We Pacific North-westerners love our mild, wet winters, but sometimes the rain and mud can be a challenge for dog owners. Especially those dogs with longer coats. We can help you deal with muddy paws, wet coats, and even that not-so-wonderful wet doggy smell.
Coat Length
We are often asked how long a dog's coat should be for winter. For most dogs, about an inch of coat is a good length year round. This will help protect them from the elements and keep their skin dry and it is just the right amount to insulate them and help them regulate their body temperature.
Muddy Paws
Going for a walk or even letting your dog out in the backyard often results in muddy paws. It seems no matter how well you try to dry them, they still track mud into the house. A simple trick is to use a a shallow storage container, cat litter box, or a kiddie pool by the door. With a small amount of water, just foot high, you can easily rinse your dog's feet. This really help get the mud out between their toes. Gently blot with a towel, wring out, but don't rub, longer coat and then have them walk onto one of the mats designed to absorb moisture. There are lots of different brands out there, ask at your favorite pet retailer or google 'dog mud mats' and you'll have lots of shopping options.
We can help you by keeping your dog's pads shaved out and feet trimmed short. Some people with longer coated breeds will do 'poodle feet' under the hair so it does not show. Poodle feet are shaved very closely both underneath and over the tops of the toes. (See pictures below.) Unlike a poodle, we can leave the leg longer and the feet will be hidden and really only visible when the dog is laying down.
Keeping the pads shaved has an added health benefit. When the pads are full of hair and damp, it allows a perfect environment for bacteria or fungus to start to growing which can lead to sore feet, hot spots, and a trip to the vet.
Wet Legs & Undercarriage
Dogs with hair are a challenge to not only keep clean, but also to dry. If your coated dog comes in wet, you should blot the coat. Gently rub the hair in one direction which should be the same direction the coat grows. This will help keep mats to a minimum. There are lots of super absorbent towels on the market such as "Shamwow" or microfiber towels that work much better than a typical terry cloth towel.
We can also make some changes to your dog's groom over the winter months, such as trimming the hair on the chest and belly nice and short. It will only visible when your dog rolls over for a belly rub. This has several benefits. It keeps the armpits dryer and reduces the possibility of bacterial or fungal infections in the armpits. It also will reduce matting from moisture and friction. And, it will help keep debris from getting caught in the coat and coming in the house.
Wet Dog Smell
It's funny how a damp or wet dog can smell so much worse than a dry one. Even short-haired dogs can have this problem. Portland winters are a testament to that. A Bath & Tidy service might just make the difference between a snuggly bedfellow and sleeping in the dog house. A Bath & Tidy includes the hydrotherapy massage bath, blow dry and brush out, pads are shaved and feet are trimmed, sanitary trim, nails are clipped and buffed, ears are cleaned (and plucked if necessary), and tidy up of the face. You can add an aroma therapy spa package for an extra boost of freshness. Short-haired dogs will benefit from regular bathing as de-shedding and exfoliation will help with odor control.
Sap
Sap is always a problem in this area, but gets much worse in the fall months. Please, unless your dog is uncomfortable, let us get the sap out for you. We have several techniques and products that can save the coat and gently remove the sap.
Fleas
A lot of people are surprised that fleas can be bad in the fall and winter months. Our warm winters don't cause a flea die off like you see in colder regions. Many people stop treating for fleas this time of year thinking they'll be okay. We actually see some of the worst flea infestations in October and November, so keep up your flea prevention over the winter months.
Clothing
If you plan to dress your pet over the colder months in a sweater or coat, you may want to consider doing a shorter trim on the body. Clothes, coats, and harnesses causing matting, especially on the neck, chest, and around the front legs. If you want to keep the coat longer, be sure to brush out your dog once a day, especially in those areas. You will want to wash your dog's clothes regularly as oils and dirt can build up on the clothing and then transfer to your dog.
Bathing
You might be tempted to do bathe your pet more frequently during the winter. Remember that if your dog has mats in his or her coat, and you bathe him/her, you are 'setting' the mats. Once the mat dries as a mat, it is much more difficult to brush out and may require that it be cut out. Dematting is a service that we at Canine Perfection are willing and able to do. Contrary to popular belief, dematting does not have to be difficult or painful for your dog. However, this is a learned skill and, in most cases, is something that should be left to the professionals. It's kind of like painting your car, you probably could do it on your own, but a professional is going to do a much better job! The right tools, products, and techniques make all the difference. If you want to learn, we do offer lessons in dematting and can provide the best tools for you to use at home.
Older dogs or dogs with orthopedic issues who may ache a little more than usual in the cold damp months might enjoy a therapeutic Epsom salt hydrotherapy massage. This gentle soothing bath will warm their joints and massage aching muscles. This link will take you to more information on the benefits of Epsom salts: http://www.saltworks.us/salt_info/epsom-uses-benefits.asp
Please call us today to schedule your pet's winter care.
