Winter Grooming

We get a lot of questions about getting dogs groomed during the winter months.  I always tell people that it all depends on the dogs living arrangements.

My advice would be against clipping dogs short that live outside, especially if they live outside at night!  If your dog lives primarily indoors and is just left outside for the occasional potty break or a walk, then there should be no reason why the dog cannot get his/her coat clipped short.  There are lots of lovely coats and jackets on the market that will keep your dog warm during the trips outdoors.

Long winter coat option

As a groomer you come across a lot of pet owners who believe they are doing their dogs a favour by not grooming them from October-May, and when the dog is then brought to us they require a complete shave off.  This is especially true for high maintenance breeds like Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terriers etc.  Once the dog is then shaved the usual problems of skin irritations due to clipping can arise, and other skin problems due to matting may be discovered.  This will usually warrant a trip to the Vet and another bill to pay.  It is in the best interest of your dogs' well-being to continue with regular grooming appointments during the Winter!


Depending the the condition of your dogs coat, another option would be to simply keep the dogs coat long during the cold months.  Once the summer arrives (or better yet, if it arrives...stupid Irish Summers!), then the coat can be taken down in length again.

Hope that this will answer some of the questions that come up when deciding on your doggies winter groom!

Carolyn Zenker
Muttz For Cutz