Winter dog grooming

Why it's important to get your dog groomed during winter

There's a common ​misconception that dogs don't need to be groomed (or only require minimal grooming) over the winter months. This is simply not true. In fact, in many ways, grooming over the winter months becomes even more important to the health of your dog than at any other time of the year. Long, wet, matted hair easily makes a cold, wet, and infection­ susceptible dog. 

​While it's true that double-coated breeds and breeds with thick, long hair are more winter-ready than short-haired dogs, the advantage of these thick coats in winter can quickly turn into a hazard if the hair isn't maintained in a healthy condition. 

Hair that's matted doesn't insulate or ​provide warmth; instead, it provides discomfort, pain, and hot spots. Matting can even lead to infections below the skin, so when considering the effects of letting the grooming go, consider how your dog's health may in fact suffer as a result. ​Grooming isn't just for vanity, it's also crucial for your dog's good health. 

Reasons to stick to a regular trip to the groomers during the colder months 

• A regular all year grooming schedule can ensure that you get the length of coat you prefer, as there will be little to no matting between grooms (perfect for poodle coats that like more of a teddy bear style).
• Your groomer will make sure that your dogs nails are kept short. Did you know that the nail vein grows with the nail? This means that regular nail trims ensures that nails can be taken short as the vein never gets the chance to grow too long with clipping that is little and often. 
• Your groomer will shave between the paw pads. During cold, wet months debris can collect between over grown paw pads causing matts and discomfort as well as creating a moist environment that is more prone to irritation and infection.
• Your groomer will help clean out the dreaded "eye boogers!" If left too long, the skin behind the eye boogers can become raw and irritated creating a feeding ground for bacteria and infection once they are removed.
• Your groomer can keep tiny toes and smoochy snouts soft and moisturised. During cold weather, a dogs skin (much like ours) can dry out becoming cracked and dehydrated. Your groomer will be able to apply a soothing balm to hydrate and sooth these areas.
• And, most important of all, your groomer will make sure your dog is cuddle and snuggle ready as they will be dirt free and smelling aaaammmazzing!