Pet Hair in the Winter

Did you know that not all dogs and cats have the same type of coats?

Some have hair (Maltese, Shih-tzus, Doodles/Poodles) which is continuously growing; others have fur (Labs, Jack Russells, pugs), which has a fixed maximum length. It is a common misconception that hair bearing animals should grow their coat throughout the winter months. It is not statistically proven that additional length beyond one inch from the skin adds warmth.

In fact, this extra length can create a lot of additional maintenance for pet owners. Clumps of snow and debris stick to the hair and cause it to mat together. This will create discomforts for your pet, ranging from minor skin irritation to rashes, loss of circulation and sores. It is for this reason that we recommend keeping a modest length on your pet’s coat and getting a small wardrobe of layer-able pieces for varying degrees of cold and wet weather. A windproof/waterproof layer, a base-layer of fleece or wool and some paw protection are all you need. Don’t want to mess around with boots, get some paw wax. Fur bearing animals also benefit from these layers and paw protection too.

Both furbearing and hair bearing animals benefit from regular brushing and maintenance, like nail trimming, bathing and regular scheduled grooming visits regardless of the time of year to ensure the optimal health of these fur babies.