How to properly wash a dog in winter: mistakes every second person makes
Washing a dog in winter requires special attention and preparation.
During the cold season, the dog needs to pay increased attention to hygiene to prevent colds and skin problems.
However, it is important to take all precautions to ensure that the procedure is as comfortable as possible for your pet.
First of all, you need to choose the right time for washing. It is best to do this during the day, when it is not so cold outside. The water temperature should be slightly higher than room temperature - this way the dog will warm up faster. It is best to wash your pet in the bathtub or shower - it is warmer and more comfortable there.
Before washing, you need to comb the dog's fur with a special comb to remove tangles and ruffle the hair. This will facilitate the penetration of the shampoo and allow it to be absorbed better.
When choosing a shampoo, pay attention to its composition - it should be as gentle as possible and not contain irritating components. It is better to choose a special shampoo for the winter period, designed for skin and fur that are sensitive in cold weather.
Wet your dog's fur with warm water, apply shampoo and lather it up, massaging the skin with your fingers - this will activate blood circulation.
Don't forget to wash the folds of the skin, the ears, the paws, and the tail area. The time for the shampoo to foam is about 5 minutes. Then rinse the fur thoroughly to remove any remaining detergent.
After shampooing, apply a special conditioner or rinse to the dog's fur. This will seal the hair scales, add shine and softness to the fur, and also make subsequent combing easier. Leave the product on for 2-3 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Squeeze out excess water from the fur and begin drying the dog. Be sure to use a special hair dryer, in the warm blowing mode.
Start by drying your head, then move on to your body. The process should be smooth, without any sudden movements. Your hands should always remain in contact with your skin to control the temperature and prevent burns.
After drying, comb the dog's fur with a special comb with soft bristles to give it volume. Pay special attention to the armpits, groin area, behind the ears - there the hair gets tangled the fastest. Combing stimulates blood circulation in the skin and fur, helps remove the remaining hair.
To finish the procedure, you can use dry shampoo. It will absorb residual moisture, add volume and shine to the coat. Spray the product from a distance of about 30 cm, spreading the coat with your fingers.
After washing, the dog needs to be provided with comfortable conditions for complete drying. Wrap it in a warm towel and let it sit in a warm room for at least 1 hour. Make sure that it does not catch a cold or freeze.
It is also important to properly care for your dog's claws in winter. Trim them carefully so as not to injure the nerve endings. You can use special softening claw clippers. Apply Vaseline to the trimmed claws to prevent drying.
Proper winter care will help keep your dog's fur and skin in excellent condition! The main thing is to observe the thermal regime and use gentle products. Then the procedure will bring only benefit and comfort.
Previously, we talked about when and how to accustom a puppy to a muzzle.
