Our area just had its first snowy weather of the season! In lieu of the icy, cold, wintery conditions, we have had many clients tell us that they worry about their pets getting groomed when it is so cold outside, reasoning that shorter hair means a colder pup. Some pet parents might even go so far as to stop bringing their pets in for grooming altogether until the weather improves in the spring. We are here to tell you why you absolutely SHOULD keep your pet on a regular grooming schedule during the winter.
A pet’s coat and skin requires upkeep in order to be healthy and beautiful. Bathing is important for stimulating natural oil production in the skin; if you stop bathing your pet, he/she might end up with dry, flaky skin which can result in itching and irritation. Similarly, it is important to continue brushing your pet (BEFORE you bathe!) to avoid matting and tangles. Long-haired pets are particularly susceptible to matting in the winter as they walk and play in the wet snow. We often see an influx of grooming requests in the springtime as pet parents bring in their pups for a spring cleanup, often needing to clip the hair down extremely short from nose to tail because of mats. The best way to avoid the stress, hassle, and expense of a severely matted spring cleanup is to keep having your pet groomed regardless of the weather.
If you are worried about your pet being cold because you have a body clip done, don’t be! Even short-haired dogs are capable of staying warm enough in cold temperatures, provided they aren’t outside for extended periods of time. But, for the average house pet, a shorter clip is perfectly adequate to keep him/her warm and healthy for walks or trips to the bathroom.
Finally, it is good for your pet’s mental and social health to continue getting groomed. The cold weather already limits his/her outdoor romps, and places like dog parks won’t be as busy. Coming to the groomers will give your pet continued socialization with other people and animals while we all wait for warm, sunny days to return. Also, we all know that dogs love getting rewarded for being on their best behavior while getting groomed, and coming home to a smiling family who tells them how beautiful they look!
The Yappie Cuttery Team
