Should I keep my dog’s coat long in winter?

When autumn arrives and the walks get wetter and muddier, it’s natural to think your dog needs a longer coat to keep warm. But for dogs whose coats need regular trimming, longer isn’t always the most practical option.

The aim is to keep your dog comfortable, with a coat you can manage between grooming appointments. That doesn’t necessarily mean clipping them very short—it means finding a suitable length for their coat, lifestyle and tolerance of grooming.

A long coat can mean more drying and brushing

A longer coat can hold onto water, mud and bits of the countryside after a walk. Legs, feet, tummies and beards often bear the brunt of it!

Think about how uncomfortable a wet jumper feels. It isn’t an exact comparison with a dog’s coat, but it helps explain why leaving a dog damp for a long time isn’t ideal. A manageable trim can make cleaning up and drying off easier for both of you.

That can be particularly helpful for dogs who find brushing or drying difficult. If every muddy walk leads to a lengthy grooming session at home, a longer coat may be asking more of them than they can comfortably cope with.

Why do knots seem to appear so quickly?

Wet weather can make coat maintenance harder. Existing tangles can become tighter, while rubbing with a towel can add more tangles to an already knot-prone coat. Harnesses, jumpers and coats can also create friction, particularly around the armpits, chest and neck.

A coat may look fluffy on the surface while knots are developing underneath, close to the skin.

For dogs who tolerate it, gentle brushing followed by checking with a comb can help you find those areas early. Work in small sections and keep sessions short and comfortable. If you find a tight knot or mat, ask your groomer for advice rather than pulling at it or trying to cut it out with scissors.

Would a more manageable trim help?

For some dogs, keeping the legs, feet and tummy tidier makes a real difference through autumn and winter. Others benefit from a shorter, practical trim all over.

At From Scruffy to Fluffy, I focus on manageable pet trims rather than long, high-maintenance styles. We can discuss what suits your dog and what you can realistically maintain at home.

A practical trim may mean:

* Less mud and debris caught in the coat.
* Easier cleaning and drying after walks.
* Less brushing needed between appointments.
* Fewer opportunities for uncomfortable tangles to develop.

There isn’t one correct length for every dog. Double-coated dogs and other coat types have different grooming needs, so a shorter clip isn’t a general recommendation for all dogs.

Should grooming appointments continue through winter?

Yes—dogs who need regular grooming still need coat care during the colder months, even if we adjust their usual trim.

Waiting longer between appointments can allow knots to develop and make the next groom more difficult. Regular visits help us maintain a comfortable coat and adapt the groom as your dog’s needs change.

For dogs who struggle with grooming, shorter, more frequent appointments may also be easier to manage than one long session.

Comfort comes first

Your dog doesn’t need to have the longest coat possible to be well cared for in winter. A suitable trim, gentle maintenance and thorough drying after wet walks can all help keep them comfortable.

My behaviour-led approach means working with what your dog can cope with, and owners are welcome to stay if that helps them feel more settled.

If you’re unsure which trim would make wet-weather walks easier, we can talk it through at your next appointment.

Book online at www.fromscruffytofluffy.co.uk or message me to discuss your dog’s grooming needs.