Grooming your dog has numerous advantages, ranging from fostering a particular bond to staying on top of health issues. While grooming is advised all year, each season presents its own set of obstacles. Thankfully, no matter what time of year it is, there are certain pointers to help you become a seasoned dog owner.
Winter
Although the temperatures have fallen and you may not be looking forward to a walk around the block, your dog is. Winter doesn’t mean your dog’s outside activities are over, but it does mean it’s time to pay extra attention to his paws. Snow, salt, gravel, and ice can cause cracks, discomfort, and infections in your dog’s feet if you don’t take precautions. You also don’t want your dog to lick any of the deicing chemicals off his paws. Keep cleaning wipes by the door and wipe your dog’s feet after each walk to avoid these issues. Grooming your dog’s paws requires extra attention. The long hair that grows between the pads of your dog’s feet, for example, can gather clumps of snow that turn to ice, causing your dog agony when they are walking.
Spring
Your dog’s coat is sprouting new fur as new buds develop on the trees. This implies that spring is an important time to brush out your dog’s winter undercoat and make room for the healthy new fur. Brushing should be part of your daily grooming practise, but it’s especially crucial during this shedding season. However, before you start brushing, think about the sort of fur your dog has so you can make sure you’re using the correct brush. A shedding blade, for example, is ideal for removing a feathery undercoat, while a slicker brush is ideal for a short, dense coat. Brushing your dog’s coat using a steel pin brush, which is meant to help circulate the natural odour, is recommended if your dog’s coat is long or silky.
Summer
It’s a common myth that giving your dog a shorter haircut would keep him cool during the hot summer months. Your dog’s coat, on the other hand, has numerous layers and works as insulation or built-in climate regulation, according to experts. Fur is also your dog’s first line of defence against sunburn, scratches, and other abrasions. This isn’t to say that his coat doesn’t need to be kept in good condition. Summer is also the time of year when your dog is more adventurous, making dog grooming an adventure in itself. If your dog enjoys cooling off in the pool or lake, for example, it’s critical to pay close attention to his ears. Dogs can suffer ear infections, much like humans, if water gets lodged in their ears. After a dip, use a trimmer to remove unwanted fur from your dog’s ears. Finally, don’t forget that you won’t be able to get through the summer without dealing with the extra-vigilant fleas and ticks. Thankfully, you can help keep these creatures at bay by cutting, trimming, brushing, and bathing your dog on a regular basis.
Autumn
What does your dog not enjoy about fall? There are squirrels to chase and mounds of leaves to jump in. Unfortunately, your dog has a habit of dragging the greenery home with him after all of this frolicking. Maintaining the mess outside your home is the best strategy to reduce the mess within your home. Raking and pruning your lawn will reduce the amount of leaves, burs, and brush that stick to your dog’s coat. You can’t stop your puppy from rolling around in anything undesirable even if you take these precautions. If your dog does require a bath, make sure he is totally dry before returning to the outside. Because fall temperatures can be cold, dogs, particularly small or short-haired breeds, can easily become chilly. And if they are exposed to cold for an extended period of time, they may acquire hypothermia, which is most common when a dog is wet. A no-rinse waterless shampoo, which is meant to give your pet a clean, fresh smell without bathing, is a terrific alternative.
The following ideas are a fantastic place to start if you want your pet to be happy and healthy all year, but if you want even more grooming advice tailored to your breed, contact us and speak to our friendly team of groomers.
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