The winter season usually brings unique grooming concerns for dog owners. Instead of worrying whether what you’re doing is harmful to your pet or not, you should bring them to an animal hospital for professional grooming instead.

Dog owners in Enterprise, AL, can count on Animal Health Center for excellent animal care and veterinary services. Backed by over 50 years of experience, this animal hospital offers everything from pet surgery to pet ultrasounds, pet boarding, and animal dental care.

Their experts share five benefits of grooming your dog during the winter season:

• Paw Protection: Winter can be harsh on your dog’s paws. The cold weather increases the risk of cracked pads, paw irritation, and pad infections from snow and mud. Wipe your dog’s paws after they come back inside.

• Dry Skin: Like you, your dog is susceptible to dry skin during winter. This can happen when you leave their fur wet and expose it to dry air from indoor heaters. When the skin gets dry, it can lead to itching, flaking, and discomfort. Regular grooming can prevent this.  

• Mats & Tangles: Another important grooming task during the winter months is brushing. Mats and tangles prevent the distribution of natural skin oils that keep your dog’s coat shiny and healthy. A mat-free coat is necessary for insulation against the cold air.

• Bathing: Bathing your dog during winter not only gets rid of dirt and bad odors; it can also stimulate the coat to prevent dry, chafed, and scaly skin. Use a moisturizing shampoo and a blow drier to speed up the drying process.

• Flea Control: Most owners consider winter as the end of flea season, but don’t let your defense down. Some fleas can still hang around indoors. Grooming your dog regularly during winter can help you control fleas and get rid of them for good.

If you’re looking for an animal hospital to take care of your dog, drop by Animal Health Center and get state-of-the-art medical services for your pet. Call them today at (334) 347-0544, or visit their website to learn more.