Pamper your pooches this holiday season and make sure you know all of the tricks for keeping your pets healthy during the winter. Jennifer Leider, owner of River Dogs Grooming Salon, shares the tips she has learned in her seven years of grooming.
To keep your dog’s winter coat from shedding all over your house, make sure to go to a salon or use a blowout gun twice a year to get rid of extra hair. As for holiday styling, Leider says that many people prefer a fluffier look during the winter months. “People like the longer, fluffier cut with holiday bows and scarves,” she says.
Protect your dog from the harsh weather by dressing them in festive sweaters for warmth. Remember to remove sweaters after getting wet in the snow to prevent matting your pet’s fur. Salt can irritate little paws, so make sure to wipe feet after walks and consider dog booties or pet-friendly salt.
For dry, flaky skin, try giving your dog a bath using oatmeal shampoo for its soothing qualities. Don’t forget to keep up with routine grooming, like baths once a month, haircuts every six to eight weeks, nail trimming every four weeks, and regular brushing.
It’s ideal to visit a pro to make sure your dog is in tip-top shape. “A professional is trained to find things that you might miss at home, like bumps and other health concerns,” Leider says.
