winter dog tips

Winter Paw Care Tips

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Winter is here for a little while longer, so why not keep your pup protected with these great services! Did you know that you can upgrade from our house shampoo and conditioner to other specialty options for an additional charge? One of the best options during the winter months is Oatmeal shampoo and conditioner. Oatmeal has many benefits from being especially moisturizing and helping with dandruff and flaking. It can also help relieve and skin irritation or itchiness your dog may have.

Another service you can add on when visiting us is a Winter Paw Treatment! A Winter Paw Treatment includes shaving the fur from the bottom of the paw and applying musher’s secret. Shaving the paw hair on the bottom prevents any salt or debris from irritating the paws, helps prevent slipping on slippery surfaces, and stops snow clumps from forming on the paws. Musher’s Secret is an easy-to-apply all-natural wax-based cream that protects paws from harsh surfaces, ice and salt with all natural 100 percent wax-based cream. When applied to pads and between toes, it dries in seconds to form a semi-permeable shield. It also acts as an invisible boot to prevent potential paw problems. It is available at all the stores for purchase! We do require appointments for all Winter Paw Treatments.

Did you know that you can also request a nail grind instead of a nail trimming at all of our stores? Nail grinds are great for many reasons. One of the biggest advantages of grinders is that you can smooth your dog’s nails and round them. This is much preferred over the sharp edges left by nail clippers. Rounded nails ensure your dog doesn’t get snagged on carpets and is especially handy for dogs that have a tendency to scratch or jump up on owners (smooth nails don’t do nearly as much damage to furniture or to your skin).

Cold Weather Pet Safety

Shop dog Dolly loves playing in the snow!
Shop dog Dolly loves playing in the snow!

We Minnesotans are used to the cold winters but over the next few days we are going to have record cold temperatures. This extreme weather can pose a risk to our pets, just like high heat in the summer. While dogs have fur coats to keep them warm most inside dogs do not have thick enough coats to keep them warm outside for long periods. The most important thing to do in this weather is keep your pets indoors as much as possible. Some health conditions can be aggravated by the cold like arthritis so keep a close watch on your pet and if they are shivering, seems anxious or weak contact your vet right away. The salt and ice can be hard on your dog's paws so protect them with our Winter Paw Treatment or booties and make sure ice does not accumulate on your dogs paws. Also be sure to wipe off their feet when you come in from a walk to remove the salt so they don't lick it off. Antifreeze and de-icers can be deadly for pets so keep them away from common winter chemicals. Trimming the hair on your dogs' legs and feet can also help prevent them tracking in snow and ice (may we recommend a professional to do it :). If you'd like more information about keeping your pet safe this guide from the American Veterinary Medical Association is great.

Frank is fine with the cold but Lois has to wear a jacket!
Frank is fine with the cold but Lois has to wear a jacket!

When coming in for self-service baths please make sure to leave extra time for drying, we want our customers to be clean and safe! Stay warm out there from all of us at Bubbly Paws!