01/11/2026
🐾 WINTER GROOMING – IS LONGER ALWAYS BETTER? 🐾❄️
As the colder, wetter weather arrives, I know many owners naturally want to leave their dog’s coat a little longer to keep them warm.
But here’s something worth thinking about… longer doesn’t always mean warmer or healthier!
During the winter months, our dogs are exposed to plenty of rain, mud and damp conditions, and an excessively long coat can become much harder to manage.
🐶 Here are a few things worth knowing:
• The RSPCA advises that wet fur should be dried thoroughly, as damp coats can contribute to matting, skin irritation and infections.
• Curly and wavy-coated breeds, such as Cockapoos, Cavapoos and Poodles, are particularly prone to tangling and matting. Veterinary guidance recommends daily brushing for these coat types.
• When a coat becomes wet and tangled, it can be much harder to dry and maintain properly.
• Leaving an extra few centimetres on your dog’s coat doesn’t automatically mean they’ll be warmer. Their size, breed, age, health and natural coat type all play a part in how well they tolerate the cold.
❤️ So why might a slightly shorter winter trim be a better option?
✔️ Less mud and dirt collected in the coat.
✔️ Quicker and easier drying after wet walks.
✔️ Less opportunity for tangles and knots to develop.
✔️ Easier brushing and maintenance at home.
✔️ Helps keep those curly coats manageable and mat-free.
Of course, I’m not suggesting every dog should have a short haircut in winter. Every dog is different, and the right length will always depend on their individual coat, lifestyle and needs.
For dogs who feel the cold, a suitable, well-fitting dog coat for walks can be a much better way of providing extra warmth than simply leaving their hair excessively long.
My advice? Don’t choose a haircut based on the season alone. Choose a length that keeps your dog comfortable, healthy and manageable throughout the winter. ❤️
And remember, keeping up with regular grooming appointments is just as important in winter as it is in summer!
Love Kelly 🩷
