Ah, the winter. The snow is falling. The holidays are in full swing, and your pet’s coat looks a little worse for wear. If you’re struggling with keeping your pet looking its best through the cold weather, you’ve come to the right place.
Here’s everything you need to know about grooming your pet for winter:
Bathe and Brush Regularly
We recommend bathing your pet at least once a month during winter. If you have a short-haired dog, consider bathing them every few weeks to remove dirt and grit from their fur.
If you bathe your pet, use a shampoo formulated for dogs or cats. You may also want to use a conditioner afterward. Brush their hair with a soft bristle brush or comb as soon as they are dry. You can visit PetCareRx to stock your pet supplies for the winter in one go.
Apply Moisturizers to Your Pet’s Skin
Moisturizers are an essential part of a pet’s winter grooming regimen. Pets can be especially sensitive to the weather. Moisturizers will keep their skin healthy and fur shiny. They also help keep their paws from drying out. Depending on how dry your pet’s skin is, you should apply a moisturizer once or twice a week throughout the winter.
Pay Special Attention to What They Eat
It’s important to check in with your vet before making any big changes. If your pet is overweight, it may need to go on a diet. If they are underweight, you’ll want to ensure they’re eating enough and getting enough vitamins and minerals.
As per Statista, on average, dog owners in the United States spent 442 U.S. dollars on pet food per year in 2020. In comparison, cat owners spend an average of 329 U.S. dollars on pet food annually.
Don’t Use Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is a great alternative to traditional bathing. But it can also be dangerous for your pet. With hot tubs, water temperatures should be kept at about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celcius). Hydrotherapy can cause burns and electrical fires if the temperature is too high.
Hydrotherapy can also cause heat stroke and overheating in dogs who aren’t used to such baths. This can lead to serious health problems like organ failure or death.
Apply Petroleum Jelly to Their Paw Pads
Apply petroleum jelly to their paw pads. Petroleum jelly is a good moisturizer for both dogs and cats. It can help protect the paws from cracks and cuts. It also acts as a lubricant for the paws, preventing ice balls from forming on them in the winter months.
Use Fleece or Woolen Clothes With a Layer of Water-Resistant Material
Another statistic on Statista reveals that pet industry expenditure in the United States reached over 126 billion U.S. dollars in 2021.
So, if you want to spend less on winter clothing for your pets, get them fleece or woolen clothes from a pet store. Make sure that the clothes are not too tight or too loose. You can also choose to use a water-resistant material to protect them from snow and rain.
Keep Your Pet Away From Antifreeze and Salt
Keeping your pets away from antifreeze and salt is important. These substances are toxic to dogs and cats. It can cause serious health complications, such as kidney failure.
If your driveway is salted during winter, consider placing mats outside your garage door so that any snow or ice will melt before they get to their paws. You can also invest in a pet barrier that keeps them off the ground, especially if you have an outdoor kitty who loves to dig in the dirt outside.
Keep Your Pets Indoors When It Gets Too Cold Outside
Make sure to keep your pets warm when they are indoors. You can use a heated bed to keep them comfortable. If your pet has long hair and gets cold easily, it might be best to get them a sweater or coat.
You can also do other things to make your home safer for pets during the winter. Don’t forget the dangers of antifreeze leaking out of cars and poisoning animals drawn to its sweet smell. Make sure you take precautions by placing containers filled with water around areas where antifreeze could leak, like under car hoods.
Also, remember not to leave any food outside. Your pet may find it and be tempted by what looks like an easy meal. It could be a deadly poison if ingested.
Create a Warm Pet-Friendly Environment
You want to create a warm pet-friendly environment to keep your pet comfortable and happy. Try to keep the temperature at around 70 degrees with low humidity. Provide plenty of bedding and blankets for snuggling. Contact your vet immediately if you are concerned about your pet becoming too cold.
Also, ensure that there are dry areas where your dog can sleep and rest during the day. Many people choose large crates for their dog’s sleeping quarters during winter. It keeps them off cold floors while keeping them contained within a safe space for their safety.
Conclusion
With these tips in mind, you can rest assured that your pet is prepared for the winter. It’s important to note that some pets may need special care depending on their needs and health conditions. So check with your vet before changing their diet or grooming routine.