheduling regular grooming appointments during winter keeps your dog’s coat in excellent condition. You can ensure peace of mind knowing they are receiving top-quality care. So, call us today to schedule an appointment and give your furry friend the pampering they deserve.