Wintertime bathing comes with some risks. Here’s what every pet parent needs to know about bathing your dog in winter.

Key takeaways:

• Dogs need baths in the colder winter months as well as the summer.

• Bathing your dog early in the day is best.

• Keeping the room temperature regulated reduces the chances of upper respiratory infection.

A clean, healthy coat is a critical part of how your pup stays insulated during colder months, and that means bathing your dog in winter is a must.

Bathing your dog at home during the colder months can be a health risk, though, so the process requires some precautions. Many dog parents typically bathe their pups outside with a hose, but that just isn’t possible in winter for those in cold climates. Dogs can suffer from hypothermia just like humans, so wintertime bathing requires a shift in your routine, too.

Gather all the supplies you’ll need beforehand, then tackle the process with these seven tips to make bathing your dog in winter a whole lot easier.

Start early

Wintertime baths should be done as early in the day as possible to give your pup time to dry off during the warmest part of the day. A late morning bath provides many hours for them to lay around in a warm, sunny window to dry. Late afternoon and evening times are the coldest in winter months, so save those times for snuggling in front of the TV under a cozy blanket.

Take on pre-bath essentials

Brushing your dog’s coat thoroughly before bathing helps remove excess fur and dirt. Loose hair turns into mats, and that’s an issue all on its own. Brushing also cuts down on the amount of fur that will end up in your drain, thereby helping prevent clogs and burst pipes.

If your pup has frequent issues with swimmer’s ear, now is an excellent time to lightly push one cotton ball in each ear. Don’t press it into the ear canal, which can cause injury. Just wipe gently to remove built up dirt, debris, and moisture.

Room temperature control

Your home must be warm before, during, and after bathing your dog in winter to ensure the best results. Most people don’t enjoy stepping out of a warm bath into a cold room, and doing so can even make you sick. The same goes for our dogs.

A space heater in the bathroom while you bathe and dry your pup can help if there is no central heat in the home. Colder temperatures can weaken their immune system, making it easier for them to catch an upper respiratory illness. Keeping them as warm as possible while wet is a great idea.

Water temperature control

Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean your pup’s bath water should be warmer than usual. A tub of mildly warm water is typically pleasing to most dogs, no matter the season. Let your pup get used to the water slowly, adding an inch or two for them to stand in. Gently pour or spray warm, clean water over the rest of their body. This is a great bonding time for you two as well.

Use moisturizing shampoo

Like us, dogs experience dry, flaky, and painful skin during the winter. A moisturizing shampoo – such as an oatmeal shampoo or rinse – can help alleviate any issues. Lather up and rinse off as quickly as possible to lessen exposure to colder air.

Another idea for cold weather shampoos is to use dry shampoo. Waterless shampoos work best when your pup is just a bit stinky and not in need of deep cleaning. These shampoos absorb smelly oils and surface grime, which are then brushed away. Never use human dry shampoo on dogs. Look for an all-natural waterless shampoo made specifically for dogs for best results.

Dry off and stay in

Pat your pup dry with an absorbent towel before you leave the bathroom. Designate a towel specifically for this purpose to streamline the process in the future so you always know which towel to grab for pup baths. Having two around is an even better idea, because it speeds up the drying process if you can switch to a dry towel when the first is saturated.

Make sure you dry inside the ear flaps and around the head where moisture can be trapped and lead to infection. It’s a good idea to keep your freshly cleaned dog inside until fully dry, so make sure to take them for a walk or let them go potty before you get started.

Visit a dog care specialist

Winter is a great time to let the experts at Scenthound handle bath time. Temperature-controlled facilities and knowledgeable staff provide routine care and grooming so you can snuggle up to a clean, healthy pup! Find a Scenthound location near you.

Bathing your dog in winter takes a little more effort in cold climates but doesn’t have to be a stressful affair. These few simple tips will help keep your pup safe and warm during winter baths.