Long, sunny days have made way for snuggling under warm blankets with a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Fortunately, in most parts of South Africa, we don’t have extremely cold winters, but most of us still want to take things a bit easier and stay warm. And, while WE might (on some days) get away with hairy legs under our winter clothes, we cannot neglect our pets’ grooming needs during winter.
To shave or not to shave
Should you shave your dog in winter? The dog’s coat does help to protect against the cold, but the decision is yours. If you feel like your dog’s coat is unmanageable when it is long, you can opt for a winter cut. A different blade is used to shave a winter cut, meaning that the hair will be a bit longer than with a summer cut.
The general rule with shaving is that it is not recommended to shave a dog with a double coat, no matter what season it is. A double coat is made up of a soft, fluffy undercoat and a topcoat made up of longer hairs. The purpose of the undercoat is to regulate temperature; therefore, it both keeps the dog cool in summer and warm in winter. Not only does this mean that these dogs don’t need shaving, but shaving will in fact destroy their lovely coats. Just one shave is enough for the coat to grow back hard and with an unpleasant appearance. Breeds with double coats include:
- Siberian Husky
- German Shepherd Dog
- Chow Chow
- Alaskan Malamute
- Border Collie
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador Retriever
- Pomeranian
Should my dog wear a jersey in winter?
Some dogs do benefit from wearing a jersey, but not all dogs would need one. Typically, small breeds, like the Yorkie and Chihuahua, get cold easily, as do shorthaired breeds and, in some cases, older dogs. Research your breed. For example, the Husky is genetically able to handle cold weather – please don’t put a jersey on him! The Chihuahua, who hails from Mexico, gets chilly very easily, and you will find him lying in the sun, even in warmer weather. The Greyhound, even though he is bigger, gets cold easily and would benefit from a jersey.
With a longhaired breed, like the Yorkie, a jersey can cause severe matting in the coat. Brushing out these mats is uncomfortable and even painful for the dog, and if you take your dog to the groomer, they will probably suggest rather shaving the dog. So, if you want your Yorkie to wear a jersey in winter, make sure that you brush his coat regularly to keep it free from knots – or opt for a shorter, winter cut underneath the jersey.
Always ensure that your dog’s jersey fits comfortably, and wash it regularly. An important thing to remember about jerseys is that not all dogs like to wear them. Do not force your dog into anything that makes him uncomfortable. If you feel strongly that your dog could benefit from wearing a jersey in winter, rather get the help of a reputable behaviourist who can help your dog to accept the jersey
4 winter grooming tips
- If your dog tends to get dirty, it’s still okay to bath him in winter. However, choose a sunny day and use a hairdryer to dry your dog completely before letting him go. Check your dryer’s heat setting – it shouldn’t be too hot, nor too cold, and don’t dry in one spot for too long; keep moving your hand to dry the whole body.
- Remember to keep up your tick and flea prevention routine during winter. It’s a common misconception that fleas aren’t around during the colder months, but our winters are often warm enough for fleas to survive.
- Your dog’s coat is not the only thing to keep in mind during winter – it can be easy to forget his nails. These should always be kept short, as long nails can cause a dog extreme discomfort and even pain. If you don’t take as many walks as you should during winter, your dog’s nails might even need extra attention, as they won’t wear down as quickly as they usually do in summer. Be very careful when cutting your dog’s nails, as cutting them too short can cause pain and bleeding – and will result in a dog who will not allow you to cut his nails ever again! If you are unsure, just cut the tips of the nails (especially with black nails, where you can’t see the quick of the nail, which is pink and visible underneath a white nail). Alternatively, your groomer or vet can do it for you.
- If you have a longhaired breed, and you choose not to shave your dog during winter, but you would still like to neaten up his appearance, you can do some trimming at home. Carefully cut the long hair around the paws, as well as the hair in between the paw pads. It’s also a good idea to cut the hair around the anus, as this will prevent faeces from getting stuck in the dog’s hair. If you are not experienced with using scissors on your dog, rather opt for blunt-nosed scissors or simply take your dog to the groomer.
