When temperatures drop, it's not just humans who feel the cold. Our kennel lies also feel it, especially those breeds that are smaller or have little hair. Therefore, it is very normal that you have the question about whether you should bathe your dog in winter or not. Let's see it!
Is it advisable to bathe your dog in winter?
As we said, there are some dogs that are more vulnerable to the cold than others and that need an extra help in winter in the form of coats.
However, there are breeds that are prepared to live in very cold places without suffering any problems.
The body is wise and knows how to respond to protect us. In the case of dogs the same thing happens and, therefore, they are able to withstand lower temperatures than us without warming up.
The fur and skin of the canes follows a natural cycle that prepares them to face the low temperatures, secreting natural oils that help them in that protection.
Therefore, for some experts, bathing your dog in winter is a serious mistake, since it interferes with that natural protection by eliminating it and leaving the dog most vulnerable to the cold.
Does that mean it's forbidden to bathe the dog all winter? You can do it, but always for hygiene reasons and following some tips given below. Don't jeopardize your pet's health!
How to bathe your dog in winter
If you feel the need to bathe your dog in winter because its body odor is unbearable or because it has become too dirty during a walk, take note of these tips.
1. Prepare everything before bathing
To not have your dog waiting in the bathroom, prepare all the things you'll need before you start: shampoo, comb, towel, dryer, etc.
2. Turn on the heating
A while before you start bathing your dog in winter, it is advisable to turn on the heating of the home or a bath heater to make the temperature more pleasant in the sink. That said; put it away from the water and where your dog can't reach it.
3. Brush the dog before
If you brush the dog before putting it in the bathroom, you will already carry a task done: you will have removed knots, surface dirt and lather it will be much faster and easier.
4. A quick bath
Although in summer the hairy ones appreciate that they cool them from the heat with bathrooms that lengthen, in winter this is not recommended.
Obviously you should use warm water to wet your dog. Cool it quickly to remove dirt and rinse. Don't be amused!
5. Dry as soon as you finish
As soon as you finish the bath, you'll have to dry your dog. To do this, wrap it in a towel to remove excess water, although your pet will naturally have to shake his whole body to dry. Let him do it!
You can then use the hairdryer so it doesn't get wet from the bathroom. The air should not be very hot and you should always keep the dryer at a reasonable distance from your dog's body so as not to burn the skin.
6. Bathroom inside the house
Whenever possible, to bathe your dog in winter, do it inside the house. It may well be in the bathtub or sink (cleaning well after use) or in a sweeper that is covered.
7. Choose the day and time correctly
Try to keep the sun in place, even if it's winter. Bath your dog preferably at noon, never first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon. Also, if there's sunshine, your dog might want to lie under the rays after the bath.
8. Beware of temperature changes
You should be very careful with sudden temperature changes after bathing, especially if you have dried your hair with a hairdryer.
These changes and air currents can make your pet sick.
9. Don't bathe it often
Once a month, that's the frequency you should use if you want to bathe your dog in winter. Doing it more commonly can be detrimental to him.
You already know, although it is not entirely advisable to bathe your dog in winter because of the risks that it entails (colds, pneumonia, elimination of its natural protection, etc.), you can do it very often and following these tips.