Spring Grooming Essentials for Chicago Dog Owners
Chicago’s spring brings sunshine, warmer temperatures, and more outdoor adventures for your dog. However, these seasonal changes also impact your dog’s grooming needs. Increased shedding, exposure to dirt, pests, and allergens would require adjustments to your grooming routine. This guide provides essential tips to keep your canine companion clean, comfortable, and healthy throughout the spring and summer in Chicago.
Spring Dog Grooming Tips
Bathe Your Dog More Often
During the spring and summer, your pup will be yearning for the great outdoors, bringing dirt, pollen, and allergens back home. Regular baths are essential during these seasons to remove this grime and keep your pup’s coat healthy, itch-free, and smelling fresh!
Choose a high-quality dog shampoo that is appropriate for your dog’s coat type and skin sensitivity. Oatmeal-based shampoos are a popular option for their soothing properties, but other gentle formulas may also be suitable. Remember to thoroughly dry your dog with a towel or blow dryer on a low setting after bathing to prevent moisture buildup and skin irritation
Dog bath schedules will vary depending on your dog’s coat, but most require a bath every two to three months. During the summer, you may ramp it up to an ‘every-third week’ schedule. If there are people with allergies in the household, a once-a-week bath may be necessary.
Brush Your Dogs Coat to Avoid Shedding
A dog’s shedding pattern can vary depending on several factors, but if you have a double-coated dog, such as a Siberian huskie, golden retriever, or Pomeranian, you will see more shedding in the spring. Dogs shed their coats as they get ready for the summer months.
Owners who want to avoid balls of fur around the home will brush their dogs more often. Brushing is a preventative measure to reduce shedding. Brushes that are designed to reduce shedding will be more effective.
Daily brushing is recommended.
Springtime Flea & Tick Patrol for Your Pup
Your dog’s increased outdoor activity during springtime makes them more prone to fleas and ticks. These pests are more than annoying; they can transmit diseases to your dog and home.
Dog owners should be especially vigilant about flea and tick prevention during the spring and summer months. Regularly check your dog’s fur for signs of fleas and ticks, especially around the abdominal area. Consult your veterinarian about the most effective prevention methods for your dog, which might include flea and tick medication.
Collars will also prevent infestations. Keep your dog away from stray and wild animals that may spread fleas and ticks.
Groom Your Dog’s Paws
With warmer weather comes the risk of hot pavement. And, the increased physical activity that occurs during spring means dogs are more reliant on their paws. To keep your pup’s paws healthy in warmer temperatures, establish a paw care routine after walks:
- gently wipe paws with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris.
- consider using a paw balm designed specifically for dogs to moisturize and prevent cracking. Moisturizing your dog’s paws helps protect their feet and prevent injuries, cuts, and cracking.
- trim the hair growing between a dog’s toes to prevent matting. Matting can lead to irritations and infections that make it difficult for dogs to walk.
Clean Your Dogs Ears to Prevent Infection
Ear cleaning is an essential part of dog grooming, especially in the spring and summer. The warm weather and humidity can cause bacteria to build up and cause infections. Floppy-eared dogs are most susceptible to infections.
Owners can clean their dog’s ears with a specially designed cleaner and cotton balls. Apply the cleaner to the cotton ball and use it to wipe out dirt and debris. Let the dog shake its head. Then use a clean gauze or cotton ball to remove the cleaner from the dog’s ear.
Seek Professional Help
While regular grooming at home is essential, professional groomers, like the groomers at K9Uchicago, can provide a deeper clean and address spring-specific needs for your dog. Their services can help keep your pup comfortable and healthy throughout the season.
Here’s what professional groomers can offer:
- De-shedding treatments: Minimize the fur tumbleweeds in your home with a professional de-shedding treatment.
- Paw pad conditioning: Prepare your pup’s paws for hot Chicago sidewalks with a paw pad conditioning treatment designed to moisturize and prevent cracking.
- Thorough cleaning: Professional groomers can provide a more thorough cleaning than what you might achieve at home, ensuring your dog feels refreshed and looks their best.
- Skin and ear checks: During the grooming process, experienced groomers can identify any potential skin or ear issues that may arise during the spring season, allowing for early intervention.
By taking advantage of professional grooming services, you can ensure your dog receives the care they need to stay happy and healthy throughout the spring and summer months.
K9U Chicago also provide additional services like dog boarding, dog training, and dog daycare. Contact us to learn how we can help your dog achieve a higher quality of life.
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