Aussie Pooch Mobile Dog Wash provides tips on Winter-proofing your pooch

Aussie Pooch Mobile  founder, Chris Taylor, emphasise the importance of caring for your pooch this Winter season.

The mobile dog wash and grooming franchise recently celebrated its 21st birthday and being in the industry for over two decades has provided Taylor and his franchisees with enough know-how on keeping pets healthy and happy.

"The weather can affect our dogs just as much as it can affect us, especially cold and dreary winter weather," says Taylor. 

"Apart from typical winter ailments, being stuck inside can leave you both feeling bored and restless and add to that other conditions winter brings with it. But you can make sure your dog stays healthy and happy during the colder months."

Winter-proof your pooch 101
Aussie Pooch dog wash and grooming franchises exercise their ‘We Care’ motto and the caring, friendly and fun company culture is reflected amongst management, staff, franchisee and the customer.

Being in the dog care franchise business has equipped Taylor and his team a lot of knowledge, and details some of the common problems and anecdotes to keep their customers well informed.

• Canine Cough: The most common infectious condition in dogs. A vaccine that can be administered by your Vet will help reduce (not prevent) symptoms by up to 80%. So instead of your dog suffering from a high temperature, runny nose, loss of appetite and possible pneumonia, he will generally only develop a deep, noisy, dry sounding cough, resulting in a bit of yellowish bile coming up occasionally.
• Coat Care: With a dog’s thicker winter coat comes the increased need for grooming and a coat that is well cared for is essential. Removal of loose hair and knots means your dog will be able to maintain a warm body temperature, whereas a dirty, matted coat has no insulation properties. Proper coat maintenance can be achieved by regular brushing and bathing. 
• Allergies: Dogs may manifest indoor allergies (dust mites, insects and other allergens) by scratching or developing skin and ear infections that need to be treated by your Vet. Medicated shampoos, conditioners and other treatments can alleviate some itching while also helping to treat infections. Oral antibiotics or antifungal medications may be needed, whilst severe allergies may need to be treated with allergy shots or oral anti-inflammatory medications. Supplements rich in Omega-3 fatty acids may also help to maintain a dog’s healthy skin when exposed to high allergen levels. Humidifiers can be especially helpful in homes with ducted heating/fan forced heaters that tend to be especially drying to a dog’s skin.
• Nutrition: Ensure your dog’s body is functioning to their full potential by feeding them a nutritious diet consisting of good quality dog food and supplements, as well as providing fresh water daily. Why not give your pooch a special treat such as Aussie Pooch Mobile’s Pooch Cookies and Liver Buds?
• Active Balance: A dog should stay active during the winter, so keep up your winter activities as often as possible. If it is too cold, wet or miserable to leave the house, set up some sort of activity that your dog can do indoors. Make an obstacle course, play hide and seek, running up and down stairs or an indoor version of fetch.Rest is also important so your dog can build up and store the extra energy he needs to keep warm. A good balance of exercise and rest is key.
• Warm Bed: Make sure your dog’s environment is warm, dry and sheltered, away from drafty areas. Make sure his bedding is clean and warm and can be easily washed. If your dog sleeps inside make sure he doesn’t sleep in the cold floor. Provide him with a dog bed or pillow to protect him from the cold floor.