Every season comes with its own set of challenges when it comes to keeping our pets happy, healthy, and looking their best. As pet owners, you’ve probably noticed how different times of the year bring new concerns. For example seasonal allergies, shedding, heat stress, dehydration, parasites, ticks, pests, dry skin and weight management. Let’s look at some of these challenges and what you as a pet owner can do to avoid them:
Coat Challenges During Spring:
Just like people, our pets can develop seasonal allergies. Watch for signs such as excessive scratching, licking, or red, watery eyes. Many pets shed their winter coat during spring, which can lead to fur-covered furniture and possible matting. Fleas, ticks, and other parasites become more active as the weather warms.
How To Keep Your Pet’s Coat Healthy During Spring:
- Regular grooming and baths with hypoallergenic shampoo can help remove allergens from dog’s and cat’s coats.
- Brushing your pet daily can prevent matting and helps to manage shedding and keep their coat healthy. We would recommend using deshedding brushes and dematting tools to get the job done properly.
Use flea and tick preventatives and inspect your pet regularly.
Coat Challenges During Summer:
Pets can easily overheat in hot weather, especially breeds with thick coats or flat faces. Long or matted fur can trap heat, making summer uncomfortable for pets.
How To Keep Your Pet’s Coat Healthy During Summer:
- Keep your pet cool with plenty of water, shade, and avoid walks during peak heat.
- Schedule a trim but avoid shaving to protect their skin from sunburn.
Coat Challenges During Autumn:
Pets start growing their winter coats as the weather cools.
How To Keep Your Pet’s Coat Healthy During Autumn:
- Brushing them regularly can help to remove dead fur and prevent matting.
- Check your pet after outdoor play and maintain their parasite prevention routine to control against ticks and fleas.
Coat Challenges During Winter:
Pets can feel the chill too, especially short-haired breeds or older animals. Low humidity can lead to dry, flaky skin.
How To Keep Your Pet’s Coat Healthy During Winter:
- Invest in pet sweaters or jackets for walks and ensure their sleeping area is warm and draft-free.
- Use moisturising pet shampoos to aid in maintaining their coats and skin during these colder months.
Year-Round Grooming Essentials: Keep Your Pet Looking And Feeling Their Best
As a pet owner it is important to keep your pet’s coat healthy, it isn’t just about looks – it’s a way to support their overall health and happiness throughout the year!
Follow These 8 Simple Tips To Keep Your Pet’s Coat Healthy:
1. Regular Brushing
Brushing helps remove dirt, dead hair, and prevents matting while distributing natural oils for a healthy coat. Short-haired pets should be brushed once a week and long-haired pets should be brushed daily or at least every other day to prevent tangles and mats. Use the right brush for your pet’s coat type (slicker, bristle, or deshedding tools).
2. Routine Bathing
Keep your pet clean and remove allergens or irritants by bathing your pet every 4–6 weeks unless they get particularly dirty or smelly. Use pet-specific shampoos suited to their skin type (e.g., moisturising, hypoallergenic, whitening or flea-repellent).
3 .Balanced Diet And Proper Hydration
A nutritious diet rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids supports skin and coat health. Include high-quality pet food or supplements if recommended by your vet. Ensure your pet has access to fresh water to keep their skin hydrated.
4. Stay On Top Of Parasite Control
Fleas, ticks, and mites can irritate the skin and cause fur loss or infections. Use vet-approved flea, tick, and worm prevention products year-round, even in cooler months. Check your pet’s coat regularly, especially after outdoor adventures.
5. Professional Grooming
Groomers can give your pet a thorough clean, trim, and identify potential skin issues. Schedule a groom every 6–8 weeks, or more often for high-maintenance coats. Take advantage of loyalty programs for great savings on grooming services.
6. Protect Against Seasonal Changes
Temperature shifts can affect your pet’s coat and skin. In spring/summer you need to manage shedding and use flea prevention and in autumn/winter keep their coat clean and prevent dryness with moisturising products and foods like cucumber, watermelon, pumpkin, carrots etc.
7. Monitor For Skin Issues
Skin conditions like dandruff, hot spots, or rashes can indicate issues with your pet’s coat health. Inspect your pet’s coat and skin and consult a vet if you notice persistent itching, redness, or fur loss.
8. Exercise And Hydration
Regular activity and hydration improve circulation, promoting healthy skin and coat. Ensure your pet gets daily exercise suitable for their breed and age. Always provide fresh water, especially after activity and on hot days.
By following these tips and having your pet groomed regularly, you can ensure your pet’s coat remains healthy, soft, and beautiful. The Pet Stop Sherwood grooming parlour is here to provide tailored grooming services for all cat or dog breeds and coat types. Share your favourite or unconventional pet grooming tips or any pet grooming questions you have in the comments below.