Keeping Your Dog's Coat Healthy in Cooler Months

At d’Spa, one of the most common questions we get from clients is about coat maintenance during the cooler months. While a summer trim is a no-brainer for many fur babies in the warmer months, what’s the best approach for colder weather?
Should we keep their coat long for warmth? Keep it short to avoid matting? Or is there a happy medium?

To get expert insight, we turned to our superstar Groomer and Stylist, Christina (@styledbytina.rose), to break it all down for us.

Skin Health and Comfort Come First

Christina’s top priority? Skin health, comfort, and overall well-being. Without a proper grooming routine, coats can quickly become neglected, leading to matting. And while some may think matting provides warmth, it actually does the opposite! Matted fur prevents your dog from regulating their body temperature properly, regardless of the weather. It even blocks sunlight, impacting vitamin D absorption.
Beyond temperature regulation, matting can also cause discomfort and restrict movement. Imagine if your own hair were tangled and knotted—you’d feel itchy, restricted, and uncomfortable, too!

The Risks of Matting

When a dog’s coat is left without regular maintenance, severe matting may require a full shave-down to remove the tangled fur. Unfortunately, shaving a heavily matted dog is a delicate process, as the skin can be pulled tight, increasing the risk of cuts or nicks during grooming. Our goal? To help you avoid this entirely by keeping your pup on a consistent maintenance schedule.

How Often Should You Groom in Winter?

To keep your pup comfortable and mat-free, we recommend scheduling a grooming session every six weeks (or as needed, depending on your dog’s coat). By pre-booking your appointments, you’ll receive reminders, making the process effortless and convenient.

During the cooler months, a regular shampoo, conditioning, blow-dry, nail trim, and thorough brush-out or de-shedding session will help maintain a healthy, tangle-free coat. Plus, your pup will stay smelling fresh and looking fabulous!
For those looking to maintain a longer, styled coat, we suggest booking our Premium Tidy Up service or a Refresh (bath and blow-dry) to keep everything in top shape.

The Importance of Grooming Consistency

Christina also highlighted how essential it is to maintain a grooming routine—not just for coat health, but for your dog’s overall comfort and trust. It typically takes one to three grooming sessions for a dog to fully settle into the process and feel secure in our care. Too much time between visits can cause anxiety and make future sessions more stressful for your pup.

Let’s Keep Your Fur-Baby Happy and Healthy

At d’Spa, we’re here to help you keep your furry friend looking and feeling their best, all year round. By setting up a regular grooming schedule, you can take the stress out of coat maintenance and ensure your pup stays comfortable through every season.
Not sure how often your dog should be groomed? Give us a call—we’re always happy to chat and help you find the best schedule for your fur-baby.

Book your next appointment today! Call us at 02 7501 5881