Posted on January 27th, 2026

 

Seasons don’t just change the weather; they change your pet’s mood, too.

Temperature, humidity, and pollen can quietly flip their comfort level, even when everything else looks normal. Food and walks cover the basics, but seasonal care is where the small stuff starts to matter.

No two pets handle the year the same way, so one-size-fits-all advice falls apart fast.

Keep reading and you’ll see what to watch for in winter, spring, and summer, plus how to keep your buddy feeling like themselves through it all.

 

Winter Care Tips for Keeping Your Pet Warm and Comfortable

Cold weather can be fun for pets, right up until it is not. Winter brings lower temps, dry indoor air, and icy surfaces that can make even tough dogs and confident cats act a little off. Keeping your pet warm is not about turning your house into a sauna. It is about giving them a few smart comforts that help them rest well, move safely, and stay relaxed.

Start with where they sleep. A good bed is more than a cute accessory; it is insulation. Pick something thick and supportive, then place it away from drafts and cold floors. If your pet stays outdoors at any point, their shelter needs real protection from wind and moisture. Wet bedding steals heat fast, so check it often and swap it out before it turns into a cold sponge. Heated pads can help, but only if they are pet-safe and used the way the label says.

Clothes can work too, especially for short-haired dogs, small breeds, seniors, and pets that seem to hate the cold with their whole soul. A simple sweater or jacket made of fleece or wool can hold body heat without limiting movement. Fit matters more than style, so look for comfort over cuteness. Some pets need a short adjustment period, so keep the first few tries brief and positive.

Winter also changes your home routine. Space heaters and fireplaces are cozy, but they can be risky around curious paws and wagging tails. Keep heaters stable, choose models with tip-over shutoff, and use a sturdy screen for any open flame. Try to avoid big temperature swings, since extreme heat indoors can dry out skin and make coats brittle.

Here are a few Winter Care Tips to keep things simple and effective:

• Give your pet a thick bed placed away from drafts
• Use only pet-safe heated pads, and monitor use
• Dress short-haired or small dogs in a well-fitted sweater or jacket
• Keep heaters and fireplaces guarded, and set up warm rest spots nearby

Grooming matters more than people think this time of year. A clean, brushed coat traps air better than a matted one, so regular brushing helps with natural insulation. For cats and dogs that tolerate it, gentle coat care can also cut down on flaky skin from dry indoor heat. If you use grooming services, ask about options that support moisture without heavy perfumes.

Pay attention to behavior changes, since pets are not great at filing complaints. Shivering, hiding, slowing down on walks, or parking themselves on vents can all mean they are too cold. Bring them inside, warm them with a blanket, and keep things calm. If you notice persistent symptoms or your pet seems distressed, a quick call to your vet is the safest move.

 

Spring Allergy Season Tips for Dogs and Cats

Spring shows up with sunshine, flowers, and a not-so-cute side effect called allergies. If your pet starts acting itchy, sneezy, or weirdly grumpy, it might not be “just a mood.” Dogs and cats can react to pollen, grasses, and mold, plus the dust that rides in on shoes, coats, and open windows. The tricky part is that allergy signs often look like everyday quirks until they get loud.

Start by paying attention to patterns. If scratching ramps up after walks, or your cat suddenly has watery eyes every afternoon, that timing matters. Skin issues are common in pets, so you might see licking, rubbing, or chewing, not just sneezing. Some pets also get ear trouble during spring, which can show up as head shaking or extra ear odor. If anything seems persistent, a vet can help you sort out allergies versus something else.

Indoor air plays a bigger role than most people realize. Spring breezes feel great, but they can also drag irritants inside. Cleaning routines help, but you do not need to turn your house into a laboratory. Small changes, done consistently, tend to work better than panic-cleaning once a week. Washing your pet’s bedding, vacuuming, and keeping soft surfaces from collecting hair and dust can reduce what they breathe and what sits on their coat.

Here are a few Spring Allergy Season Tips that cover the basics without taking over your schedule: 

• Check local pollen levels and plan outdoor time around lower peaks
• Wipe paws and coat with a damp cloth after outside time
• Wash bedding weekly and vacuum high-traffic spots often
• Ask your vet about safe allergy relief if symptoms stick around

Grooming can also make a noticeable difference. Brushing helps pull out loose hair that traps allergens, plus it keeps skin healthier. Baths can help, but too many can dry out the coat and cause more itching, so use a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo and keep it reasonable. If your pet hates baths, wiping down fur and focusing on paws, belly, and face can still reduce irritation.

Food, hydration, and comfort still matter in spring too. A well-balanced diet supports the immune system, and steady water intake helps keep the body running smoothly. If you see appetite changes, weight shifts, or nonstop scratching that interrupts sleep, treat it as a real signal, not a phase. Spring is supposed to be pleasant, and your pet deserves to enjoy it without acting like they rolled in a field of tiny invisible needles.

 

Summer Heat Safety Tips to Prevent Heatstroke

Summer is great for barbecues, long days, and that “let’s stay outside forever” energy. Pets do not always agree. Heat builds fast, and heatstroke can turn a normal afternoon into a real emergency. Dogs and cats cannot cool off the way people do, so they rely on you to set limits, even when they look eager to keep going.

Start with the basics of comfort. Shade matters, cool floors help, and steady access to fresh water is non-negotiable. Outdoor time is fine, but peak sun can be brutal, especially for pets with thick coats, flat faces, darker fur, or extra weight. Add age or heart and breathing issues, and the risk climbs. Keep an eye out for warning signs like heavy panting, drooling, wobbliness, bright red gums, or sudden tiredness. Those are not “being dramatic”; they are your pet asking for help the only way they can.

Walks and play need a seasonal reality check. Hot pavement can burn paws quickly, and that damage can linger long after the heat wave passes. If you cannot keep your palm on the ground for several seconds, your pet should not be stepping on it. Sun exposure is another sneaky issue. Light-colored or thin-coated pets can get sunburn, especially on noses, ears, and bellies. A pet-safe sunscreen can help in the right cases, but shade and timing still do most of the heavy lifting.

Here are a few Summer Heat Safety Tips that could make a big difference:

• Provide shade and cool indoor spots at all times
• Walk during early morning or late evening; avoid peak sun
• Test pavement with your hand before heading out
• Never leave a pet in a parked car, not even “for a minute.”

Grooming supports cooling too, but it is not about shaving everything down. Some coats protect skin from the sun, so talk to a groomer or vet before doing drastic cuts. Regular brushing helps air move through the coat and can reduce heat buildup. For cats, brushing also lowers the amount of loose fur they swallow, which is a small win when they already feel sluggish.

Routine vet visits still matter in summer because heat can magnify existing problems. Older pets and animals with medical conditions can hit their limit faster, even on mild days. If you notice your pet struggling in the heat more than usual, ask your vet what changes make sense for exercise, diet, or daily routines. Summer can be a blast, but your pet needs it on their terms, not the sun’s.

 

Keep Your Pet Comfortable All Year Round with Critter Corral

Seasonal shifts can hit pets in sneaky ways, from dry winter air and cold floors to spring allergens and summer heat.

Staying ahead of those changes keeps your dog or cat more comfortable, and it can prevent small issues from turning into expensive ones. A solid routine also makes it easier to spot when something feels off.

If your pet’s coat is part of the problem, grooming is one of the simplest fixes. Critter Corral’s Grooming and Bathing services help manage shedding, prevent mats, and support healthier skin through every season.

Is your pet’s coat ready for the change in season? From heavy winter undercoats to itchy spring allergens, your pet’s grooming needs change as fast as the weather.

A professional bath and trim do more than just make them look great—it prevents painful matting, reduces shedding, and keeps their skin healthy year-round.

Don’t let seasonal buildup make your furry friend uncomfortable. Book a professional Grooming and Bathing session at Critter Corral and keep them feeling their best today!

Reach us anytime at [email protected] or call 731-676-5460.