Taking care of your furry friend’s skin and coat is an important job for all dog owners. This is especially the case in winter when the cold air and winds can damage your dog’s fur and make their skin itchy, flaky and dry. 

To help you out, we've put together a few top tips for caring for your dog’s skin and coat this winter. 

1. Regular brushing 

Brushing your dog regularly is crucial in winter as it helps to remove dead hair and dry skin while distributing natural oils to keep their coat healthy and clean.

It’s recommended that you brush your pooch at least every couple of days. This is important even for short-coated dogs, while some breeds need extra care such as poodles which are prone to matting.

With that said, it’s vital to take care when brushing your dog, especially around sensitive areas. Grooming also presents an ideal opportunity to become familiar with your dog and is the perfect time to check for any lumps and bumps or irritation. 

2. Bath time 

While bathing should only be done when necessary, your dog is more likely to collect dirt in the winter which can knot their fur and cause several issues. So when your dog has accumulated mud in its fur or if you notice any unpleasant odours, it’s probably time for a bath! 

Use warm water to wash away any debris and keep your dog’s coat shiny and fresh. Bathing is an important step to keeping your pooch's skin and fur healthy and clean, but it’s important to remember not to bathe them too often as this can dry out their skin and fur even more. 

3. Groom routine 

Grooming your dog in the winter can be a messy job, especially as it gets wet and muddy. With this in mind, you need to make sure you’re prepared to minimise the mess and make it as stress-free as possible. 

Designate a particular space to groom your furry friend. Try to avoid your living room and choose somewhere easy to clean such as a utility room, or that you don’t mind getting messy, such as a garage. It’s also a good idea to pick an area to groom your dog where they can take themselves off if they've had enough.

Building grooming into your routine, such as straight after a walk, is a great way to remind yourself that it’s time to groom and helps to get your dog used to the process. 

4. Nutrition 

Nutrition also plays a vital role in the health of your dog’s skin and coat so you need to make sure you feed your pooch a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet. 

Below are a few key nutrients which can help improve the health your dog’s skin and coat:

- Omega-3 

Adding healthy fats and oils such as Omega-3 to your dog’s diet helps to add moisture to the skin, reduce dandruff, reduce itchiness and promote healthy shiny fur. 

- Biotin 

Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that has been proven to improve the health of a dog’s fur, skin and paws. Part of the B complex of vitamins, biotin is well known for not just strengthening hair and nails but also producing fatty acids to help feed the skin. 

- Vitamin E

Vitamin E is another crucial nutrient that helps to defend against free radicals in the skin and helps to give your dog’s coat that healthy shine. Signs of vitamin E deficiency include dry skin, dandruff, itchiness and skin abrasions so you neee to make sure your dog is getting enough! 

Need some extra help?

We know what you’re thinking… if only there was a way of making sure your pooch gets enough of the crucial nutrients listed above every day. Well, you’re in luck because we’ve added all three to our Skin, Coat and Paws chews! 

If you have any further questions about caring for your dog’s coat, please feel free to get in touch with us at hey@yumidogs.com

Joint problems in dogs are a common issue that can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving around. There are several reasons why dogs may develop joint problems, including genetics, injuries, and obesity.

One of the main causes of joint problems in dogs is genetics. Some breeds, such as large breeds like Mastiffs and Great Danes, are more prone to joint problems like hip dysplasia, which is a condition that occurs when the hip joint doesn't develop properly. This can lead to pain and difficulty moving around.

Injuries can also cause joint problems in dogs. For example, if a dog tears a ligament, it can lead to joint instability and pain. Trauma and repetitive strain injuries can also cause joint problems over time.

Obesity is another common cause of joint problems in dogs. Extra weight puts extra strain on a dog's joints, especially in the legs and hips. This can lead to conditions like arthritis, which is a degenerative joint disease that causes inflammation and pain.

While there is no way to completely prevent joint problems in dogs, there are several things that can be done to reduce the risk. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is one of the most important things you can do, as obesity can significantly increase the risk of joint problems. Regular exercise is also important, as it can help to keep your dog's muscles strong and improve mobility.

If you think your dog may be experiencing joint problems, don't hesitate to talk to your veterinarian for advice and treatment options. With the right management and care, your dog can lead a happy and comfortable life despite joint problems.