Bathing your dog or cat in winter
Fewer baths, warmer water and serious drying. How to keep your pet clean in the colder months without the shivers.
In this guide
North Indian winters can get properly cold, and even in milder cities, mornings and nights get chilly. Pets still need to stay clean, but winter bathing needs a slightly different approach.
Bath less often
Most dogs can go a little longer between baths in winter, especially indoor dogs. Every six to eight weeks is often enough for a healthy adult. Cold, dry air already pulls moisture from the skin; frequent baths add to that.
Pick the warmest time of day
Bath late morning or early afternoon, when it's warmest and there's plenty of daylight left to dry. Never bath at night in winter or just before a walk.
Warm the room first
- Close windows and doors to the bathroom.
- If you use a room heater, let it warm the room before the bath, and keep it well away from your pet and towels.
- Have towels ready, ideally warmed for a minute in the sun.
Water temperature
Lukewarm, not hot. Hot water feels nice to us but dries out the skin and coat. Test with your wrist.
Use a gentle shampoo
Winter skin can get dry and flaky. A mild formula like our Puppy & Kitten Shampoo is gentle enough for sensitive adult skin too. Rinse thoroughly; leftover shampoo makes dry skin itchier.
Drying is everything
- Towel-dry right away, pressing into the coat.
- Use a hair dryer on low, warm (not hot) setting, kept moving and at a distance.
- Make sure the coat is dry right down to the skin before your pet goes outside or near a cold floor.
- Keep them in a warm room for an hour afterwards.
Clean between baths
- Brush regularly. It removes dust and dead hair and spreads natural oils.
- Spot-clean muddy legs and paws with a damp cloth.
- Waterless Dry Bath Spray freshens the coat without water. Spritz, rub in with your hands, then brush. See our dry bath spray guide.
Winter paws
Cold, dry air and heater-warm floors can crack paw pads. Check them weekly, and rub a little Cracked Paw Repair Balm into dry pads at bedtime. Read about cracked paw pads.
Special care for some pets
- Puppies, kittens and senior pets feel the cold more. Keep baths very short and warm.
- Short-coated breeds may need a sweater on cold walks after a bath day.
- Pets with arthritis can find wet, cold conditions painful. Ask your vet for advice.
Questions pet parents ask
Is it okay to bathe a dog in winter? +
Yes, as long as you use lukewarm water, bath during the warmest part of the day and dry the coat completely before they go outside.
How often should I bathe my dog in winter? +
Most indoor dogs do well with a bath every six to eight weeks in winter, with brushing and spot-cleaning in between.
My dog's skin gets dry in winter. What helps? +
Fewer baths, a gentle shampoo, thorough rinsing and regular brushing. If the skin is red, flaky or very itchy, see your vet.
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This guide is general information for pet parents, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, injured or you're unsure, please talk to your vet.
