Keeping Your Pets Safe When It’s Cold
As the cold weather sets in, it’s important to remember some of the problems that our pets face during this time of year. While some pets require only minimal care, others have a much harder time with the cold weather. Let’s discuss how to keep your pets safe when it’s cold outside.
Pets that spend most of their time indoors during the winter can face problems with their skin and coat. Indoor heat can cause moisture loss and dry skin, resulting in intense itching. When their winter coat becomes too much for them, they will shed in an effort to become comfortable again. Coat strippers can be used to remove the dead hair without damaging the coat. These are excellent for double coated dogs. After removing the dead hair, it’s important to bathe your pet to clean the skin and replace any lost oils and moisture. Remember that nails must be trimmed in the winter so they don’t become cracked or uncomfortable for your pet. A trip to the grooming salon can do wonders for your pet’s health and mood during the winter.
Because the skin is attempting to replace lost oils, ears tend to build up more waxy material during the winter. Ears should be cleaned at least twice a month to avoid any issues. If the ears appear to be inflamed or irritated, clean them daily until the issue is resolved. Most ear infections can be cured with daily cleaning when caught early enough.
Sometimes pets require additional support for their skin and coat during the winter. A good quality fatty acid supplements can help prevent cracking and irritation of the skin by replacing lost oils from the inside out.
Foot problems are extremely common in the winter and are usually caused by arthritis. Sore joints can cause limping and poor foot placement, increasing trauma to the foot pads. Offering your pet a high quality glucosamine and chondroitin supplement can increase joint fluid and ease fatigue and trauma to the feet.
We hope that this information has been helpful as we strive to provide education on all aspects of pet care.
Claws N Paws Day Spa offers quality dog and cat grooming in Orange County, California. For more information, or to schedule a grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005.
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