How is your dog skin and coat care routine going with your four-legged friend? Below we’ll give you some tips.
How often should I bathe my dog during the winter months?
Actually, frequent bathing with moisture-rich shampoos and conditioners can improve the health of your dog’s skin and coat. Since a dog’s skin and coat are the first line of defense from the harsh winter conditions, year-round care is essential for strong protection.
Winter flakes
Seborrhea is a skin condition that causes flaky, dry skin, which can be itchy and smelly. Itchy skin usually results in a dog’s relentless scratching and licking which can lead to developing hot spots, hair loss, and possible skin infections.
The condition is genetic for breeds like the American cocker spaniel, the English springer spaniel, or the West Highland terrier. For many breeds, however, seborrhea is caused by a health issue or environmental factors. The drastic difference between the cold temperatures outside and the warm, dry heat inside can certainly result in flaky, dry skin and a dull coat.
Always consult with your veterinarian to determine the root cause of any skin irritations. Partner with a grooming professional to discover the proper skin and coat care products for the best results.
Care designed with the skin and coat in mind
The pet grooming salons at Holiday House Pet Resort and The Spa on State offer Skin & Coat Treatments using the Iv San Bernard (ISB) professional line of grooming products. Developed in Italy, Iv San Bernard is a global leader in the care of pet skin and coat care. All of the ISB products are made with natural ingredients, and ISB, USA is veterinarian-owned and operated.
“Cowboy is my Australian Shepard. I feel comfortable bathing him weekly with the ISB line formulated for medium-coated dogs. The shampoo I use on Cowboy is gentle enough that I don’t worry about the weekly bathing drying out his skin or coat, even if I don’t use the conditioner,” explained Sky Oslund, a professional groomer with The Spa on State.
ISB offers several product lines depending on the condition and assessment of the dog’s skin and coat.
- An essential shampoo and conditioning product set for regular use
- Product lines that feature hydration and proteins based on a small, medium, or long coat length
- Mineral Red for general skin conditions and itchiness due to allergies
- Zolfo Plus for severe allergies and skin conditions
“I generally use the Zolfo Plus line on the American cocker spaniels we bath and groom. It’s the only product that I’ve seen a visible improvement in the condition of the skin and coat,” said Oslund.
Benefits of proper skin and coat care
The health of your dog’s skin and coat is important for tolerating harsh environmental and seasonal conditions. Skin disorders can become worse if not properly treated. Maintaining the health and beauty of your pet’s skin and coat is a process. Skin and coat treatments should be applied regularly. The treatments can help reduce skin irritations, loss of hair, and severe matting.
“I have clients who have also said that the treatments seem to help keep the fresh look of the groom longer,” added Oslund.
Frequent bathing in the winter is not a problem as long as the proper skin and coat care products are used. The Skin & Coat Treatments using the professional line of Iv San Bernard products—available at Holiday House Pet Resort and The Spa on State—can significantly reduce the licking, scratching, and infection associated with dry, irritated skin. Check out these Before & After photos showing the results of using the ISB products.
Grooming and bathing services, complemented with one or more of the treatment services offered, are available at Holiday House Pet Resort (380 N. Shady Retreat Rd, Doylestown) and The Spa on State (42 E. State Street, Doylestown). To schedule a grooming appointment or premium bathing service, call 215-345-6960.