A Warm Winter Coat: Acupressure Session

By Amy Snow & Nancy Zidonis, Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Resources.

When the temperatures drop to the freezing mark and below, dogs in northern climates need their warm winter coats. The density and luster of their topcoat and undercoat makes a significant difference in how your dog will enjoy and survive the winter. A Dog’s coat is responsible for protecting him from the elements and maintaining body temperature. Plus, a dog’s coat can tell us a lot about the health of the dog.

Northern Breeds

The northern breeds are going to have dense, rich-looking coats; thus, they are inherently capable of defending themselves from winter chill. But even if the Labrador or Husky spends a lot of time indoors in the early part of the winter, they will not build the kind of topcoat and undercoat needed to stay warm during harsh weather. Dogs need the cold to stimulate hair growth.

Domestic dog’s coats vary dramatically from their wolf ancestors. There are so many different hair textures and environmental influences that will cause coat variations. Short haired, or close-coated dogs, like Boxers or German Shorthairs are not able to keep themselves warm without help from their human friend. Wirehaired breeds are well adapted to the cold because they have a high number of “guard” hairs to protect and insulate them from cold. Longhaired dogs obviously have an advantage in inclement weather.

Annual Shedding

Taking into account the many variations of texture, layers, lengths and density of coat, a dog’s hair growth is cyclic. There are periods where it is actively growing, then a stage of transition, followed by a resting phase. The heavy periods of shedding usually occur during the spring when the heavier winter coat is not needed, and again in the fall when the shorter summer hair must be replaced with the thicker, warmer winter coat. During the winter, the topcoat and most of the soft undercoat hair is in its resting phase so that the dog is well protected.

Many things can affect this natural cycle of hair growth, resting, and replacement such as: ambient temperature, hours of daylight, hormones, diet, breeding/genetics, stress, thyroid imbalance, and pituitary gland problems.

Veterinary Check Up

If your dog’s coat is looking and feeling particularly dry, patchy, thin or scruffy, please consult your holistic veterinarian to be sure there are no thyroid, pituitary, dietary or hormone issues that need conventional medical attention.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

In Chinese Medicine the dog’s coat provides an important indicator of the dog’s health. If the coat is dry, broken, and lacks a shine this means that nutrients and moisture are not nourishing the dog’s coat. The acupressure points identified in the chart will enhance your dog’s ability to protect him from cold and keep him healthy during the winter.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, winter is the time when Yang energy must be conserved and used to keep the body warm. We must pay special attention to keep the Kidney Meridian balanced so that Kidney Chi stays strong and flowing evenly during this season. The Lung Meridian controls body hair and the surface of the body, which serves to protect your dog from external pathogens such as cold, wind, and wet from entering his body.

Acupressure Session

If your dog’s coat seems to lack the luster you want to see in him, or the density that will protect him, or you just want him to have a healthy winter coat see the acupressure session below.

Use the soft tip of your thumb or forefinger with your other hand resting on your dog. Hold each acupressure point gently for a slow count to 20 if your dog is comfortable with it. Repeat these points on the opposite side of your dog. Now you can take your dog out for a brisk walk or frolic in the snow.

Everything Animal Acupressure-Massage – Tallgrass offers canine, equine and feline acupressure-related books, online courses, charts, and consulting worldwide. Start your adventure in bringing optimal health to your dog using traditional medicine. Acupressure is a non-invasive, always available, and powerful healing modality right at your finger tips. Website: https://www.animalacupressure.com/