You need to be concerned about grooming your new puppy throughout the year. In the winter time, there are particular grooming challenges you need to be aware of in order to make sure that your new puppy is getting the care and attention that they need.

#1 Take Care of Your Dog's Dry Skin

The lack of moisture in the air is not just tough on your skin, it can be tough on your pet's skin as well. Many dogs suffer from dry skin during the winter months. To help your dog combat dry winter skin, make sure that your dog's diet includes fish oil that is specifically formulated for dogs; this can help deal with winter dryness.

You can also rub coconut oil on your hands and then massage the coconut oil into your dog's coat. The coconut oil will help moisturize your dog's skin and will help keep their coat looking shinny and feeling smooth.

#2 Trim Your Pet's Hair

You don't want to give your dog a buzz cut in the winter time. Their fur helps keep them warm. However, you should trim long hair. Long hair can easily get tangled up and create matts, which are hard to get rid of. Matts can be painful and even dangerous for your dog.

Trim long hair that is hanging down on your dog's underbelly and around their ears. Get some help from a professional groomer and have them trim long hair that could get tangled without compromising the thickness of your dog's coat.

#3 Moisture Your Dog's Paws

All that ice, snow, and cold water combined with the dry air can be tough on your dog's paws. All of these different elements combine together to create dry, cracking paws, which can be really painful for your dog. Apply some neem oil daily to your dog's paw pads; this will help keep them from cracking.

#4 Trim Your Dog's Toenails

Keep an eye on the length of your dog's toenails. When your dog's toenails get too long, it can be hard for your dog to get the grip they need when walking on slick and icy ground. Keep your dog's toenails shorter in the winter time so that they have the grip they need when walking outside.

#5 Brush Your Dog's Coat

Finally, one of the best things you can do for your dog is to brush their coat out on a regular basis. Make it a daily ritual to spend some time together as you brush your dog's coat. Regularly brushing your dog's coat will help prevent their coat from getting tangled and matted. Regular brushing will also help spread your pet's oils across their coat, keeping their coat from getting dry.

You don't have to take on all your pet's grooming needs on your own. Take your pet to your groomer and get some help taking care of your dog this winter. Taking good care of your new puppy so they grow up to be a beautiful dog. 

If you're ready to add another pet to your family, consider looking for AKC registered German Shepherd puppies for sale.