Good grooming habits are an important part of maintaining your dog’s health. During the winter months, their coats and paws can collect sludge and salt. That means you’ll need to bathe them from time to time, even in the winter. However, it can be more difficult to keep your dog warm and comfy during and after a bath when it’s cold. The key is keeping your dog as warm and comfy as possible.

Winter Bathing Tips for Dogs

During the summer months, you can bathe your dog outside, but during the winter you have to do them indoors. It may take a little more effort, particularly after their baths to make sure your pooch is comfy. Of course, you also want to keep your home clean, which can be an added challenge when bathing dogs indoors in the winter. Here are some helpful tips that can hep make bathing your dog during the winter go as smoothly as possible.

Keep Your House Warm

To decrease the risk of hypothermia, it’s important to keep the house warm. Turn your heat up about an hour before you give your dog a bath. Keep it turned up until your dog has dried completely. You may also want to put a small, space heater in the room where you will be bathing your pooch.

Keep the Water Warm

Make sure the bath water is kept warm to ensure your pup is comfy and warm during their bath. Test it before your pup jumps in to make sure it isn’t too hot. You may choose to bathe your dog in the bathtub where you can fill it with a few inches of warm water. This provides a warm place for your pup to stand and helps the maintain a warm body temperature during their bath.

Use a Moisturizing Shampoo

Just like humans, dogs tend to experience dry, flaky skin during the colder months. Try using a moisturizing or oatmeal shampoo or rinse to help soothe your dog’s skin, especially if they have dry, itchy skin. Your vet should be able to recommend one that would work well for your dog and their specific needs.

Keep the Bath Short

Don’t make their bath a long, drawn-out affair. Suds and rinse quickly. Just make sure to rinse their coats thoroughly to avoid leaving behind any soap residue. Keeping their bath short helps reduce how long they may be exposed to chilly air.

Dry The Dog Using a Towel

Most dogs like to shake off after their bath. You will still need to wrap them up in a big warm towel. Drying them off with a towel helps them dry faster and keeps them warm in the process.

Stay Indoors Until They Are Completely Dry

Make sure to keep your pup indoors until they are totally dry after bathing them in the wintertime. When dogs are wet, they are more susceptible to hypothermia. You may want to use a blow dryer to dry your dog faster if they have thick hair. Use it on it’s lowest setting and hold it at least 12 inches from their coats to prevent burning their skin or making them uncomfortable.

Try Using Dry Shampoo

One option you may want to try is dry shampoo. There are a variety of waterless shampoo powders and sprays that can help keep your dog smelling fresh and clean in the colder months. Of course, they do not remove all the dirt and build up as a good scrub down, but it can be a good option between baths.

Take Your Pooch to a Groomer

If you want to avoid bathing your dog in the winter altogether, you may prefer taking them to a professional groomer. They can do all the nitty gritty work and your pup will be happy and dry when you pick them up to take them back home.

Before heading out for your winter walk or for a day at the groomers, get your custom dog harness from BriliantK9. We can help you fit the harness to your dog so that it fits snugly and comfortably. You also have tons of colors and designs to choose from, so you can find something that matches your personalities. Let us know when you are ready to get started!