Should You Bathe Your Dog In The Winter

Even long-time pet owners question whether or not they should bathe their dogs in the winter. Many think when the temperatures drop and the snow begins to pile up, their dog needs to stay dry and grooming stops. The truth, however, is neglecting to groom your dog in the winter creates a risk of their fur becoming matted and tangled. Fur that becomes tangled and matted exposes your beloved pet to added moisture.

Dog fur that becomes exposed to additional moisture from tangles or matts during the cold months can lead to skin irritation which may result in a groomer having to clip their fur very short. If you have a short-haired breed, this is not a concern as they require only minimal grooming. Bathe times, however, should continue throughout the winter along with brushing and combing no matter which breed of dog you have to reduce or eliminate the risk of skin irritations.

What You Should Know About Bathing Your Dog in the Winter

Bathing a dog is pretty much the same whether you have a large, medium, or small breed. One rule you should always follow is not to let them jump out of or into the tub on their own. A bathtub will have a slippery surface, and your dog's paws will most likely slide putting them at risk for serious injury.

Dogs can suffer hypothermia just as humans can, so your dog should only be bathed under warm conditions and kept in a warm environment until they are fully dried. If you are not able to place your pet in a room or area with central heat, a space heater should be used to keep them warm and comfortable until it's safe to go back outdoors. These are other safety tips for bathing your dog in the winter:

1. Prepare Warm Towels Ahead of Bath

Before slipping your dog into a tub of water, prepare some warm towels in your clothes dryer. Once the bath is complete and your dog has shaken any excess water from their coat, you can use the towels to absorb additional water from its body.

2. Use Warm Water For Bathing Your Dog

The water used to bathe your dog should be warm. You might have seen your dog splash around in cold water during the summer, however, in the winter months it is unsafe to place your pet in cold water. If your pet shows signs of having to relieve themselves shortly after the bath, make sure the trip outdoors is short and get them back into the warmth as soon as possible.

3. Choose a Mild Dog Shampoo For Bathing Your Dog

Keeping your dog's fur conditioned and clean will reduce or eliminate tangles or matts. Using warm water is important, as mentioned above, as well as mild shampoo. Command Shampoo for animals is a veterinary-prescribed product. It helps dogs who suffer from pyoderma, chronic itch, allergic dermatitis, or infections. This animal shampoo will also brighten, deodorize, and whiten your dog's coat. Talk to your veterinarian about how this product can help your pet during bathing.  Another amazing product is the VetUAU® Aloe & Oatmeal Shampoo. This high-value product is gentle and nourishing to the skin, with an unforgettable Japanese cherry blossom scent! 

Once you have shampooed your dog, rinse their fur well, even providing a second rinse to ensure all shampoo is removed. After rinsing, many pet experts recommend applying a dog conditioner. Dog conditioners replace the oils you've removed during a bath and will also reduce static from their fur to make brushing easier. AtopiCream HC is a leave-on conditioner that will give your dog relief from allergies, irritated skin, abrasions, and more.

Where to Learn More About Skin Care for Your Dog

Vetrimax believes your pet deserves a quality life. We have proven, patented, and unique products that will aid in the treatment of animal skin diseases so they can live in comfort. Whether you are a veterinarian or pet parent, contact us to learn more about how you can improve bathing times and care for your dog.