Grooming | 1 Min Read

Managing your dogs winter woolies: The importance of winter grooming

Most dogs will grow additional fur to keep them snug over the winter months, with the exception of single-coat breeds who may require a jacket to keep them warm in cold climates. Here’s our guide on how to best manage their winter coats.

Long coat and double coat breeds increase hair growth in preparation for cooler months with many owners thinking they can simply let these coats grow wild. But with this additional coat length and thickness comes extra winter grooming. 

Double coat breeds such as Huskies, Labradors Retrievers, Aussie Shepherds, Border Collies (just to name a few) have a thick undercoat which helps regulate their temperature keeping them warm in winter and cool in summer. Naturally this undercoat changes depending on the season. 

Now that we’re in winter, their undercoat will be at its thickest and needs daily brushing to remove dead hair and skin. These breeds can become matted if not given a daily brush. The buildup of dead hair and moisture can increase the risk of skin infections, while losing the ability to regulate their body temperature.  

DOG Slicker Brushes

A daily brush will remove loose hairs, which will help reduce the amount of hair shed around your home. It also keeps your dog’s coat clean by removing surface debris and helping spread the natural oils produced by their skin. Brushing is a great way to bond with your dog and most of them will love how it feels. It will also help you inspect your dog’s skin for lumps, bumps, parasites or abnormalities.

ONLY $26
Large
ADD TO CART SHOP NOW
ADD TO CART SHOP NOW

Winter grooming 101:

  • Daily brushing with a Slicker Brush and a Rake or Comb (depending on your dog’s coat type).
  • Adding a small dollop of Leave in Conditioner Cream or Spray in conjunction with brushing for coat and skin health. 
  • Regular Wiping if needed
  • Bathing no more than every 4-6 weeks

If your dog has a single coat like that of Vizslas, Greyhounds and Staffies, it's still important they are brushed every couple of days with a Slicker Brush. Brushing spreads the healthy natural oils around the coat while removing dead hair, dirt and debris. Keep an eye out on their behaviour to ensure they are warm enough as these breeds typically require a coat on cool days as well as additional blankets in their bedding.

If you have a fluffy dog and have decided to let their hair grow long for extra warmth, it’s important to prevent knots with daily combing and brushing, using a Leave in Conditioner spray where necessary. Continue to visit your professional groomer every 6 weeks to maintain the coat at the longer length. If your fluffy dog has been clipped short during the cooler months, they may require a jacket or jumper too.

5 Min Read

How Often Should You Wash Your Dog? Choosing the Right Shampoo

If you've ever found yourself wondering "how often should I wash my dog?" while your muddy Labrador tries to jump on the couch, you're asking the right question at probably the wrong moment. Ideally, dogs shouldn’t be washed more than every 6-8 weeks. However, it can depend on your dog, their coat and their habits. A mud-obsessed retriever might need more frequent baths than an indoor Maltese. Coat type, lifestyle, and skin sensitivity all play a role. Key Tips Most dogs do well with a bath every 6-8 weeks.  Too often strips natural oils and causes dry, itchy skin.  Not...
5 Min Read

Why Dog Conditioner is a Must for a Shiny, Healthy Coat

Does your dog's coat look dull and feel rough? The problem might not be their fur – it's their skin. Many Aussie dog owners skip conditioner, thinking shampoo is enough. But here's what they're missing: healthy skin is the foundation of a healthy coat, and just like you wouldn't skip moisturiser after washing your face, your dog's skin needs that same protective layer. Key Insights Dog conditioner works like a moisturiser, protecting the skin barrier after bathing It protects against dryness, irritation, and environmental damage to the skin Leave in conditioners provide ongoing protection between baths Coat masks deliver deep...
3 Min Read

Top 3 Dog Supplements for Joints, Skin, and Overall Vitality

You've noticed it. The slower mornings. The dull coat that used to shine. Those creaky joints on the stairs. Before you start Googling "do dog supplements work" at 2am (we've all been there), let's talk about what actually helps. Supplements aren't magic pills that'll turn your 12-year-old Labrador into a puppy again. But the right ones, given properly, can make a real difference to quality of life. The wrong ones just waste your money and potentially irritate their stomach. Do Dog Supplements Work? The Honest Answer This is the question everyone asks before adding anything new to their dog's routine,...
SHOW ALL POST

Got a question?

Can’t find an answer on our blog? Click here to ask Dr Lisa.