Regular washing and grooming of your dog is important all year round for their health and wellbeing, as well as for keeping them looking smart!
During the winter however, you may need to take a little extra care to make sure your dog stays warm and comfortable during and after bath and grooming sessions.
If grooming your dog in winter is something you will be doing yourself at home, here are a few tips.
The best way to bathe your dog in winter
Some dog owners have been known to wash their dogs by blasting them with a cold hose outdoors whatever the weather – and then they wonder why Fido disappears whenever bath time is mentioned!
A cold bath or shower is not recommended for dogs at any time of year. This is due to the risk of hypothermia from being too cold or of exacerbating any existing arthritic conditions. It’s also not very pleasant or kind. After all, none of us owners would like it too much if we were immersed in or hosed down with freezing cold water and left to drip dry!
Warmer water is also better for getting dogs really clean, and for getting them to cooperate with their bath – which is likely to lead to better results in the end!
In light of that, here are seven tips from the experts for washing your dog in winter:
- Use caution when it comes to bathing a brand new puppy or a very old or arthritic dog. For a new puppy, it’s recommended to wait a few weeks before giving them their first bath, and for an older dog a wipe down or dry shampoo treatment may be enough. Your vet will be the best one to advise you on this.
- Don’t wash your dog too often. Every few weeks is usually enough – unless of course they get caked in dirt or roll in something unpleasant while outside. Washing a dog too often can remove the skin’s protective layers, dry out their skin, and make them more vulnerable to skin problems and infections.
- During winter, it’s better to wash your dog indoors, in a dedicated tub or the laundry trough. Make the water nice and warm, but not too hot in case of burns. The water should be quite shallow as well to prevent drowning.
- Use a suitable dog shampoo. If you’re not sure what kind is best for your dog, ask your vet – especially if your dog has skin problems. The RSPCA also recommends testing a small amount of shampoo on your dog first in case of an allergic reaction.
- Keep water out of your dog’s ears to prevent ear canal inflammation. You may need to be extra careful with long-eared dogs.
- Have a dedicated fluffy towel nearby for drying them off straight away after their bath. A hairdryer can be good for getting your dog dry too – just don’t let it get too hot or allow them to get too close.
- Keep your dog warm after their bath. This is not over-pampering – it’s better for your dog’s health and wellbeing!
Grooming dogs in winter
As well as bathing your dog, there are other things you can do to keep them clean, healthy and looking sharp during the colder months.
Here are a few tips for how to groom your dog in winter at home:
- Brushing
Regular brushing helps keep a dog’s coat free from accumulated dirt and matting or clumping.
The best type of brush will depend on your dog and their coat type. Long-haired dogs for example are likely to need brushes with longer bristles than shorter-haired ones. You can always ask your vet or pet shop owner for advice on the best brush for your dog.
According to the RSPCA it’s a good idea to start small with brushing in order to get a dog used to it gradually, ideally from the puppyhood stage. This could involve brushing their chest and back for a few minutes to start with and then gradually increasing the time and brushing areas. But in any case it’s important to make it a calm, positive and rewarding experience for your dog.
- Coat trims
If you have a long-haired breed, you may need to clip their coat in winter. You don’t want to shave off their coat of course as it helps keep them warm, but you may need to give it a snip or trim to keep it clean and neat.
- Paws, nails and ears
Unfortunately, winter walks can lead to muddy paws! So make sure to trim the hair on your dog’s paws to prevent mud build-up between the paw pads.
Keep an eye on your dog’s nails as well, to make sure they don’t get too long, and regularly check inside their ears for signs of ticks, fleas or excess moisture.
Other winter tips to keep your pooch safe and comfortable
In addition to washing and grooming there are other things you can do to help your pooch stay comfortable and healthy in the wintertime.
This includes dressing them in an outdoor coat – especially in the case of a short-haired breed or a dog that is elderly or very thin. Just make sure to take the coat off indoors so your dog doesn’t overheat.
A warm place to sleep is also important to help your dog sleep soundly and comfortably. To make this happen, position your dog’s bed away from draughts and up off a cold floor. Pet heating pads or a blanket in their bed are also great for giving a dog a nice warm place to retreat and snuggle.
For even more great tips on looking after your dog in the winter, check out our previous article on this topic. Also take a look at our range of grooming tools for helping keep your dog a happy, healthy, and handsome pooch in the wintertime and all year round!