Let's Get hairy

 

Keeping your pet’s fur in purrfect winter health

By Jenna Flick

 

When the weather turns wicked, a healthy coat is a must for your four-legged friend. While a proper diet plays a crucial role, regular grooming is also vital to maintaining your pet’s protective pelt. With that in mind, read on to find out how these three simple steps can help your best friends safeguard their furry veneers.

The Roots of the Problem

Some pets are plagued with fur problems because of underlying medical conditions like hormonal imbalances that include hypo-thyroidism. Other bushy buddies might suffer from external parasites such as fleas and/or ticks, which can lead to coat problems and discomfort. Others still, especially canine companions, may experience hot spots, a painful form of eczema.

So how can you help ensure your pet maintains its beautiful coat? The first answer is regular grooming. Frequent brushing and combing aids in oil gland secretion, which leaves hair shiny and soft. Toronto-based groomer, Tabatha Greene, says that’s it’s also important not to over-bathe your pet. This can dry out skin and fur, especially during the fall and winter months.  Greene recommends bathing once or every two months. However, if your pet is more active, it might necessitate more frequent trips to the tub.  Also, pets have different skin types, so it’s important to match your shampoo product to your pet’s normal, dry and/or oily skin. 

 

Length Does Matter

The length of your pet’s fur also comes into play. Shorthaired dogs, for instance, are best groomed with a Zoom Groom brush. Longhaired varieties, meanwhile, are better served with a slicker brush, which works wonders getting through their thick, thick fur. Finally, for dogs with a bounty of hair such as Pomeranians, try a Pin Brush. 

 

No matter what the species or length of hair, remember to brush your pet daily. That goes for cats as well. Routine grooming removes debris that gets trapped in fur, along with excess hair that otherwise ends up rolling across your floors like a gathering of mini tumbleweeds.

 

Speaking of our beloved felines, Greene recommends bathing longhaired breeds every four-to-six months, while shorthaired versions only need to be washed once every year. That might not seem like enough, but cats clean themselves for the most part, though longhaired species generally need a little extra help.

Here’s One Hot Spot You Want to Avoid

Hot spots, also known as “moist eczema”, is a skin condition characterized by painful lesions accompanied with oozing (yuck!). Hot spots are common to dogs and rarely found in cats. The best treatment, according to many vets, is to clean the area every few hours the first couple of days, then apply an anti-bacterial ointment to prevent bacteria growth.  This procedure should help dry and heal the skin, which usually takes about a week.

 

According to The Pet Centre, some feel this condition is linked to dietary allergies and or improper breeding, and symptoms to keep on the lookout for include continuous biting and scratching, along with inflamed, red skin in one spot.

 

Food for Thought

If your dog is suffering from hot spots, you may need to change his or her food. Brands with protein (beef, poultry, lamb, or fish) as the first ingredient make a wise choice. If the particular brand’s first ingredient is grain based and/or corn, you should definitely consider switching to something else.

 

Alternatively Speaking

One natural product that can help heal hot spots is Aloe Vera Gel, which is taken internally. Aloe Vera Gel mends the lining of the digestive tract, which in turn can heal the skin. However, internally administered Aloe Vera has laxative issues, so if your pet is making more frequent trips to the backyard, consider reducing the dose or look for an alternative without the laxative ingredient. 

 

Insofar as how much you should give your pet, it all depends on its weight. If you need some help figuring it out, your vet should be happy to oblige. However, many may be unaware of Aloe Vera Gel as a treatment for hot spots since it is an alternative product. Also keep in mind that Aloe Vera Gel needs to be stored in your fridge, and once it’s been opened, you should make sure to use it within a few months.