Winter Grooming Tips for Long-Haired Dogs
Paws Are GoodKeep Your Pup Cozy, Healthy & Mat-Free This Winter Season
When the cold weather rolls in, most of us start layering up, sipping warm drinks, and snuggling under blankets. But what about our dogs with long and beautiful coats?
You might think your long-haired pup’s natural fur is enough to protect them from winter chills but in reality that’s only half true.
Many of us believe that dog with long coats do not require any attention during winter. Truth is that their coat helps, but winter grooming requires a little extra love and attention.
Without proper care those luscious locks can quickly turn into mats, dry patches, or even skin irritations.
So, grab your grooming brush and some hot cocoa (for you, not your pup 😉) and let’s dive into the best winter grooming tips for long-haired dogs to keep them healthy, warm, and comfortable all season long.
1. Brushing Is Your Winter Superpower
If you have a long-haired dog like a Golden Retriever, Shih Tzu, or Afghan Hound, brushing is your number one grooming task in the winter.
When the temperature drops outdoor, your dog spend more time indoors where the air is dry because of heating and less humidity.
That dry air leads to static buildup and tangles. Add in sweaters, coats, or harnesses, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for mats.
Why brushing matters:
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Prevents mats that trap moisture (which can lead to skin infections).
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Helps distribute natural oils that keep their coat shiny and healthy.
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Reduces shedding and keeps your home cleaner.
How often: Ideally, we recommend that you should brush your long-haired dog every other day in winter. If your dog’s coat tends to tangle easily then daily brushing is even better.
Pro tip: Use a slicker brush to gently remove tangles and follow up with a wide-tooth comb to catch smaller knots near the skin. For pups with thick undercoats an undercoat rake works wonders.
2. Trim, But Don’t Shave
You might be thinking of shaving your long-haired dog to make your grooming problem disappear.
But in winter it’s actually harmful. Their long coat is designed to insulate and regulate body temperature.
Trimming instead of shaving keeps your dog warm while reducing the risk of mats forming in high-friction areas like:
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Around the ears
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Under the belly
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Between the legs
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Under the tail
If you notice snowballs or ice clinging to your dog’s fur after walks then trim those problem spots a little shorter. It’ll make cleanup faster and more comfortable.
Pro tip: Ask your groomer for a “winter trim” not a “summer cut.” This keeps the coat manageable but still protective against the cold.
3. Keep Baths Warm, But Not Too Frequent
In summer when weather is hot outside, a regular bath schedule keeps your dog fresh and cool. But during winter frequent baths can dry out the skin and strip away natural oils.
Instead of regular bath routine you should bathe your long-haired dog once every 4 to 6 weeks (or as needed). When you do bathe them use following tips:
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Use lukewarm water (not hot water because it can irritate the skin).
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Always dry them completely using a towel followed by a blow dryer on a low, cool setting.
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Choose a moisturizing dog shampoo made for sensitive or dry skin.
If your pup’s coat starts looking dull or flaky then add a few drops of coconut oil or dog coat conditioner between baths to restore shine and softness.
Bonus tip: Keep your bathroom warm and draft-free while bathing to avoid chills!
You may also like our guide on how often you should bathe your dog in summer.
4. Moisturize Those Paws and Noses
Winter can be brutal on a dog’s paws and nose. Snow, salt, and ice melt chemicals can dry out paw pads or even cause painful cracks.
How to protect those paws:
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We recommend applying a paw balm or pet-safe wax before walks to create a protective barrier.
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After every walk make sure to wipe paws clean with a warm, damp cloth to remove salt or ice.
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Trim the hair between paw pads to prevent snowballs from forming.
And don’t forget about that cute nose! If it’s dry or flaky then we recommend using a small dab of dog nose butter to keep it soft.
Pro tip: Investing in dog boots might take some getting used to, but they’re great for protection and warmth especially for dogs walking on salted sidewalks.
If your pup loves to zoom ahead on walks then you’ll love our full guide on How to Train Your Puppy to Walk on a Leash Without Pulling it will give you easy and positive training tips.
5. Tackle Tangles Before They Turn Into Mats
Mats are not only unsightly but also they can trap dirt, moisture, and even parasites close to the skin and ultimately leading to discomfort and infections.
If you notice small tangles then gently tease them apart with your fingers or a detangling spray before brushing. For tougher mats:
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Use a mat splitter or dematting comb carefully.
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Always start at the ends of the fur and work toward the skin.
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Never yank or pull because it’s painful for your pup.
If mats are too tight or close to the skin, don’t try to cut them out yourself. Take your dog to a professional groomer instead.
6. Hydration = Healthy Coat
Did you know your dog’s coat health starts from the inside out? During winter when the air is dry and indoor heating is blasting in full force at that time dogs can become dehydrated more easily.
Keep them hydrated by:
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Ensuring fresh, unfrozen water is always available.
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Adding wet food or broth to their diet if they’re not drinking much.
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Considering omega-3 supplements (with your vet’s approval) to improve coat moisture and shine.
A hydrated dog has a softer and more manageable coat and better skin resilience against winter dryness.
7. Grooming After Snowy Adventures
If your long-haired dog loves to play outdoors in snow then you already know what happens: they come back with little snowballs stuck everywhere on the body from their paws to their belly to their tail.
You may also like our post on how to keep your dog warm during winter walks.
Here’s how to handle that:
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Don’t pull the snowballs out because it hurts.
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Instead of pulling snow ball out you must dip the affected area in warm (not hot) water or use a blow dryer on low to melt them gently.
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Brush out the area once dry.
If this happens often then a light coat of leave-in conditioner spray before walks can help snow slide off more easily.
Pro tip: Keep a grooming towel near your door as it will be perfect for quick dry-offs after outdoor playtime.
8. Mind the Ears and Eyes
Long-haired breeds often have hair that grows around or even into their ears and eyes. In winter, when moisture and wind are common at that time this can lead to irritation or infection.
For ears:
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Gently clean weekly using a dog ear cleaner.
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Trim excess hair around the ear opening to allow airflow.
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Always dry ears thoroughly after baths or walks in the snow.
For eyes:
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Use a damp cotton ball to remove tear stains or debris.
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Trim long hairs that might poke into their eyes.
Little steps like these can prevent irritation and of course it will keep your dog looking adorable.
9. Stay Consistent With Grooming Appointments
We highly recommend that you stay consistent with your dog’s grooming appointments. Even if you’re doing regular brushing at home it is advisable to go for professional grooming every 6–8 weeks during winter.
Professional grooming will make a big difference. Groomers can:
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Spot early signs of dry skin or matting.
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Trim nails (which grow slower in winter but still need care).
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Shape your dog’s coat for easier maintenance.
If your pup hates the cold or gets anxious during travel then consider mobile grooming services. They might be a little pricey but at least they come to your door and keep your dog warm and cozy.
10. Adjust Grooming Products for Winter
You might not know but all grooming products are not meant to work year-round. Winter air can make your dog’s coat static-prone or dry. Look for these seasonal swaps:
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Hydrating shampoos with oatmeal or aloe vera.
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Leave-in conditioners to prevent static and tangles.
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Paw and skin balms for extra moisture.
Avoid heavy perfumes or alcohol-based sprays because they can irritate dry skin.
Pro tip: Humidifiers in your home also help keep both you and your pup’s skin from drying out.
Read our honest Earthbath Oatmeal Dog Shampoo Review before your next bath day. Believe us it is perfect for dry, itchy skin.
11. Don’t Forget Nail Care
When you go out for dog walks during winter then you will notice that winter walks often happen on icy sidewalks.
Icy sidewalks don’t wear down nails as fast as concrete or dirt paths do in summer.
We do not think but in reality overgrown nails can make walking uncomfortable and even lead to injuries. Check nails every 2–3 weeks and trim as needed.
If you can hear clicking on your floors that means it’s time for a trim!
12. Make Grooming a Cozy Routine
Let’s face it as pet parent we all know that no dog wants to be brushed or bathed when they’re cold. So make grooming a warm, relaxing experience:
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Set up a comfy mat or grooming table indoors.
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Offer treats and praise to keep it positive.
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Use soft background music or gentle tones to calm anxious pups.
The more your dog enjoys grooming, the easier it’ll be to keep them looking their best.
13. Watch for Signs of Skin Trouble
During winter we all know that air is dry inside the house. Even with great grooming routine winter can still cause dry, itchy skin in long-haired breeds. Watch for:
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Excessive scratching or licking
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Dandruff or flaky patches
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Redness or odor
If you notice any of above mentioned sings then switch to a gentler shampoo, increase hydration or even talk to your vet about possible allergies or skin conditions.
14. Bonus: Keep Them Stylish AND Warm
There is a myth that grooming is just about maintenance. But, winter is the perfect time to show off your dog’s personality with cozy sweaters, hoodies, or fleece jackets. You may like our post on best dog sweaters for winter.
Just make sure clothing fits well and not too tight or not too loose. Also make sure that it doesn’t cause tangles under the arms or around the neck.
At Paws Are Good, we love celebrating style and comfort. Every pup deserves to look adorable and stay warm while helping support animal rescues. ❤️
You may also like our collections of dog mom hoodies or dog mom sweatshirts for yourself when you go out for a walk on cold days.
Winter Grooming = Winter Comfort
We all pet parents should understand that caring for a long-haired dog in winter is about more than keeping them pretty but it’s about keeping them comfortable, healthy, and happy.
With regular brushing, moisturizing, smart trimming and a little love your dog will be comfortable through the cold months with a shiny coat and a wagging tail.
So next time you’re bundling up for a snowy walk make sure to give your furry friend a quick brush, grab the paw balm and step out together knowing you’ve got this winter grooming thing handled.
Because we strongly believe that at the end of the day our dogs don’t just depend on us for warmth but they count on us for love and care all year long. 🐶💙
