Winter Dog Coat Care — 5 Essential Tips for Every Coat Type

 Winter Grooming Matters More Than You Think

Cold temperatures, dry indoor heating, and winter moisture all affect how your dog’s coat behaves. Whether your dog has a woolly poodle coat or a sleek short coat, their grooming needs change in December. This guide gives 5 winter coat-care tips for each coat type, plus what to watch for, how to prevent seasonal issues, and how to keep your dog comfortable all winter long.

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Wool Coats (Poodles, Bichons, Doodles)

✅ 1. Brush more often — daily is ideal

Pay attention to: armpits, ears, chest, belly.
Look for: tiny tangles that quickly turn into mats.
Prevent issues: use a slicker brush and comb every day.

✅ 2. Keep curls dry after walks

Look for: damp curls turning compact.
Prevent: towel dry + low-heat drying.

✅ 3. Check under jackets and jumpers

Look for: friction mats on shoulders and chest.
Prevent: smooth-lined coats + daily brushing.

✅ 4. Add moisture back into the coat

Look for: dry, frizzy curls.
Prevent: deep conditioner weekly; leave-in spray before brushing.

✅ 5. Maintain a winter-friendly trim

Look for: overgrown, mat-prone areas.
Prevent: keep feet, tail base, and groin tidy.

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Silk Coats (Yorkies, Maltese)

✅ 1. Protect from cold winds

Look for: rough ends or breakage.
Prevent: soft sweaters during outdoor walks.

✅ 2. Focus on hydration

Look for: static or flyaway strands.
Prevent: lightweight moisturizing sprays.

✅ 3. Brush gently

Look for: fine tangles.
Prevent: detangling spray + pin brush.

✅ 4. Avoid over-washing

Look for: dull or greasy coat.
Prevent: bathe every 2–3 weeks.

✅ 5. Keep facial hair tied back

Look for: eye irritation or breakage.
Prevent: loose, soft bands.

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Drop Coats (Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Afghan Hound)

✅ 1. Daily brushing is non-negotiable

Look for: mats close to the skin.
Prevent: gentle daily maintenance.

✅ 2. Protect coat outdoors

Look for: snowballs forming on legs and belly.
Prevent: protective coats or trimmed feathering.

✅ 3. Keep long coats dry

Look for: damp belly, chest.
Prevent: full drying after walks.

✅ 4. Trim problem zones

Look for: debris, moisture buildup.
Prevent: tidy face, feet, and sanitary trims.

✅ 5. Condition generously

Look for: breakage and rough texture.
Prevent: hydrating sprays + rich conditioners.

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Short Coats (Beagle, Boxer, French Bulldog)

✅ 1. Moisturise the skin

Look for: winter dandruff.
Prevent: moisturizing shampoos + omegas.

✅ 2. Use jackets in cold weather

Look for: shivering or reluctance to walk.
Prevent: warm, well-fitted coats.

✅ 3. Watch for salt irritation

Look for: red paw pads.
Prevent: rinsing paws + paw balm.

✅ 4. Brush weekly

Look for: excess shedding.
Prevent: rubber curry brush.

✅ 5. Check jacket-fit hotspots

Look for: redness under armpits or neck.
Prevent: dry, clean, well-fitted clothing.

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Double Coats (Husky, Collie, German Shepherd)

✅ 1. Never shave a double coat

Look for: heavy shedding or compact undercoat.
Prevent: regular brushing.

✅ 2. Prevent undercoat compaction

Look for: thick mats at rump, hips, chest.
Prevent: undercoat rake weekly.

✅ 3. Ensure full drying

Look for: lingering damp smell.
Prevent: towel + low heat or blower.

✅ 4. Reduce snowballing

Look for: ice balls on feathering.
Prevent: light coat spray or short feather trim.

✅ 5. Balance indoor heat

Look for: panting or itchy skin.
Prevent: humidifier + cool resting areas.

About  Dog and Bone 

At Dog and Bone, I’m passionate about helping dog owners feel confident in every season — from summer shedding to winter coat care. My goal is to give you simple, trustworthy grooming advice you can use at home.
If you’d like personalised winter grooming recommendations for your dog’s specific coat type, get in touch with Dog and Bone today — I’m here to help keep your dog looking and feeling their best all winter long.

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