Winter Coat Care: 7 Dog Grooming Tips for the Cold Months

We all know that feeling after a fresh haircut or getting those highlights just right—suddenly, we feel lighter, more polished, and ready to take on anything. Plus, let’s not forget the healthy boost our hair gets when those pesky split ends are trimmed away.

Our furry friends also need some extra TLC when it comes to grooming, especially during the winter months. Keeping their coat in tip-top shape makes them look great and helps maintain their health and comfort through the colder weather.

Summary

• Dogs can develop hypothermia when their body temperature drops below normal, causing symptoms like shivering, lethargy, and pale gums, requiring immediate warming and veterinary care.
• Factors increasing hypothermia risk in dogs include size, coat type, age, health conditions, and breed, necessitating proactive prevention measures such as proper shelter and protective gear.
• Volhard Dog Nutrition offers online consultations to help dog owners understand the connection between healthy food, body, and mind, promoting overall canine well-being.

Why is It Important to Groom during Winter?

A well-groomed coat helps regulate body temperature, prevents matting, and keeps skin healthy by allowing natural oils to distribute evenly, especially during the harsh, dry winter months.

Do Double-Coated Dogs Need Special Winter Grooming Care?

Double-coated dogs, such as Huskies, need special attention during winter because their thick undercoat can become prone to matting.

Shaving double-coated dogs is not recommended, as it removes the protective underlayer that helps regulate body temperature and may lead to patchy, uneven regrowth, affecting the coat's appearance and function.

How Doodles and Poodles Differ When It Comes to Cold Weather

Doodles and Poodles have no undercoat, making them more vulnerable to cold temperatures. Their single-layer coats don’t provide the same insulation as double-coated breeds, requiring extra warmth and protection when venturing out in winter weather.

1. Regular Brushing for a Healthy Coat

Most dogs require weekly brushing to keep their fur tangle-free and stimulate oil production. Long-haired dogs or breeds with double coats may require more frequent brushing, ideally two to three times a week.

Regular brushing allows dog parents to check for other potential health issues, like hot spots or skin irritations, that can worsen and require a vet visit.

Best Brushes and Supplements for Maintaining a Tangle-Free Coat

A slicker brush is an excellent choice for most coat types, as it effectively removes loose fur and prevents matting.

For double-coated breeds, an undercoat rake is ideal for removing dead hair without damaging the coat.

For silky coats or long-haired dogs, a bristle brush helps maintain smoothness while distributing natural oils evenly.

2. Bathing Wisely during Winter

Bathe your dog only when necessary during colder months to maintain a healthy coat and protect against the dry air of winter weather. Proper dog grooming in winter involves keeping your pet’s coat clean while preserving natural oils, promoting healthy skin and a well-maintained coat.

Why Overbathing Can Harm Your Dog’s Coat

Frequent bathing during winter can cause more harm than good for most dogs. Overbathing dries your dog’s fur and skin. Without natural oils, your dog's skin can become dry and itchy, leading to flakiness, hot spots, and a compromised coat.

For optimal dog grooming in winter, it's best to reduce frequent baths and focus more on regular brushing to remove dead hair. This will keep your dog's fur healthy and skin moisturized naturally.

Choosing the Right Shampoo for Winter Months

When grooming your dog, select a gentle, moisturizing shampoo that helps maintain natural oils and prevent dryness. A natural dog shampoo free from harsh chemicals can provide effective cleansing, keeping your pet’s coat clean and well-conditioned. Always use warm water for baths to keep your dog comfortable.

3. Keep Your Dog's Paws Protected

Incorporating paw protection into your pet grooming routine is more important than one might think. Winter weather can be harsh on your dog's paws. Ice and rock salt can cause dryness, irritation, or even cracks.

Regularly check your dog's paws for signs of damage and clean them with a damp cloth after walks to remove salt or chemicals.

How to Prevent Cracked Paw Pads in Cold Weather

The dry air and freezing surfaces can cause damage similar to hot pavements in the summer. To prevent this, apply nose balm or paw wax to help protect and moisturize your dog's paws, keeping them healthy and soft throughout winter.

Regularly inspecting your pup's paws for signs of dryness or injury can prevent further complications, like bacterial infections or irritation. Keeping your dog's paws clean with warm water after walks and avoiding prolonged contact with cold, icy surfaces are essential winter grooming tips.

Trimming Fur between Paw Pads: Is It Necessary?

Long fur between the paw pads can collect snow, ice, and de-icing salt, leading to uncomfortable buildup leading to pain and skin irritation. Pet owners can trim this area to prevent ice balls from forming between the pads, improving comfort and safety during walks.

For dogs with long hair or thicker coats, this grooming process can be especially important in winter weather. If you’re unsure, a professional groomer can provide the proper trim to ensure your dog's paws stay well-maintained and healthy during the colder months.

4. Monitor Skin and Coat Health

Regular grooming and proper nutrition are key to keeping your pet’s coat and skin healthy throughout the colder months. Look for any signs of dryness or irritation and take action to ensure your dog's comfort and well-being.

Nutritious food and supplements, paired with proper grooming, can make a big difference in your dog's fur health during the colder months!

The Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Your Dog’s Coat

Adding omega-3 fatty acids to your dog’s diet will significantly benefit their coat and skin health, particularly during winter when dry skin is more common. Omega-3s help promote a shiny, healthy dog coat, reduce skin irritation, and maintain overall skin health.

Volhard’s Krill Oil is an excellent source of these fatty acids and is highly recommended for supporting your pet’s skin and coat, especially during the dry winter months. Including healthy broths or healthy, natural food into your dog's diet can further enhance their grooming process by promoting hydration and supplying the nutrients needed for a resilient coat.

5. Trim Excess Fur Carefully

Trimming prevents matting and reduces areas where dirt or snow can quickly accumulate. Strategic trimming is particularly important for dog parents to manage their dogs' coats while ensuring they retain enough fur for insulation during cold temperatures.

Where Should I Trim to Keep My Dog Comfortable?

Key areas to trim include the paws, belly, and rear end.

Keeping the fur shorter on the belly and rear end reduces the chances of matting and makes cleaning easier after walks in wet or muddy conditions.

Always use grooming tools suited to your dog’s breed and coat type, and consider seeking help from a professional groomer if you are unsure how to trim these areas properly.

6. Hydration: The Secret to a Shiny Coat

Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining your dog's coat health, especially during winter.

Like the summer, winter may cause dehydration due to cold, dry air, affecting your dog's skin and coat. Hydration is an often overlooked yet vital aspect of dog grooming in winter, contributing to overall well-being.

Tips to Encourage Your Dog to Drink More Water

One effective way is to use a pet-friendly water fountain, which keeps water flowing and entices many dogs to drink more often.

Adding a bit of salt-free, homemade broth to their water bowl can also make it more appealing. To make hydration convenient, keep multiple water sources available, especially after walks or during grooming sessions.

Incorporating moist foods, such as Volhard's NDF2 mixed with protein and water or broth-soaked kibble with Volhard's Endurance or Veggie Pak, are other ways of maintaining your pet's hydration and overall health during winter weather.

7. Provide a Balanced Diet for Coat Health

Nutrition significantly impacts the quality of your dog's coat, especially during winter when their skin is more susceptible to dryness and irritation.

A diet rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals helps promote natural oil production, keeping your dog’s skin healthy and their coat shiny. Volhard's dog food reduces inflammation and maintains moisture levels in the skin.

When combined with protein, Volhard's Natural Diet Foundation provides a balanced and complete diet, supplying the necessary nutrients for optimal coat care.

Help Your Dog Look and Feel Their Best This Winter!

Ensure your furry friend is healthy and stylish all season long by following these essential winter grooming tips. Every small effort helps your dog feel their best, from proper brushing to maintaining a balanced diet.

For more advice on dog nutrition, health, and training, contact us and check out our blog!

Volhard Dog Nutrition and its expert canine nutrition coaches are now offering online consultations to help more dog parents discover why and how to feed their dogs the healthiest foods!

Speaking to a Volhard canine nutrition coach will help you understand the inseparable relationship between healthy food, a healthy body, and a healthy mind.

If you want to contact one of our Volhard canine nutrition coaches, don't hesitate to access our consultation page!

References

1. Dallas, Sue, et al. Grooming Manual for the Dog and Cat. Wiley, 2013.
2. Gould, Sue. The Dog Groomer's Manual: A Definitive Guide to the Science, Practice and Art of Dog Grooming. Crowood Press, 2014.
3. "Grooming Your Dog for Cold Weather." Medivet.UK, www.medivetgroup.com/pet-care/pet-advice/grooming-your-dog-for-cold-weather/. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.
4. "The Importance of Dog Grooming in Winter." The Pet Retreat, 27 Apr. 2023, thepetretreat.co.uk/the-importance-of-dog-grooming-in-winter/. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.