It’s mid-winter and keeping your dog clean has more benefits than just keeping it smelling fresh. However, with the proper care, you can keep your dog active and healthy during winter. In this post, we shall share tips on how to keep your dog clean in winter and why it’s so important.
It’s Essential to Keep Your Dog Clean in Winter
Winters can be challenging for pet parents to keep their pups clean and healthy. You are challenged by snow, mud, rain, and damp roads. It can sometimes be very tough on your dog’s health and such changing extreme weather demands extra care and grooming.
There are many reasons to keep your furry friend clean all winter.
- For one thing, dogs are more prone to skin problems in the winter. Its hair helps insulate them from the cold weather, but it can also trap moisture and lead to dry, itchy skin.
- Another reason to keep your dog clean is that it’s more likely to track in dirt and mud when they go outside in winter. This can make your house messy and lead to paw problems if your dog constantly walks around in icy or wet conditions.
- The cold weather can also make their nails grow faster, which can be dangerous for them and household members.
- A dog’s hair can trap moisture in winter, leading to frostbite or other cold-related injuries.
Winter Cleaning Tips for Your Little Pups
It is vital to make a proper winter routine for your dogs to keep them healthy, warm, and active. Every dog parent knows how important it is to keep their best friends protected and clean all year. That is why we have researched some primary tips for you to keep your pups clean throughout winter. We shall discuss:
- Bathing Routine
- Grooming Routing for Winters
- Winter Paw Care
Bathing Routine
- Give Regular Baths
Winter weather can be harsh on your dog’s skin. Cold temperatures and wind can dry out their skin and cause irritation. A good bath will help keep their skin healthy and moisturized. But it is also vital to avoid over-washing as it can strip natural oils from their skin, making them more dry and itchy in winter.
You can find plenty of waterless products like gentle wipes, waterless shampoos, and good quality soaps in the market to keep your dogs clean without actually washing them daily. Use warm water to give a cozy bath to your dog in winter.
- Use Gentle Shampoos
Choosing the right shampoo for your dog’s bathing is very important to keep their fur safe from the harsh chemicals present in shampoos. Many shampoo brands in the market produce shampoos for dogs, but you can’t rely on their qualities as they are often made up of hazardous ingredients. It’s pertinent to read the labels and understand what you are putting on your pet. Avoid the following ingredients in the shampoos;
- EDTA
- Propylene glycol
- Phthalates
- PEGS
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Alcohols
Note: Do examine the ingredient section of the shampoo before using it for your delicate friend’s skin, as they can be dangerous and cause allergies, itches, dandruff, and injuries.
Our Recommendation:
We recommend using Paw Purity’s Intensive Nourishing Shampoo for your gentle pup. This organic shampoo comprises 100% natural ingredients and has soothing properties. In addition, a perfect blend of multiple essential oils like olive oil and vitamin E will keep your dog’s skin fresh, smooth, and protected from various bacterial and fungal infections.
It is a naturally oil-based formulation, free from cheap chemicals and dangerous preservatives. Try using this fantastic product, and let us know your experience!
Grooming Routine
- Regular Trimming
It is essential to give your pup regular trimming. Extra grown-out hair can be bad for dogs. Invest in good clippers and sharp blades. Avoid dull blades, as they can cause your dog’s coat to become matted.
- Brush the Fur Frequently
As the weather gets colder, it’s essential to take extra care of your dog’s coat. Brushing its hair regularly will help to keep it warm and prevent matting.
Mats can form when dead hair gets tangled with live hair. This can happen more frequently in the winter when your dog is shedding its coat to prepare for the warmer months. Brushing helps to remove the dead hair and prevent mats from forming.
In addition to preventing mats, brushing helps distribute your dog’s natural oils evenly throughout its coat. This helps keep their skin healthy and their coat shiny and lustrous.
- Choose the Right Clothing
Dogs need the proper clothing to stay comfortable in colder weather like us humans. The clothing you’ll need for your dog will depend on its coat type and activity level. A dog with a short coat or who spend a lot of time outdoors will need a coat or sweater to keep it warm. On the other hand, a dog with thick hair may not need additional clothing.
You can find a lot of trendy cute coats and pajamas for your doggys in the market. So groom them cute and Instagram them now!
Paw Care Routine
Your dog’s paw needs extra attention during the winter months, and there are following essential tips that you can follow:
- Trim nails regularly
- Make it wear booties
- Use paw balms & paw healing conditioners
- Look for scratches and dryness
- Do regular grooming & examinations
Read more about paw care & how to keep your pup’s paws healthy and safe here.
Quick Questions
1. How to Deal With Snow And Ice Buildup on Your Dog’s Fur
When the weather outside is frightful, your dog’s fur is still delightful. But all that snow and ice can cause some buildup, which isn’t so delightful for your dog—or you when you have to clean it off.
Here are a few tips on how to deal with snow and ice buildup on your dog’s fur.
- First, try to avoid letting your dog’s hair get too wet. Then, if you can, keep them inside during the worst of the weather and only take them out for short walks.
- If it gets wet, dry them off as soon as possible with a towel or blow dryer set on low as quickly as possible.
- Use a de-icer explicitly made for dogs when you have to go outside. These products will help melt the snow and ice without harming your dog’s coat.
2. How to Keep Your Dogs Warm in Winter
Here are some tips for keeping your dog warm in the cold weather:
- Limit its time outdoors: If your dog is used to spending time outdoors, gradually transition them to spending more time indoors during the winter months.
- Get a doggy sweater or coat: A warm sweater or coat will help protect your dog from the elements and keep them cozy. Be sure to get one that fits appropriately and isn’t too tight.
- Set up a warm bed for your dog: Whether it’s a unique doggy bed with extra insulation or just a pile of blankets, make sure your dog has a warm place to rest during the colder months.
- Do not let your dog sit too close to the mobile heaters: It can damage its skin and make it smelly and oily.
3. What to Do If Your Dog Gets Wet or Snowy During a Walk?
Here are some tips on what to do if your dog gets wet or snowy during a walk.
- If your dog gets wet, towel them off as soon as possible. This will help it avoid getting hypothermia. You should also keep an eye on its paw pads – if it starts cracking or bleeding, it’s a sign that they’re too cold, and you should head indoors.
- If your dog gets covered in snow, it’s important to brush it off before it melts and turns into ice. Otherwise, it can cause its fur to the mat and the skin to dry. And, of course, make sure they don’t eat any yellow snow!
4. How to Prevent Your Dog from Getting Sick in Winter
Here are some tips on how to prevent your dog from getting sick in winter:
- Keep it warm
- Avoid ice and salt. Ice and salt can be dangerous for a dog if it ingests them. Keep it away from any areas that have been treated with these chemicals.
- Watch for signs of illness. If your dog seems lethargic or is not eating, these could be signs of illness. Take it to the vet right away to get checked out.
Bundle Up
Winter is a great time to bond with your dog, but can also be messy. Luckily, plenty of ways to keep your pup clean and healthy during the colder months. We hope these tips help you and your furry friend stay warm and clean all winter!
Thanks for reading. Happy winter!
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