A lot of people believe that pets don’t need as much grooming in winter. While it’s true that dogs might not need to bathe or get their fur trimmed as frequently in cooler weather: there are a lot of factors to take into account. So how do you determine how much grooming your pet needs in winter? You need to consider these points;

Bitterly cold or barely cool? Besides the season, one has to consider the weather in the city one lives in. Is it cold or moderate? In very cold weather, one would be likely to reduce bathing a pet due to harsh temperatures. However, in temperate climates, the frequency of bathing might lessen but not by much.

Breed of your dog

Short-haired breeds like Dachshunds can go longer without bathing without assaulting your olfactory nerves. Other breeds like hounds have oilier skin and need more frequent baths. Some breeds like Retrievers have water-resistant coats and should not be bathed too frequently to maintain the natural oils in their coats.

Our local indigenous breeds normally do well with a moderate frequency of bathing. Their skins are not sensitive to over-drying generally. With long-haired breeds, the tendency for dirt and muck to be stuck beneath the fur is higher. However, with long-haired breeds, it’s also important to properly dry their fur, especially in colder climates

Couch potato or outdoorsy champ?

Is the outdoor activity of the pet restricted or increased due to the seasonal change? For example, in places with moderate climates, outdoor activity like walks and treks with pets might actually increase in winter due to more pleasant temperatures. Generally, when a pet spends more time outdoors then the need for grooming increases too.

Another related factor is environmental exposure. If your pup has recently had a play date or mingled in a park with a slightly unsavoury companion it’s best to bathe him when he’s back home, preferably with a tick repellent shampoo.

Similarly, if your pet is exposed to a lot of dust due to construction in the home or area, more frequent bathing schedules might need to be maintained even in winter.

It’s important to be flexible and non-rigid when it comes to your pet’s needs including bathing and grooming levels. For this you could explore these grooming habits and additions:

Consistent Checks

You need to keep track of how a change in climate and activity levels is affecting  your pet’s scalp and mane health. The frequency of bathing, brushing, and tick and flea checks and treatments need to be tweaked as per these checks and conditions. It’s important to be regular but not rigid with the grooming routine.

Shampoo switch

It may be necessary to upgrade to a natural, mild and fragrance-free shampoo with conditioning properties during the winter especially. The Maw & Paw shampoo with conditioner has dual benefits for dry skin.

The plant-based formulation gently cleanses skin without upsetting Ph balance and stripping skin of essential moisture.

It is a product that doesn’t contain any toxic chemicals and is ideal for sensitive skin. The herbal extracts and essential oils used provide deep hydration and leave fur soft and lustrous.

Time for pampering

It might be beneficial to add an oil massage or hydrating oatmeal soak to your pet care routine if you find your pet’s skin is dry and flakey. These natural methods can leave your pet’s scalp and mane hydrated and glossy. Oils such as pure coconut oil and olive oil can be used to gently massage and invigorate your pet’s skin. Not only will this benefit the skin and fur it can also calm an anxious pet. These treatments can be used on hot spots or the entire body. It can heal dry, cracked and painful skin and even give relief to aching limbs.

Coconut oil can also be used to soften and moisturise dry paws and snouts.

DIY Oatmeal soak

Oatmeal has loads of benefits for dry, flakey skin especially during winter. It’s anti-inflammatory and soothes hot spots and itchy skin. Here’s a simple recipe you can follow to give your doggo his first oatmeal soak.

Start by grinding a cup of raw, plain oatmeal into a fine powder. Fill the tub with warm water, mix in the oatmeal powder, and let your pup soak it up for 15 minutes. If your dog isn’t a doggie diva who loves tub baths, don’t fret. You could also try spot-treating itchy patches with an oatmeal paste.

It’s important to check with your veterinarian before you try any home remedies on your dog, including an oatmeal bath or do a patch test. In rare cases, some dogs could be allergic to oatmeal.

Gear up for grooming

If you decide to let your pup grow out his summer cut during winters, you might not need to visit the groomer as often as in summer. However, you would need to be very regular with brushing out your dog’s fur.

In winter this becomes even more important because it stimulates the circulation of the natural oils in the fur. It also prevents fur from getting matted up. This can make brushing very painful and cause your pet to resist grooming.

Knotted, matted fur can harbour tick and flea infestations, skin diseases and cause dandruff.

It’s best to schedule a visit to the groomer if you feel that your Rapunzel’s tresses are getting the better of you. The longer you wait to sort out the issue, the worse it can get so haste is best in this case.

Dry, itchy skin in dogs or even cats can be very detrimental to their well-being. It could get cracked and painful and even lead to skin diseases. However, by following all these tips you can ensure that your dog’s fur remains healthy and well-groomed. After all, a gorgeous, smooth fur coat is the best winter look your pet could sport.