The cold weather is hard on dogs’ hair and skin. For severe skin issues, you should take your dog to your local veterinary clinic. To prevent dry, itchy skin and keep fur healthy, here’s what you can do at home.

How to Prepare Your Dog for the Outdoors

For short-haired dogs, a doggy jacket will keep their core warm and protect their skin from moisture and wind. Dogs with thick fur may not need a jacket for a short trip outdoors, but most small animals need extra help staying warm.

The skin on a dog’s paws may be tough enough for the ground, but ice and snow can dry out paw pads, causing them to crack and bleed. Waterproof or water-resistant booties will keep ice and snow off your dog’s feet and protect them from the cold. If booties aren’t an option, dry their paws as soon as you can when they come inside.

How to Approach Winter Grooming

Your dog will grow a thicker coat in the winter, and breeds with long fur may have more tangles. Regular brushing will keep their coat healthy and shiny. Baths will remove dirt and road salt that can dry your dog’s skin, but choose a shampoo carefully. Use a gentle, moisturizing shampoo that won’t strip your dog’s skin of the natural oils it needs for protection. Your veterinary clinic may have some on hand, or the staff can recommend a brand based on your dog’s coat.

Clermont Animal Hospital in Batavia, OH, is a veterinary clinic that cares for animals of all sizes and breeds. For more than 35 years, families have trusted this veterinarian clinic with their cats, dogs, birds, small animals, and exotic pets. Their team uses the latest treatments and tools to keep animals healthy, and they put patients and owners at ease. To schedule an appointment, call (513) 732-1730, and visit them online to learn more about their pet dermatology services.