Seasonal Grooming Wellness: Winter Dry Skin vs Summer Hot Spots

Does your dog’s skin change with the seasons as it does for us? Annual cycles create challenges for pets regarding dry winter skin from cold temperatures to wet summer heat, therefore, a one size fits all style of grooming won’t work year-round. Appropriate dog grooming and wellness also goes well beyond the basics; it involves providing adequate grooming treatment to protect a dog’s largest organ: its skin. Starting with two of the biggest seasonal grooming & wellness couriers, let us discuss the effects of winter and summer on dogs and how optimal dog grooming and wellness practices can keep dogs healthy and looking good in both winter and summertime.

The Hidden Evil of Winter – A Dog’s Dry, Itchy Skin

As the temperatures drop, so does the humidity in the atmosphere. The heated air within our homes also has low humidity; therefore, your dog’s skin has little moisture to protect it from the cold. When your dog’s skin loses moisture content, the result is typically dull or dry hair; rough, flakey surfaces on your dog’s skin; and broken, cracked feet or paw pads.

Signs of Dryness: 

• Excessive Scratching, White Flakes on Dog’s Bed, and/or Rough/Dry Paw Pads

The Grooming Shift: 

• When considering winter dog grooming and wellness, remember that winter dog grooming is focused on providing moisture and protection for the dog. This includes using hydrating shampoos made from oatmeal (to hydrate) and conditioning their coats with a light conditioner after bathing. Depending on how much growth there is between grooming appointments, a professional groomer should also trim the hair growing between the dog’s paw pads to prevent their feet from getting iceballed.

Home Help: 

• Wipe their paws after winter walks to remove salt and chemicals. Ask your groomer about a pet-safe paw balm.

Summer Sore Spot: Hotspots of Sorrow

The risk of hot spots increases as the humidity increases. They are swollen, pus filled, wet ulcers which may occur without warning, and are contagious. They are frequently induced by moisture adjacent to the skin during swimming, bathing or only through thick fur.

What to Observe: 

• Red sore, wet and severely sore patch of skin. Your dog can lick, chew or scratch at it endlessly.

The Grooming Shift: 

• Summer grooming emphasizes cleanliness and airflow. It is imperative to brush off loose undercoats. An experienced groom will make sure that his dog is completely dry after bathing, particularly in thick coats, such as in the neck and hips. Having the coat in a length that can be managed and worn loosely is one of the prevention aspects when having a well groomed and comfortable pet.

See Also: Why Your Thyroid Health Matters More Than You Think

Home Help: 

• When your dog has been swimming or bathing, wipe him dry using a towel, and give special attention to thick fur regions.

The Groomer: Your Guaranteed Line of Offence

The seasonal wellness partner is a professional groomer. Each time we see her, we do a complete skin check. When it is winter, we seek dryness and irritation. During summer, we are looking at the early indication of moisture or inflammation that may result in a hot spot. The essence of preventive dog grooming and wellness is to identify these problems at an early stage. It is much more attention than a hair cut.

Why Our Strategy is a 12 Month Investment

We do not groom just to groom at our salon, but to be well. Our team will be trained to notice the very slight symptoms of seasonal stress on the skin and coat of your dog. We find the right combination of our products, methods and recommendations to suit the weather outside so that not only does your pet come out looking well groomed, but also being in a position to withstand the weather. We intend to be your life-long companion in the comfort of your dog.

Conclusion: Grooming the Shield Against the Seasons

The grooming requirements of your dog are dynamic and change according to the date. Learning about winter dryness and summer hotspots, you may prevent the wet and hot situation with the assistance of your groomer. To avoid discomfort and have a healthy, healthy coat, it is best to have consistent, seasonal-oriented care. The bottom line is that a well groomed dog is one whose skin is taken care of in all seasons such that it will live a happier and itch free life all year round. It is the core of smart dog care and grooming.