{"id":52,"date":"2023-11-07T13:53:18","date_gmt":"2023-11-07T18:53:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.allcrittersvet.com\/blog\/?p=52"},"modified":"2023-11-07T13:53:19","modified_gmt":"2023-11-07T18:53:19","slug":"pet-hygiene-in-the-winter-bathing-grooming-and-paw-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.allcrittersvet.com\/blog\/pet-hygiene-in-the-winter-bathing-grooming-and-paw-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Pet Hygiene in the Winter: Bathing, Grooming, and Paw Care"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Have you ever wondered how to take care of your pawsome pets during the cold winter months? If you live in a snowy area like our team at All Critters Veterinary Hospital<\/a>, winter pet care is key. Here are the 3 tips we\u2019ve learned from living through countless Ohio winters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

3 Tips for Pet Hygiene in the Winter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Find Your Nearest Dog-Wash for Warm, Sudsy Baths<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It may be getting chilly outside, but your dog still needs a bath about once a month\u2014or whenever she starts smelling a little too funky. Always bathe your dog indoors during the winter, using warm water and moisturizing doggy shampoo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your pup doesn\u2019t fit in the bathtub at home, take her to a self-serve dog wash. Many do-it-yourself car-washing stations come with dog wash areas, too. They\u2019re less expensive than taking your pup to the groomer. And instead of spending time with someone else, they get to bond with you <\/em>during their winter baths! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just make sure to use that moisturizing doggy shampoo. Dry winter air can be tough on your pet\u2019s skin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can wash your kitty at a dog wash, too, if she rolls in something questionable. Otherwise, cats can skip the monthly baths. They\u2019re excellent at taking care of their own bathing needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Stay on Top of Your Grooming Routine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Winter pet grooming is just as important as summer pet grooming<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your pet might even have more <\/em>fur in the winter than he does in the summer! Many dogs stop shedding as much as the temperatures drop. This gives them more fur to keep them warm during the snowy season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brushing this lush coat at least twice a week is important. This is especially true if you have a long-haired dog.

Your pup\u2019s long coat will still protect her even if you brush it every day. As you help detangle her furs and weed out the dead hairs, new fur will grow in its place. The last thing you want is a matted, tangled mess come springtime. 

Whether you have a kitty or a pup, winter is a great time to add omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid supplements to your pet\u2019s diet. These fatty acids can help your pet shed less, avoid dry skin, and enjoy a silky, shiny coat. It\u2019s also great for their joints!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Pay Special Attention to Your Pet\u2019s Paws<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Winter paw care might be the final item on our list, but it\u2019s far from the least important. There are several irritants to watch out for when you take your pawsitively precious pup or kitty outside to play in the snow: <\/p>\n\n\n\n