The fur of many dog breeds looks particularly luxurious in winter. It is thick and beautiful, but it requires special care to stay that way. And it’s not just for the owner’s delight. The function of fur is also to protect the animal from wind, cold, and rain. And to ensure it does this, it needs to be taken care of.
Winter Fur Care: What Should Be Done? Brushing
This is necessary not only during shedding. When your pet changes its undercoat, it requires daily brushing. In winter, however, you can do this with a regular comb about twice a week, or more often if necessary. A special glove can also be used. If there are mats, use special sprays, and in particularly tough cases, a mat splitter can be used.
Bathing
In winter, you need to make sure there are no drafts in the house and that the floor is warm enough; otherwise, water procedures should be postponed to a warmer time. In the cold season, animals should be dried with a blow dryer after bathing, then placed on a mat or bed. The water used should be lukewarm, neither hot nor cold.
If you have a long-haired dog, you can “bathe” it in the snow, but it must be clean and dry, meaning easily shakeable.
Trimming
This is also an essential part of winter fur care for furry pets. Special attention should be paid to the pads of the paws to prevent snow from getting stuck and freezing, which hinders walks. If you have a small breed dog with long hair, then a haircut is even more necessary to prevent the animal from dragging dirt on the street. The fur should be trimmed, but not too short, so the animal doesn’t get cold.
Insulation
In winter, you will likely need clothing for walks. But everything is individual, as each breed has its own resistance to low temperatures. Those who are less cold-resistant (short-haired) will gladly wear jumpsuits. Medium-haired dogs may only need a raincoat, while long-haired ones can enjoy walks without clothing.
If your pet needs a jumpsuit, it’s better to choose models with silk and/or smooth lining, otherwise, you’ll have to constantly brush the fur – as with jumpsuits with fleece lining.
Winter Diet for Fur
For the health of the coat, nutrition is important. If your pet eats quality commercial food, there’s no special need to change the diet, as it contains enough nutrients.
But if you feed your dog natural food, in winter it needs essential fatty acids Omega-3 and 6. These are found in the fat of sea fish and oils. You can also visit a veterinarian, who will recommend vitamins and supplements for the animal.
How to Trim a Dog in Winter
No home haircuts can replace the care of a professional groomer. Fortunately, this is not a problem now – you can book an appointment with them online on our website. In addition to the haircut itself, you have the opportunity to order comprehensive fur care – application of balms, bathing with special shampoos, and much more that will help your beauty stay neat and well-groomed not only in winter but at any other time of the year. Need a professional haircut in Kyiv? Order a callback and we will choose the most convenient time for you to visit our grooming salon!
