When the temperature drops, many dog owners put grooming on the back burner, thinking their pup's coat will just "keep them warm." But skipping winter grooms can actually cause more harm than good. Here's what you need to know! 🐶
It's a really common belief: "It's cold, so I'll let my dog's coat grow out and book grooming again in spring." We completely understand the thinking. A longer coat means a warmer dog, right? Well, not quite. While some dogs do benefit from slightly longer trims in winter, going too long between grooming sessions can create a whole host of problems that actually make your dog more uncomfortable, not less.
The truth is, winter brings its own grooming challenges: wet walks, muddy paws, indoor heating drying out skin, and coats that are more prone to matting. Regular grooming through the colder months keeps your pup healthy, comfortable and oh-so-cute! ✂️
A matted coat doesn't actually keep your dog warmer. It prevents proper airflow and can trap moisture against the skin, which can lead to skin irritation and even infections.
Winter is prime matting season. Between rainy walks, rolling in wet grass, and the static that comes with indoor heating, your dog's coat can tangle and knot far faster than in the warmer months. Matting is more than just a cosmetic issue; tight mats can:
Pull painfully on your dog's skin. Trap moisture and debris close to the body. Prevent the coat from insulating properly. Hide skin conditions like hotspots, rashes or parasites. Cause stress and discomfort when touched or brushed.
Regular brushing at home and professional grooms every 6-8 weeks are the best defence against matting getting out of hand. If you're unsure how your dog's coat is looking, bring them in. We're always happy to take a look! 😊
One of the most common questions we get is: "Can you leave my dog a bit longer for winter?" Absolutely, and it's a great conversation to have with your groomer! Here's the thing though: "longer" doesn't mean skipping the groom. It means working with your groomer to choose a length that keeps your dog warm AND comfortable.
Our certified groomers at Pooch Professional Grooming will always chat with you about the best trim length for the season, your dog's breed, lifestyle and coat type. It's not one-size-fits-all, and we love tailoring every groom to suit your individual pup! 🐾
Different breeds have very different needs when winter rolls around. Here's a quick guide:
Huskies, Samoyeds, Golden Retrievers. Never shave these dogs in winter! Their undercoat is their insulation. Regular de-shed treatments are a must.
Poodles, Cavoodles, Spaniels. These coats mat quickly in wet weather. Regular trims every 6-8 weeks keep them comfortable and tangle-free.
Beagles, Staffys, Boxers. They feel the cold more! They still need bathing and nail trims, and may benefit from a coat or jacket on chilly walks.
Shih Tzus, Maltese, Yorkies. These breeds need consistent trims year-round to prevent painful matting and keep their gorgeous coats looking lush.
Here's something people don't always think about: professional grooming is one of the best ways to catch skin issues before they become a real problem. During a groom, our team will spot things like dry, flaky skin, early signs of hotspots, any lumps, bumps or unusual changes in your dog's coat or skin condition.
Winter is actually a really common time for dogs to develop dry skin. Indoor heating strips moisture from the air, which affects their skin and coat just like it affects ours. We use premium, dog-safe, moisturising shampoos and conditioners to help combat this and keep coats soft and healthy through the colder months.
Ask your groomer about a conditioning treatment this winter. It's a small add-on that makes a big difference to coat health, especially for dogs prone to dry or sensitive skin!
As a general guide, most dogs benefit from a professional groom every 6-8 weeks, regardless of the season. Some breeds with fast-growing or easily matted coats may need to come in every 4-6 weeks. A quick bath and brush between full grooms is a great way to keep things tidy and your dog feeling fresh, and it starts from just $70 at our Altona North salon.
Not sure what your dog needs? Give us a call or pop in for a chat. We're always happy to recommend the right schedule for your breed and lifestyle! 🧡
Don't let winter coats go wild! Book your dog in with our certified groomers in Altona North, with same-week spots often available.
Or call us on (03) 7057 0538 · Mon–Sat, 9am–5pm