You may think that grooming your dog is only important in the summer to keep your pup cool and stylish, but grooming your pup during the colder winter months also has health benefits.
Here's why pet parents should continue grooming, even when it's freezing outside.
Key takeaways
- Regular grooming of your dog in the winter is just as important as it is in the warmer months.
- Regular brushing in winter removes loose, matted hair that can trap moisture and make dogs colder.
- Proper coat length is important, as fur that is too long can accumulate snow and ice, irritate the skin, and increase the risk of frostbite.
- Cold weather can dry out skin, paws and noses, making moisturizing shampoos and protective balms especially important.
- Grooming needs vary by dog, so ask your veterinarian about tailoring a winter grooming routine for your dog.
Why Dog Grooming is Important in Winter
Grooming helps keep your dog looking great, but there are also health benefits to keeping their coat and body in good shape all year round.
Coat health
Regular brushing removes matted and loose hair, which can trap debris and moisture inside, making your dog's coat dirty and icy during the winter months. Loose fur also reduces the coat's ability to insulate your puppy and can lower his body temperature.
Fur that is too long can also trap snow and ice, which can irritate your dog's skin and increase the risk of frostbite.
It's also a good idea to keep your dog's hair short in winter (ask your veterinarian for advice). A shorter coat can help keep things dry instead of trapping moisture under the fur, which can make your dog feel colder.
Brushing a dog's coat can remove loose fur and promote a healthier, more insulating undercoat.
Try the Frisco Deshedding Cat & Dog Brush, Frisco Shedding Rake Dog Brush, or We Love Doodles Dog Slicker Brush for grooming.
Also pay attention to the fur on your dog's paws: snow and ice can get stuck between the pads of the paws, and salt intended to melt snow can attach to your dog's fur, causing irritation.
Trim the fur around your dog's paws so that nothing harmful gets stuck there. A pair of grooming scissors, like the Laazar Pro Shear Curved Dog Grooming Scissors or the Boshel Dog Grooming Scissors Set, will do the trick.
How often should I groom my dog ​​in winter?
The frequency of grooming depends on your dog's breed and its unique needs, and your veterinarian can tell you if your dog needs to see a professional or if you can keep up with brushing and paw trimming at home.
If your dog is shedding, you may want to take him to the groomer more often in winter so his coat doesn't harm him, but ask your veterinarian for advice.
Non-shedding dogs should continue their normal grooming routine, but keep an eye on the fur around their paws and trim it at home if necessary.
Regardless, keep your dog's normal bathing routine but switch to a more moisturizing shampoo and conditioner combination, like oatmeal-based varieties.
Winter Dog Grooming FAQs
Should my dog's coat be longer in winter?
Your dog's coat should not be longer in winter, as this traps moisture and prevents the coat from keeping your dog warm.
Is it OK to bathe a dog in winter?
Yes. If you bathe your dog regularly, you can bathe him in winter. However, you will want to use a specific oatmeal-based dog shampoo to soothe dry, winter skin.
What temperature is too cold to bathe a dog?
Avoid bathing your dog outside in winter. Instead, bathe them indoors in the tub to ensure they stay warm and can dry in a heated house. However, if bathing outside is the only option, make sure the temperature is above 55 F or avoid bathing altogether.
Should you brush your dog in winter?
Yes. You should brush your dog all year round to keep him healthy. Every breed is different, but you can ask your veterinarian for the best advice for your puppy.
