Though the calendar may (finally) say March, the majority of the U.S. is unfortunately still firmly clutched by the icy grip of winter with no immediate signs of relief. In this frigid and dry season, we find ourselves reaching for the heavy-duty lotion and lip balm to stave off the effects of freezing temperatures, whipping wind, and moisture-robbing indoor heat.

Our pets’ skin and fur coats are also not immune to winter’s harsh effects, and contrary to popular belief, dogs don’t need less grooming in the winter. In fact, many dogs’ coats actually need more attention. In the summertime, a lot of pet owners give their dogs (and even longhaired cats) close cropped cuts or even have their coats shaved to help them stay cool in the high temperatures and humidity of summer. However, in the winter, it’s natural for pet owners to let their pets’ hair grow out to provide additional warmth in the cold.  As anyone who has ever had experience with a longer-haired dog or cat knows, fur and long coats can easily become matted or tangled, causing discomfort and even overheating. Mats can become painful to pets, especially if they form close to the skin, and the natural tendency for animals is to scratch or bite away at the mat, which causes even more skin irritation. Playing outside in the muddy slush ensures dirt and snow gets splashed all the way up a dog’s legs and belly, and the salt and sand that helps to melt snow from the sidewalks and streets is ultra-irritating when it gets in fur and can dry paw pads and skin out even further.

So, what’s the best way to prevent mats, skin irritation, dry, itchy winter skin, and ensure your pet is warm and comfortable through good grooming?

1.) Get those strokes in! Brush daily if possible, but at least every other day or once every three days at a minimum, even if your dog or cat is short-haired. Regular brushing ensures shinier coats, less shedding, and prevents matting by ridding coats of the dead hairs that stick and cause mats.

2.) Keep up the grooming: Whether you bathe and brush your pets at home or take them to a professional groomer, regular grooming (both brushing and bathing) ensures the natural oils in the skin are stimulated, naturally moisturizing and creating shine, which all helps to prevent itchy dry winter skin.

3.) Bathe based on coat length (and smelliness!): You’re probably the best judge of how frequently your furry friend needs a bath, but in general, long-haired dogs should get a bath about every few weeks while short-haired pets can go anywhere from 1 to 3 months. Some cats never get baths at home (or ever), as many cat owners find the trauma (to both human and water-hating cats) of a full water bath too much to bear. However, cats’ coats and skin benefit from periodic shampoos and conditioning, just as dogs and humans do, which many cat owners don’t realize! Here’s where a professional groomer can come in handy, as well as regular brushing and #4 (wipes)…

4.) Easy, at-home maintenance with between-bath wipes are an easy way to spot-clean and condition Fido or Fluffy between professional grooming visits or full baths. Earthbath wipes come in several formulations and scents, including green tea, mango tango, hypo-allergenic, and formulas specifically for puppies and cats.

5.) Choose gentle, extra-emollient and all-natural ingredients, like oatmeal (Try our Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo) and aloe (contained in our Hypo-Allergenic formulas), and avoid chemical ingredients such as sodium laurel sulfate and parabens, which can dry out the skin even more.

In the meantime, lotion up and enjoy the last days of snow and winter chill… the warm days of spring around the corner will be just that much sweeter!