Winter brings cosy moments inside, but it also brings mud, snow, and central heating, all of which can be tough on your dog's coat and skin. It’s a common misconception that less grooming is needed when it’s cold—in fact, regular care is just as crucial!

At Groomers, we believe in supporting every pet owner to keep their dog happy and healthy year-round. We’ve used our professional expertise to answer your most frequently asked questions about winter grooming, offering essential tips for a happy, healthy dog during the colder months.

Table of Contents

• How often should I bathe my dog in winter?
• Does my dog need grooming in the winter?
• Do dogs get cold when you shave them in winter?
• Does dog hair grow faster in the winter?
• Essential Winter Grooming Products

How often should I bathe my dog in winter?

This is one of the biggest questions we hear! The simple answer is: it depends on your dog's lifestyle and coat type, but you should not stop bathing them.

If your dog loves rolling in the mud at the park or playing in the snow, more frequent bathing might be necessary to remove dirt, road salt, and bacteria.

• Schedule as Normal: If you use a professional groomer, stick to your regular appointment schedule. You can always ask your groomer whether a slight increase in frequency would benefit your dog's coat during weather changes.
• Bath Between Appointments: A gentle wash at home between professional visits can keep your dog clean and manage odours. Always use a gentle, moisturising shampoo and conditioner to combat the dryness often caused by central heating.
• The Post-Walk Routine: To minimise full baths, establish a routine after every outdoor winter walk:

Does my dog need grooming in the winter?

Absolutely! Whether your dog is snuggling up inside or spending lots of time outdoors, regular grooming is non-negotiable for their health and comfort.

While you might think leaving a coat long "keeps them warm," neglecting grooming can be more harmful than helpful. Here’s why consistent winter appointments are vital:

Matting is a Major Winter Risk

When a dog's coat is wet, matted, and neglected, painful tangles can form quickly. These tight knots can lead to:

• Skin Issues: Trapped moisture, dirt, and bacteria cause skin irritations and infections.
• Reduced Warmth: Mats pull uncomfortably on the skin and prevent the coat from insulating correctly.

Regulating Temperature and Preventing Matting

For double-coated breeds (like Border Collies, Huskies, and Golden Retrievers), the soft undercoat is their natural thermostat. When this undercoat becomes severely matted, it cannot regulate their temperature, making them susceptible to both the cold and the discomfort of skin problems. Regular grooming removes loose, moulting fur and prevents the undercoat from tangling.

Foot and Nail Health is Key

• Nails: Since your dog spends less time on rough pavements (which naturally wear down nails), their nails grow longer in winter. Regular trimming prevents uncomfortable overgrowth, snapping, or splitting.
• Paw Hair: The hair between the paw pads continues to grow and acts like a sponge, collecting snow, mud, and toxic de-icing chemicals. Trimming this hair at a grooming appointment is essential to prevent pain and chemical exposure.

Do dogs get cold when you shave them in winter?

This answer depends on your dog's coat type. For most breeds, it's safer to trim than to shave, but we always advise leaving this to a grooming professional.

Double-Coated Breeds (Huskies, Goldens, etc.)

• Insulation Damage: Shaving down to the undercoat prevents the coat from doing its job—regulating the dog’s temperature. The undercoat still tries to insulate, which can actually prevent cool air from reaching the skin, making them prone to overheating, even in winter!
• Regrowth Issues: Shaving can permanently damage the coat, causing hair to grow back incorrectly and reducing its insulating properties in the long term.
• The Exception: If the coat is matted beyond repair, shaving is sometimes the only option to prevent painful skin infections. This should always be a last resort for double-coated pets.

Single-Coated Breeds (Poodles, Maltese, etc.)

These breeds are generally okay to shave, as their hair doesn't regulate their temperature as well as a double coat. If you shave a single-coated dog in the winter and notice they are shivering, we suggest you invest in a warm dog coat for all outdoor walks.

Does dog hair grow faster in the winter?

Actually, no! A dog's coat growth is stimulated by the longer daylight hours of summer, so hair tends to grow faster in the lighter summer months than in the colder, darker winter.

However, this is not a reason to skip your grooming appointments! A regular trim helps to:

• Maintain the Coat: Prevent it from becoming overgrown and tangled.
• Keep a Close Watch: Allows your groomer to monitor the condition of your dog's skin, which can easily become dry and flaky from artificial indoor heat.

Quick Tip: Regular brushing removes dead skin cells and distributes your dog's natural oils, helping prevent dry skin from cracking.

Essential Winter Grooming Products

Changes in weather and indoor heating can dry out your dog's skin and coat. Here are some winter-specific products to keep your dog comfortable:

Summary: Why Winter Grooming Can't Wait

• Mat Prevention: Winter-specific conditions (wet fur, thick undercoats) make regular brushing and trimming vital to prevent painful mats.
• Nail & Paw Health: Winter grounds are softer, meaning nails need consistent trimming, and paw hair needs clipping to prevent the collection of snow and toxic de-icers.
• Skin Comfort: Regular baths with moisturising products combat the drying effects of artificial heat, keeping skin healthy and itch-free.

Shop winter grooming essentials at Groomers

You can find everything you need for the busy winter grooming period at Groomers. Whether you need a new pair of grooming scissors, to upgrade your brushes and combs or to top up on essential shampoos and conditioners, we’ve got everything you need to keep dogs looking their best, whatever the season!

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