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Grooming keeps your dog looking great, but there are also health benefits to keeping their coat and body in good shape year-round.   

Regular brushing removes matted and loose fur, which can trap debris and moisture inside, making your dog’s coat dirty and icy in winter months. Loose fur also reduces the coat’s ability to insulate your pupand can cause their body temperature to drop.  

Fur that’s too long can also trap snow and ice, which can irritate your dog’s skin and increase the risk of frostbite.  

It’s actually a good idea to keep your dog’s coat short in the winter (ask your veterinarian for advice). A shorter coat can help keep things dry instead of trapping moisture underneath fur, which can make your dog colder.   

Brushing a dog’s coat can remove loose fur and promote a healthier undercoat that’s more insulating.  

Try the Frisco Deshedding Cat & Dog Brush, the Frisco Shedding Rake Dog Brush, or the We Love Doodles Dog Slicker Brush for Grooming.   

Many dogs, especially seniors, those with short fur, or small breeds, will also benefit from wearing a jacket.  

Jackets are especially helpful for dogs who can’t be groomed, since they’ll protect their fur from trapping moisture and provide an extra layer of insulation.  

Try the Frisco Lightweight Quilted Water-Resistant Reversible Insulated Dog & Cat Jacket, the Petrageous Designs Juneau Insulated Dog Jacket, or the Canada Pooch Everest Explorer Premium Faux Down Insulated Dog Jacket.  

Bathing with an oatmeal-based dog shampoo—which naturally moisturizes your pup’s skin and soothes dry winter skin—can provide extra hydration to your dog’s skin when exposed to the dry air of winter months.  

Some great options for making sure your dog stays hydrated include Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog & Cat Shampoo, Burt’s Bees Oatmeal with Colloidal Oat Flour & Honey Dog Shampoo, and  DermAllay Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs, Cats & Horses.  

Your dog’s nose and paws may become dry and cracked in winter.  

Even small cracks can increase the risk of a bacterial infection, so a dog-specific balm or wax can go a long way to protecting your pup.  

Palmer’s for Pets Paw Pad & Nose Balm with Cocoa Butter and Natural Dog Company Paw Soother Dog Paw Balm are great for keeping your dog’s nose and paws moisturized.  

Pay attention to the fur on your dog’s paws too: Snow and ice can get stuck between the paw pads, and salt meant to melt snow can attach itself to your dog’s fur, leading to irritation.   

Trim the fur around your dog’s paws so that harmful elements don’t get stuck there. A pair of grooming scissors, like the Laazar Pro Shear Curved Dog Grooming Scissors or Boshel Dog Grooming Scissors Set, will do the trick.  

Dogs don’t spend as much time outdoors on walks in the winter, so their nails don’t wear down as quickly as in the warmer months.  

This can lead to overgrown nails, which can cause pain and sores, leading to infection. If you notice an open wound on your dog’s paw, see a veterinarian as soon as possible.  

Keep your dog’s nails trimmed with a simple set of nail clippers, like the Frisco Nail Clippers for Cats & Small Dogs, the H&H Pets Dog & Cat Nail Clipper Medium, or the Pet Republique Dog Nail Clipper for Large Breeds with Safety Guard.  

Grooming frequency depends on your dog’s breed and their unique needs, and your veterinarian can tell you if your dog needs to see a pro or if you can keep up with brushing and paw trims at home.  

If your dog sheds, you may want to take them to the groomer more often in the winter so their coat doesn’t work against them, but ask your veterinarian for advice.  

Dogs who don’t shed should continue their normal grooming routine, but keep an eye on the fur around their paws and trim it at home when necessary.   

Either way, keep your dog’s normal bathing routine, but switch to a more hydrating shampoo and conditioner combo, like the oatmeal varieties.  

Should my dog’s fur be longer in winter?    

Your dog’s fur should not be longer in the winter, as this traps moisture and prevents the coat from keeping your dog warm.   

Is it OK to bathe a dog in the winter? 

Yes. If you regularly bathe your dog, it’s OK to bathe them in winter. However, you’ll want to use a dog-specific shampoo with oatmeal to soothe dry, winter skin.  

What temperature is too cold to bathe a dog?  

Avoid bathing your dog outside in the winter. Instead, bathe them indoors in the tub to ensure they stay warm and can dry off in a heated home. However, if bathing outdoors is the only option, make sure the temperature is above 55 F—or skip the bath altogether.  

Should you brush your dog in the winter?  

Yes. You should brush your dog year-round to keep them healthy. Every breed is different, but you can ask your vet for the best advice for your individual pup.