Ask Dr. Kaia
Q: Now that winter is here, should I not have my dog groomed so often? I don't want her to be cold!
A: Actually, you can just change the length of the hairstyle to provide more protection from the cold. It is easy to understand why you might think of skipping grooming, but it is better for your dog to continue to get regular grooming; when the hair grows longer in winter, it tends to become matted and may end up being shaved off to clean her up in the spring. To avoid that, keep her brushed out regularly.
Also, in winter, there is a lot of mud and snow that can be tracked into your house on your dog's feet. This can be mimimized by shaving the hair off between the toe pads or doing what are called " poodle feet", which is shaving the feet, leaving the legs fluffy. Nails also need to be kept short in winter if there is less walking outside.
If your dog lives mostly inside, you may keep your summer style and buy or make some dog clothing for the winter months. Sweaters are easy to make, but can cause matting of the armpit hair, so check for that.
Don't forget the teeth. Cleaning the teeth will prevent bad breath, tooth loss, and lengthen healthy lifespan. So just because it is cold and dreary, don't forget to beautify your pet!
Send your questions to:
countryclassicsnaches@hotmail.com
Kaia Sorem, DVM
WSU 1984
Veterinary Service
Pet Grooming
Country Classics Antiques
Hwy. 12 & 410 across from Slim's Market
Naches WA 98937
1-509-653-2108
Past Dr. Kaia columns:
Nov. 12, 2003 Groom Dog Less in Winter?
Nov. 5, 2003 Dogs Eating From Cat Litter Box
Oct. 29, 2003 Dog Bad Breath
Oct. 22, 2003 Ultrasonice Teeth Cleaning for Dogs
Oct. 15, 2003 Navicular vs. Caudal Heel Syndrome
Oct. 8, 2003 Ambulatory Veterinary Practice
Oct. 1, 2003 Acupuncture for Animals
Sept. 24, 2003 Winter Care for Horses
Sept. 17, 2003 Found Sickly Puppy
Sept. 10, 2003 Horse Not Conditioned Properly
Aug. 27, 2003 Barrel Horse Anxious and Unwilling
Aug. 20, 2003 Cats Get Tumors From Vaccines?
Aug. 13, 2003 Horse Unshod All Year?