Winter can bring a host of challenges for our pet clients, and it’s important to keep a close eye on their health during the colder months. While many pet owners may think that fleas, ticks and paw care are only concerns during warmer weather, winter can also bring its own set of risks. From pesky pests still lurking in the cold to the harsh elements that affect their paws, noses and skin, ensuring that pets are properly cared for in winter is essential. In this blog, we’ll explore the common winter health concerns for dogs and share tips on how to protect them, from flea and tick prevention to maintaining their coat, skin, nose and paws.
Winter Skin and Coat Challenges
Matting of the Coat
During the winter months, matting becomes more common as dogs develop thicker winter coats and often have longer hair, with owners aiming to keep them warmer. Sweaters and jackets can bunch up the fur underneath, while snow and ice can stick to their coats, clumping the hair together. Additionally, when dogs come inside wet from the cold, their damp fur is more prone to tangles, which can quickly develop into painful mats if not addressed.
This can lead to increased brushing efforts during grooming sessions and may even require shaving out severe mats to ensure the pet’s comfort.
Dry, Flaky Skin
During the cold season, some pet clients may arrive with dry, flaky skin, often caused by the chilly outdoor temperatures and dry indoor heating. You might notice them scratching more than usual during grooming or spot tiny white flakes scattered throughout their coats.
Preventative Measures for Dry Dog Skin
Consistent Grooming Schedule: During pick-up, take the opportunity to discuss scheduling the pet’s next grooming appointment. Some pet owners may attempt to extend the time between visits during winter, but it’s important to explain the risks. Remind them that prolonged gaps can lead to matting or dry, flaky skin, which could result in their pet being uncomfortable or even requiring a complete shave-down even though the weather outside is freezing.
Educate on Daily Brushing: Highlight the importance of daily brushing, especially after outdoor play in snow, ice or rain. Explain how regular brushing helps prevent painful matting and reduces the need for extensive grooming efforts.
Recommend Moisturizing Products: Suggest moisturizing shampoos and conditioners specifically designed to combat dry, flaky skin during the colder months. These products can provide relief and improve coat and skin health between grooming appointments.
Paw Care for Dogs in Winter
How The Winter Elements can Harm Dog Paws
The salt used to prevent slipping on icy surfaces can harm pets' paws. Prolonged exposure to salt can lead to excessive dryness, cracking or even burns on the paw pads. Additionally, the sharp edges of salt granules can cause soreness or small cuts on a pet’s paws. Snow and ice further contribute to dryness, leaving the paws chapped or cracked.
Dogs often lick their paws to relieve discomfort, but this can worsen the issue. The added moisture may lead to bacterial or yeast infections. Snow and ice stuck between their toes can also irritate the sensitive skin in those areas, compounding the problem.
Dog Nails Too Long
During winter, dogs may not go on walks as frequently, reducing the natural filing effect of nails against concrete. Pet owners might overlook the need for regular nail trims during this time. Without proper maintenance, long, curved nails can puncture the dog’s paw pads, cause a loss of traction that may lead to injuries, and even result in long-term damage to joints and tendons. Encouraging pet owners to schedule regular nail trims is crucial to keeping their dogs comfortable and preventing these potential health issues.
Winter Paw Care
Paw Inspections: Regularly check your pet clients' paws for any signs of damage or discomfort. This allows you to address any issues early and inform the pet owners, ensuring proper care.
Paw Butter: Suggest using paw butter to help prevent and treat cracking. It nourishes and heals paws over time, keeping them soft and protected from harsh winter elements.
Nail Trimming: Remind pet owners to bring their pets in for regular nail trims. Offering walk-in nail trims ensures that nails are kept at a healthy length, preventing discomfort or potential injury from overgrown nails.
Dog has Dry Nose in Winter
A dog’s nose can become dry and chapped during winter due to environmental factors. Indoor heating creates a dry atmosphere with low humidity, which removes moisture from the skin. Cold winter weather can also dry out a dog’s nose, especially during outdoor exposure to freezing temperatures and wind. Frequent licking to relieve dryness may worsen the issue by removing natural protective oils, leading to further irritation or cracking.
Nose Butter
Applying nose butter is an effective way to soothe a dog’s dry, chapped nose while providing added protection.
Here is a recipe from the American Kennel Club that is simple to make:
Supplies:
- 21-24 standard lip balm tubes OR 6 1 -oz. tins
- A small digital kitchen scale, optional
- Small pot or double boiler
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. (approx. 2 tbsp) olive, sunflower or sweet almond oil
- 2 oz. (approx. 2 tbsp) coconut oil
- 1 oz. (approx. 1 tbsp) shea butter
- 4 tsp beeswax
Directions:
- In a small pot or double boiler over low heat melt the oils, shea butter and beeswax. Stir continuously until all is melted and well blended.
- Carefully pour the mixture into lip balm tubes and/or tins. Let containers cool until hard.
- Cap and label the containers with the date.
- Apply the balm as a preventive treatment or to soften noses. Use within 1 to 2 years. Keep away from extreme heat.
Create this homemade nose butter to share with pet owners as a thoughtful way to show you go the extra mile for your clients. Alternatively, print and laminate the recipe to provide pet parents who inquire about it, giving them a simple and helpful resource.
Fleas and Ticks on Dogs in Winter
How Are There Fleas and Ticks in Winter?
Cold weather doesn’t immediately eliminate fleas and ticks. Fleas, for instance, can survive in temperatures as low as 46°F. It takes five consecutive days of temperatures below 46°F to kill adult fleas. However, if a flea is attached to a warm host, such as an animal, it can endure extreme cold for extended periods. Fleas may also latch onto wildlife that seeks shelter in burrows or nests, providing a safe, warm environment where fleas can survive well into winter.
Ticks, on the other hand, remain active at temperatures as low as 45°F. They only start to die off when temperatures consistently drop to 10°F. Even then, many ticks recover quickly when the weather warms up. They protect themselves by burrowing into the ground or hiding under plant debris, which insulates them from the cold and snow.
As soon as temperatures rise, both fleas and ticks can reemerge and easily latch onto unsuspecting dogs during outdoor activities.
Identifying and Removing Fleas and Ticks from Dog
Even during the winter months, it’s important to thoroughly check your pet clients’ fur and skin for fleas and ticks. The task can be more challenging in colder seasons, as many dogs have thicker winter coats, and owners often keep their pets' hair longer for warmth.
Carefully run your hands through the dog’s coat, paying close attention to their skin. Look for tiny specks of dirt, which could indicate fleas, or small dark bumps, which may be ticks. If you find fleas, administer a flea bath immediately. For ticks, ensure you remove them safely and completely to prevent further issues. Alert the owner so they are aware that they need to keep an eye out for fleas and ticks in their home and yard.
Do Dogs Need Flea and Tick in Winter?
Remind pet owners that flea and tick prevention is essential year-round, not just during the summer months. Effective options include topical treatments, oral medications, flea and tick collars and natural remedies like diluted essential oils such as lemongrass, rosemary or tea tree oil. However, advise pet parents to never apply essential oils directly to their pets’ skin, as they must be properly diluted to avoid irritation.
You can also suggest proactive measures for preventing flea and tick infestations, such as keeping their yards free of leaf piles and ensuring sheds are securely sealed with no openings. Wild animals seeking shelter in winter can bring pests into these areas, increasing the risk of exposure for pets.
Dogs and Winter Weather
Winter presents unique challenges for pets, but with proper care and attention, you can help them stay comfortable and healthy throughout the season. By addressing issues like fleas and ticks, dry skin, chapped nose and paw protection, you can help to prevent discomfort for your pet clients and educate pet owners on potential health problems for their furry companions. Regular grooming, nail trimming and proactive skin and coat care can go a long way in ensuring pets remain safe, happy and healthy all winter long.