1. Pets still need grooming in the winter. Though you may not want a short clip this time of year, remember that grooming is far more involved than just a haircut. If left alone all winter, your dog may develop dry or irritated skin, overgrown nails, infected ears, and more. Even if all you need is a bath and brush out to keep your pet feeling great, do not neglect grooming in the winter! All that snow and rain will make them far more likely to mat, especially with the extra long hair. Our groomers can tell you more about all the services we offer year-round.
2. Beware of winter chemicals. The salts used to treat icy roads can burn little paws. If you walk your dog on treated surfaces, be sure to wipe their paws off with clean water when you get back home. If you spend a lot of time walking, look into a product such as Musher's Secret paw wax to help protect them on long walks. And as always, remember to keep anti-freeze and other household chemicals safely away from pets! If you think your pet has been exposed to any chemical products, seek veterinary attention immediately.
3. Temperature Control: Too Hot, or Too Cold? It's 32 degrees out, so in addition to letting your dog's hair grow out long, you've also bought a variety of cute coats and sweaters, and cranked the heat up to 75 degrees inside. Unfortunately, your pet may now suffer from being too HOT instead of too cold. Pets are very good at adapting to winter temperatures. Indoor dogs really do not need any special treatment, their brief trips outside for potty breaks will not cause them to suffer from the cold even if you don't change anything. If you decide to grow their hair out, please do not use coats or sweaters- that is just too much extra heat. If you keep them clipped short or they have very short hair to start with, then a coat or sweater might be okay- but watch your pet for signs of discomfort. If they are constantly panting or drinking, they're still too hot- take it off. With the exception of very small or hairless dogs, wearing a coat while outside walking or jogging is also a big no-no: they are already producing extra body heat by moving, they don't need a coat too.
If your dog is an outside dog, make sure that they have a clean, dry bed that is completely sheltered- a dog house or igloo, preferably raised off the ground, with either dry blankets, or some form of dry pet bedding such as pine shavings or straw. The bedding should be checked and changed regularly to make sure it stays clean and dry. Also make sure they have access to fresh water without ice in it at all times. If the weather is severe, wet, or the dog looks uncomfortable, please bring them inside. While many dogs love the outdoors, there are conditions in which even the largest dogs are not comfortable being left outside.
4. Watch their weight. Just like people, many pets tend to pack on a few extra pounds during the winter. Less exercise means less calories burned, so keep an eye on their waistline and trim back their meals if they start looking heavy. Letting their weight roller-coaster is not good for them, don't wait until they're already overweight to start correcting the problem! If your dog wants to be outside but you don't, consider hiring a dog walker for the winter- they don't mind the cold!
5. Snow and ice. Bad weather is just part of winter, but be prepared for everything. Don't let your dogs run through snowy fields or forests if you're not familiar with them- they could land on something sharp or dangerous that's buried in the snow. Also check areas thoroughly for ice before letting them play, so that they don't slip or cut themselves. Never let pets run across frozen water, if they fall in they will panic, and it may be impossible to get them back out in time. If you wouldn't let a small child play there, don't let your pets play there either!
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