Winter Dog Grooming Guide: Coat, Skin and Paw Care at Home

Quick answer: in winter, keep grooming going but change how you do it. Brush your dog 3–4 times a week so the thicker coat does not mat, bathe less often (roughly every 3–4 weeks for most dogs) with lukewarm water in a warm room, dry the coat completely before your dog goes outside, trim the hair between the paw pads, and moisturise dry paws only with a pet-safe product your vet approves. Do not shave a double coat for winter, and see a vet if you notice flaky, red or itchy skin.

As temperatures drop, many pet parents stop grooming altogether because they worry their dog will catch a chill. In fact, winter is when coats tangle fastest, skin gets driest and paws take the most punishment. A dull, matted coat also traps moisture and dirt against the skin, which is the opposite of keeping your dog warm. This guide explains what changes in winter, gives you a simple routine to follow at home, and shows when a professional groom makes more sense. Most tips apply to cats too, and there is a short section just for them.

Why winter grooming matters

Many dogs grow a denser coat as the weather cools, and double-coated breeds hold on to more undercoat. That extra fluff is useful, but only if it stays clean and loose. When dead undercoat is not brushed out, it packs down into mats that pull on the skin, stop air from moving and hold damp close to the body. A matted coat actually insulates worse than a clean, brushed one.

Winter air is also drier, especially indoors near heaters. Dry air plus fewer baths done badly (too hot, too much shampoo, not rinsed or dried properly) is a common reason for flaky, itchy skin in the colder months. Finally, cold floors, wet grass in the mornings and dirt on roads are hard on paw pads and nails. Good winter grooming deals with all three: coat, skin and paws.

Your winter grooming checklist

Task	How often in winter	Why it helps
Brushing	3–4 times a week (daily for long coats)	Removes dead undercoat and stops mats
Bath	About every 3–4 weeks, or when dirty	Keeps skin clean without stripping natural oils
Paw check and wipe	After every walk	Removes grit and moisture, spots cracks early
Nail trim	Every 3–4 weeks	Less outdoor walking means nails wear down less
Ear check	Weekly	Catches redness, smell or wax build-up

These are general guidelines. Your dog’s breed, coat length, age and lifestyle all change the right routine, so treat them as a starting point and adjust.

How to bathe your dog in winter without the chills

Pick the right time and place

Bathe in the late morning or early afternoon when the house is warmest, never late at night. Use a bathroom or a room with the windows closed and no fan running. Have everything ready before you start: shampoo made for dogs, two or three absorbent towels and a dryer on a low, warm setting if your dog is comfortable with it.

Use lukewarm water and rinse well

Water should feel comfortably warm on your wrist, not hot. Hot water dries the skin further. Wet the coat right down to the skin, lather gently, and then rinse for longer than you think you need to. Leftover shampoo is one of the most common causes of itching after a bath.

Dry completely, right down to the skin

This is the step that matters most in winter. Towel-dry firmly, then blow-dry on a low, warm setting while brushing the coat in sections. Thick and double coats can feel dry on top while the undercoat is still damp. Keep your dog indoors until the coat is fully dry, and never let a damp dog go out on a cold evening.

Brushing and preventing mats

Brushing is your most important winter habit. Work in small sections from the skin outwards, not just over the top of the coat. Pay extra attention to the spots where mats form first: behind the ears, under the collar or harness, in the armpits, on the belly and on the back of the legs. Sweaters and jackets rub against the coat all day, so check underneath them every day if your dog wears one.

If you find a small tangle, hold the hair close to the skin and work it loose with your fingers or a comb. Never pull hard, and never try to cut a mat out with scissors close to the skin, as it is very easy to nick the skin. Large or tight mats are a job for a professional groomer.

Paw and nail care in cold weather

• Wipe paws after every walk with a damp cloth and dry them well, including between the toes.
• Trim the hair between the pads so it does not collect mud, ice-cold water and grit.
• Keep nails short. Dogs often walk less in winter, so nails do not wear down naturally. Long nails change how a dog stands and can split.
• Look for cracks or dryness on the pads. Use only a pet-safe paw balm recommended by your vet, and see a vet if a crack bleeds or your dog starts limping.

Dry, itchy skin in winter

Some flaking is common when the air is dry, but frequent scratching, red patches, hair loss, a bad smell or scabs are not normal. These can have many causes, including allergies, parasites and infections, and they need a proper check. Please consult a vet rather than trying home remedies or human creams. When you book home grooming with us, you also get a free vet consultation on grooming day, which is a convenient time to ask about any skin worries.

Simple habits help: avoid over-bathing, rinse shampoo out fully, brush regularly to spread natural oils through the coat, give your dog a warm bed away from direct heater blasts, and make sure fresh water is always available.

Winter tips by coat type

• Double-coated breeds (Husky, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Spitz, Pomeranian): never shave the coat for winter. Brush out the loose undercoat regularly with a suitable brush and make sure the dense undercoat is fully dry after every bath.
• Long, silky coats (Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso): these tangle easily, especially under sweaters. Daily brushing and a practical, slightly shorter trim can make winter much easier. A clean face and eye area keeps them comfortable.
• Short coats (Labrador, Beagle, Indie dogs): they still shed and still get dry skin. Weekly brushing with a rubber brush and short, cosy walks in the sunniest part of the day work well. Thin-coated or senior dogs may appreciate a well-fitting sweater indoors on very cold nights.
• Senior dogs and puppies: they feel the cold more. Keep sessions short, keep the room warm and dry them thoroughly.

Which package do you need?

Our packages for dogs and cats are listed below. Check the booking page for what each one includes in your city, and pick the one that matches your pet’s coat and how long it has been since the last groom.

• Spa Bath (dog) – a good choice for a regular winter clean-up. Book Spa Bath in Gwalior →
• Full Pet Care (dog) – for a more complete winter coat, paw and nail routine. Book Full Pet Care in Jabalpur →
• Transformation (dog) – when your dog needs a bigger change in look or coat length. Book Transformation in Amritsar →
• Spa Cat Bath – for cats who need a gentle clean. Book Spa Cat Bath in Dehradun →
• Full Cat Care – for long-haired cats like Persians in winter. Book Full Cat Care in Jabalpur →

Winter care for cats

Cats groom themselves, but long-haired cats such as Persians often cannot keep up in winter, and their coats mat quickly around the neck, under the legs and on the belly. Comb long-haired cats a few times a week with a wide-toothed comb. Most cats rarely need a full bath; if one is needed, it should be done in a warm room with the cat dried fully afterwards. Keep beds away from cold floors and draughty windows, and see a vet if you notice dandruff, bald patches or constant scratching.

Why home grooming works well in winter

With home grooming, the groomer comes to your home with all tools and equipment. Your pet stays in a warm, familiar place, there is no travel on a cold morning, and your dog or cat is not sent home with a damp coat. You also get a free vet consultation on grooming day. You can book on www.globalpetgrooming.com or through the Global Pet app on Android and iPhone.

Home grooming is available in many cities, including pet grooming at home in Jabalpur (from ₹799), pet grooming at home in Gwalior, pet grooming at home in Dehradun and pet grooming at home in Amritsar (from ₹999 in these three cities).

Common winter grooming mistakes to avoid

• Stopping brushing completely until the spring, then finding the coat badly matted.
• Bathing in hot water, or bathing late in the evening.
• Letting a dog outside or to sleep with a damp undercoat.
• Shaving a double-coated dog short for “easy” winter care.
• Leaving a sweater on all day without checking the coat underneath.
• Using human lotions, creams or home remedies on dry or itchy skin instead of asking a vet.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I bathe my dog in winter?

For most dogs, about every 3–4 weeks is enough in winter, or sooner if they get dirty. Use lukewarm water, bathe in a warm room during the day and dry the coat completely afterwards.

Is it safe to bathe a dog in cold weather?

Yes, as long as the room is warm, the water is lukewarm and the coat is dried fully, right down to the skin, before your dog goes outside.

Should I shave my dog for winter or summer?

Do not shave double-coated breeds such as Huskies, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers or Spitz. Their coat helps them stay comfortable. Regular brushing and a professional groom are better options.

Why does my dog have dandruff in winter?

Dry air, hot baths and leftover shampoo can all cause flaking. If flaking comes with itching, redness, smell or hair loss, please consult a vet, as there can be other causes.

Can I get my dog groomed at home in winter?

Yes. The groomer comes to your home with all tools and equipment, so your pet does not travel in the cold, and you get a free vet consultation on grooming day.