7 Tips for Bathing Your Dog in the Winter

Bathing your dog in the summer is easy. Your dog might not mind being hosed down outdoors, and you can let them run around in the sun to dry off. In the winter, though, a bath can leave your pup wet, cold, and miserable. Try these tips to get your dog fresh and clean year-round without the risk of turning them into a pupsicle.
 

1.Consider skipping your dog’s bath.

Does your dog really need a bath? Giving your dog fewer baths in the wintertime can help keep the skin’s moisture barrier intact, protecting them against dry, itchy winter skin. Unless your dog is particularly smelly or dirty, consider going without. But if your dog is truly dirty, needs a flea bath or medicated shampoo to relieve itchy skin, skipping their bath might not be possible.
 

2.Try dry bath alternatives.

Instead of a bath, consider spot-cleaning your dog with Earthbath grooming wipes. You’ll remove surface dirt and debris from their coat and leave them smelling fresh and clean. You can also freshen your dog’s skin and coat with waterless dog shampoo, which works by clinging to dirt, oils, and dead skin. Just apply and brush out for a clean pup.
 

3.Work quickly.

If your dog needs a head-to-tail cleansing, make it quick to lessen the amount of time they’ll spend cold and wet. Grab all of your supplies - shampoo, conditioner, rinse cup, and towels - before fetching your dog. If possible, only dampen the areas that need cleaning, which might include their paws and hindquarters.
 

4.Use leave-on conditioner

If you use conditioner to keep your dog’s coat soft and shiny, consider opting for a leave-on conditioner product during the winter. That way, you can skip the second rinse.
 

5.Turn up the heat.

If feasible, turn up the heat in your home to help your dog stay warm while they dry off. Or, supervise your dog while they warm up in front of a space heater or fireplace. You can also try warming up your dog’s towel in a clothes dryer just before their bath, that way it’s luxuriously toasty by the time you dry them off.
 

6.Avoid letting your dog out.

Keep your dog inside until their skin and coat are completely dry. Even a slightly damp coat can trap a lot of moisture, making your dog vulnerable to frostbite and hyperthermia. Make sure to take your dog out before their bath, that way they won’t need to go out again for a few hours.
 

7.Use a blow dryer.

You can use a blow dryer to get your dog warm and dry in a matter of minutes. A specialized dog dryer can be a great investment, but a handheld hair dryer for humans can work in a pinch. You’ll just need to take care not to burn your dog’s skin, as they cannot speak up when they feel the heat. Make sure your hair dryer is on the lowest heat setting and lowest speed or power. If your dog is not accustomed to being blow-dried, chances are they’ll be frightened by the roar of the dryer and the blast of hot air. Keep dry time to a minimum by towel-drying first with a microfiber towel, and keep the dryer away from their ears and face. Move quickly, taking care not to focus the heat on one area.