10/31/2026
When the Heat Comes On: Caring for Your Dog’s Coat in Colder Weather
As we turn on the heat and reach for our warmer coats, our dogs’ coats need a little extra attention, too.
Autumn walks have their own beauty—the falling leaves, the cool air, and those last flowers holding on in the garden. But they also bring damp paws, muddy feathering, and little pieces of the outdoors tucked into our dogs’ fur. Back inside, heating makes our homes comfortable while creating drier air.
It’s a good time to give your dog’s grooming routine a thoughtful seasonal adjustment.
Start with your hands and a brush
After a walk, take a few quiet minutes to check your dog’s coat. Look behind the ears, under the collar, around the armpits, and wherever a harness rests. These easy-to-miss areas can develop tangles, especially when loose hair, moisture, and friction come together.
Brush gently, working in small sections without pulling. For longer coats, follow with a comb to find tangles the brush may have missed. Remove burrs and leaf fragments before they become worked into the coat.
This simple routine is also a chance to notice changes in your dog’s skin and enjoy a little time together.
Let your dog’s needs guide bath time
A muddy afternoon may call for a bath. A few dirty paws may only need a rinse and a towel.
When a full bath is needed, choose a gentle shampoo formulated for dogs, use lukewarm water, and follow the product’s directions. Work carefully through the coat without vigorous rubbing that can create tangles.
Rinse thoroughly, including the belly, armpits, and beneath the tail. If you use a conditioner, choose one suited to your dog’s coat and follow its rinsing instructions.
Make drying part of the routine
A coat that feels dry on the surface may still be damp underneath, particularly on a dog with a dense undercoat.
Gently press and blot with a towel. If your dog tolerates a dryer, use a comfortable, low-heat setting, keep it moving, and check the temperature against your own skin. Give extra attention to thick areas and let your dog dry fully before heading back into cold weather.
Remember to check collars and harnesses, too. A damp strap can keep the coat beneath it wet.
Pay attention to what the skin is telling you
Flaking, redness, persistent scratching, or an unusual odor deserves attention. Don’t assume every change is simply winter dryness. If discomfort continues, speak with your veterinarian before adding more products or changing the bathing routine.
A little care, a little connection
At Boho Dogs Cleansing, we believe coat care belongs to the everyday relationship we share with our dogs.
It’s the towel waiting by the door. The gentle brush after a walk. The moment we notice a small tangle before it becomes uncomfortable.
As the days grow colder, those small habits help keep our dogs clean, comfortable, and ready for the next adventure—even if that adventure is one more walk through the falling leaves.
