Winter Coat Care: Protecting Your Dog’s Skin and Fur in Cold Weather

Winter presents unique challenges for your dog’s coat. Cold air, indoor heating, rain, and mud all take their toll. Without adjusting your grooming routine, you may find yourself dealing with dry, itchy skin, stubborn mats, and coat damage.

This guide covers how to keep your dog’s coat healthy through the colder months.

Common Winter Coat Problems

Dry, Itchy Skin

Indoor heating strips moisture from the air, drying out skin and coat. Signs include:

• Flaking or dandruff
• Scratching more than usual
• Dull, brittle coat
• Visible skin irritation

Winter Matting

Wet weather plus cozy dog beds equals matting. Moisture from rain and snow causes hair to clump, and lying on soft surfaces compresses it into mats—especially in friction areas (armpits, behind ears, belly).

Mud and Debris

Wet conditions track mud into the coat. If not cleaned properly, this leads to skin irritation and more matting.

Static Electricity

Dry indoor air creates static, making coats flyaway and difficult to brush.

Winter Brushing: Your First Defence

Regular brushing becomes even more critical in winter:

• Prevents mats — Which form faster when coats get wet
• Distributes natural oils — Helping combat dry skin
• Removes debris — Mud, leaves, and anything your dog picks up
• Stimulates circulation — Promotes healthy skin and coat

Winter Brushing Schedule

Coat Type	Winter Frequency
Curly/doodle coats	Daily or every other day
Long, silky coats	Every 2-3 days
Double coats	2-3 times weekly
Short coats	Weekly

Tips for Winter Brushing

• Brush when dry — Wet brushing causes breakage and tightens mats
• Use detangling spray — Helps with static and makes brushing easier
• Pay attention to high-friction areas — Armpits, collar area, behind ears
• Brush before baths — Always remove mats before they get wet

Combating Dry Winter Skin

Adjust Bathing

• Bathe less frequently — Every 4-6 weeks unless dirty (bathing strips natural oils)
• Use moisturising shampoo — Oatmeal or aloe-based formulas
• Always use conditioner — Adds moisture back into coat
• Rinse thoroughly — Residue causes additional dryness
• Use lukewarm water — Hot water dries skin further

Add Moisture to Diet

Healthy skin starts from the inside:

• Omega-3 fatty acids — Fish oil supplements support skin health
• Ensure adequate water intake — Dogs drink less in cold weather but still need hydration
• Consider coat supplements — If dry skin is persistent

See our nutrition and coat health guide for more.

Environmental Adjustments

• Use a humidifier — Adds moisture to dry indoor air
• Keep heating moderate — Excessive heat dries skin faster
• Provide soft, dry bedding — Rough surfaces irritate dry skin

Managing Wet Weather

After Walks in Rain or Snow

1. Dry thoroughly — Use absorbent towels, focus on paws, belly, and undercoat
2. Check for ice balls — Form between toes in snow; remove gently
3. Brush out debris — Once dry, brush out any mud or tangles
4. Warm up gradually — Don’t put a cold, wet dog near a heater (can cause dry skin)

Dealing with Mud

• Let it dry first — Dried mud brushes out easier than wet mud
• Use a damp cloth for spots — Rather than full baths
• Keep paw-cleaning supplies at the door — Quick wipes prevent tracking mud inside
• Consider a paw washer — Cup-style tools that clean paws quickly

Winter Coat Prep

If your dog’s coat will get wet frequently:

• Keep it shorter and more manageable
• Trim paw hair to reduce ice ball formation
• Consider a waterproof coat for short-haired or cold-sensitive dogs

Winter Coat Length Decisions

Should You Let the Coat Grow?

For double-coated breeds: Yes, let the natural coat do its job. The undercoat provides insulation, and the topcoat protects against moisture. Continue regular brushing to keep it healthy.

For single-coated breeds (doodles, poodles, etc.): It depends on your maintenance ability:

• Longer coat = more insulation — But also more matting risk with wet weather
• Shorter coat = easier maintenance — But may need a jacket for warmth

If you can’t commit to daily brushing when the coat gets wet, keep it shorter and use a coat for warmth instead.

When Dog Coats (Clothing) Help

• Short-haired breeds (Greyhounds, Whippets, Boxers)
• Senior dogs with less body fat
• Dogs with clipped coats
• Very small dogs
• Dogs with health conditions affecting temperature regulation

Winter Paw Care

Paws take a beating in winter:

Protect Against

• Ice and snow — Can crack paw pads
• Salt and de-icers — Toxic if licked, irritating to pads
• Ice balls between toes — Painful and cause limping

Winter Paw Routine

1. Before walks: Apply paw wax or balm for protection
2. After walks: Wipe paws to remove salt and chemicals
3. Keep paw hair trimmed: Reduces ice ball formation
4. Check for cracks: Apply balm to dry or cracked pads
5. Consider booties: For extended time in snow or on treated surfaces

Winter Professional Grooming

Adjust your professional grooming schedule:

What to Ask For

• Moisturising bath and conditioner
• Thorough deshedding — For double-coated breeds
• Paw pad trim — Keep hair between pads short
• Sanitary trim — Prevents hygiene issues with longer coats

Grooming Frequency

• Doodles/curly coats: Every 4-6 weeks (more if growing out)
• Double-coated breeds: Every 8-12 weeks
• Long-coated breeds: Every 6-8 weeks

Troubleshooting Winter Issues

“My dog’s coat is suddenly dull and lifeless”
Likely dry skin from indoor heating. Add omega-3 supplements, use moisturising grooming products, and consider a humidifier.

“Mats are forming faster than I can brush”
Either increase brushing frequency or get a shorter cut. Wet coats mat quickly—dry your dog thoroughly after exposure to moisture.

“My dog is scratching constantly”
Could be dry skin from heating or a reaction to de-icing chemicals. Wash paws after walks, moisturise skin, and see a vet if it persists.

“The coat looks frizzy and has static”
Use a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray before brushing. A humidifier in your home also helps.

The Bottom Line

Winter coat care is about managing moisture—both adding it where needed (dry skin) and removing it where it causes problems (wet coats creating mats). Regular brushing, appropriate bathing with moisturising products, and attention to paws will keep your dog comfortable through the cold months.

The key adjustments from summer:

• Bathe less frequently
• Use more moisturising products
• Dry thoroughly after wet weather
• Consider omega-3 supplements
• Protect paws from ice and chemicals

For year-round coat care specific to your breed, see our grooming guides: Cavoodle | Labradoodle | Groodle

Related Reading

Continue exploring our grooming guides:

• Doodle Winter Coat Care: Complete Guide
• Golden Retriever Coat Care: The Complete Guide to Managing That Glorious Fur
• French Bulldog Coat Care: The Complete Guide to Keeping Your Frenchie’s Skin Healthy

Ready to book a professional grooming session? Book your appointment or view our services.