Baby, it’s cold outside. We get it. When the temperature drops and the snow starts falling, the temptation to go into "hibernation mode" is strong. We swap jeans for sweatpants, stay under the blankets, and generally let things slide.

Many pet parents apply this same logic to their dogs. The thinking usually goes: "It’s freezing! I should let their hair grow out so they have a nice, thick winter coat. I’ll bring them in for a haircut in the spring."

It sounds logical, right? Yeahhhh….no.

Skipping the groomer during the winter months is actually one of the biggest mistakes you can make for your dog's comfort and health. While you might see a "warm winter sweater," we see a potential recipe for skin issues, matting, and discomfort.

Here is why winter is actually the best time to book that spa day.

The Matting Menace (Snow + Sweaters = Trouble)

There is a misconception that a long, unkempt coat is warmer. In reality, a matted coat is like wearing a wet wool sweater that you can't take off.

Winter brings moisture in the form of snow, slush, and rain. When your dog’s long fur gets wet and then dries (often without being brushed out properly), it creates tight mats close to the skin. If you put a dog sweater on top of that long hair? The friction creates even more mats at the friction points (armpits and neck).

These mats pull on the skin and, worse, they hold moisture against the body, making your dog colder and prone to hot spots. A professional blowout and trim keeps the coat fluffy, insulating, and dry.

Central Heat is a Skin Killer

We love our furnaces, but our skin hates them. Central heating zaps humidity out of the air, leading to dry, flaky, itchy skin.

You might notice your dog scratching more in January than in July. Regular grooming isn't just about the haircut; it’s about the bath and blowout. Professional conditioning treatments and deshedding remove the dead hair that blocks air circulation and help distribute natural oils, soothing that winter itch.

The "Grinch Feet" Situation

Have you ever seen your dog limping after a walk in the snow? It’s usually because of ice balls.

If the hair between your dog's paw pads gets too long (we call them "Grinch Feet"), snow collects there, melts from body heat, and then refreezes into hard, painful ice pellets that wedge between their toes.

Our groomers, like Kiki, can shave out those paw pads to prevent ice accumulation. Plus, trimming the hair gives them better traction on slippery hardwood floors or icy patches.

The Nail Trim Necessity

In the summer, your dog is likely walking on pavement, which acts as a natural nail file. In the winter, they are walking on snow, grass, or just napping on the carpet.

Without that friction, nails grow long and fast. Overgrown nails can ruin the structure of the foot and make walking painful. Since you probably aren't walking as much, you need to be trimming more.

Pro Tip: If you hear click-click-click on your kitchen floor, bring them in! We offer walk-in nail trims 7 days a week.

Avoid the "Spring Shave-Down" Shock

The saddest day in a groomer's year is the first warm day of spring. This is when owners bring in dogs they haven't groomed since October. Often, the matting is so severe and tight to the skin that the groomer has no choice but to shave the dog down completely to relieve the pain.

If you want your dog to have a cute, fluffy style in the spring, you have to maintain the coat through the winter. It’s that simple.

Don't Hibernate! Hydrate and Groom!

Winter grooming keeps your dog warm, dry, and comfortable. Whether you need a full haircut, a de-shedding bath, or just a quick nail trim, Pets Etc. has you covered.

Our full-service grooming salon is open 7 days a week with appointments starting as early as 7:00 AM to fit your schedule.

Don't wait for the spring thaw! Call us at 815-439-1919 to book your winter spa day.