Why Grooming Matters — And Why It’s Especially Important in Winter ❄️🐾

When winter arrives, many people believe dogs need less grooming because their coat keeps them warm.But the truth is: a clean, tangle-free coat keeps them warmer than a dirty, matted one.

Winter brings damp, mud, salt from the roads, and less exercise — all of which can quietly cause problems if coats and paws aren’t cared for properly.

At Paw Shine, our job isn’t just to make dogs look lovely —we help keep them healthy, comfortable, and stress-free all year round.

Let’s take a closer look — and how we can help.

✨ A healthy coat insulates better than a matted coat

When fur becomes tangled or matted, it traps moisture and dirt close to the skin. This can:

• Stop the coat insulating properly

• Cause painful pulling on the skin

• Hide sores, hotspots and infections

• Take ages to dry after walks — leaving dogs cold

In winter, damp mats sitting against the skin can be miserable for dogs.

👉 What we do:

• Gentle brushing and de-matting (always welfare-first — never painful)

• Coat tidy-ups to keep coats manageable

• Advice on the right brushes and at-home routine

• Regular grooming plans so mats don’t build up again

We’ll always talk through what’s best for your dog — not a “one size fits all” haircut.

🛁 Mud, grit & road salt — the hidden winter irritators

Winter walks often mean mud, puddles and gritted pavements.Salt and grit can dry and crack paw pads, and irritate skin between the toes.

👉 What we do:

• Warm, gentle baths to remove salt, bacteria and dirt

• Careful drying (no rushing, especially with nervous or seniors)

• Paw trims to stop snow/mud clumping between toes

• Soothing paw balm to protect pads

A quick rinse at home after walks is great — and a professional bath helps keep everything truly clean underneath.

✂️ “Shorter trims in winter? Won’t they get cold?”

This is one of the biggest winter myths.

We never clip more than a dog needs — but a manageable coat is usually kinder, especially for breeds that mat easily.

A well-maintained coat:

• Dries quicker

• Doesn’t tangle as easily

• Reduces risk of itchy skin

• Keeps hygiene areas clean

If a dog needs extra warmth outdoors, a cosy coat or jumper works beautifully — without mats pulling at their skin.

👉 What we do:

• Winter-friendly tidy trims

• Hygiene grooms

• Full grooms (only when appropriate)

• Coat management plans tailored to the dog

Comfort and welfare always come first.

🐾 Nails keep growing — even if walks slow down

With icy pavements and shorter walks, many dogs get less natural nail wear.

Overgrown nails can:

• Change how a dog stands

• Put pressure on joints

• Catch and split

👉 What we do:

• Quick, calm nail trims

• Advice on how often your dog needs them

• Checking dewclaws (they curl quicker!)

Sometimes this one simple job makes a huge difference to comfort.

👂 Skin & ear care are extra important

Central heating + damp weather can lead to:

• Dry, flaky skin

• More itching

• Wax and moisture building in ears

👉 What we do:

• Use shampoos chosen for your dog’s coat/skin

• Gentle ear cleaning

• Checking for redness, lumps, bumps or changes (and letting you know)

We don’t diagnose — but we often spot things early so owners can act sooner.

🦷 Winter doesn’t stop plaque

Cold weather doesn’t pause dental health.

👉 What we do (if you offer it):

• Teeth-cleaning sessions

• Advice on toothbrushes and home routines

Healthy teeth = fresher breath, less discomfort and fewer vet bills later on.

💗 Grooming is routine, reassurance and welfare

Dogs that come regularly:

• Stay calmer because they know the routine

• Learn to trust the process

• Are easier to handle gently

• Have issues spotted earlier

Winter can be stressful for some dogs — routine helps them feel secure.

👉 What we offer:

• One-to-one grooming

• Calm, patient handling

• Plenty of breaks if needed

• Tailored plans for puppies, seniors and nervous dogs

We always work at the dog’s pace.

So — should you keep grooming through winter?

Absolutely.

Winter grooming isn’t about fancy haircuts.It’s about:

✔ Comfort✔ Warmth (through a healthy coat)✔ Clean paws and skin✔ Nail and ear care✔ Staying on top of mats before they hurt

And that’s exactly what we’re here for.

Book a winter groom — we’re happy to help 🐶❄️

If you’re unsure what your dog needs, just ask — we’ll talk it through honestly and find the kindest plan for their coat and lifestyle.

Whether it’s:

• a tidy-up,

• full groom,

• bath & blow-dry,

• nails,

• or a winter coat management plan…

We’d love to help keep them comfy through the cold months.