Breed-Specific Winter Grooming: Expert Advice from Newmarket

Jacob Munro • January 13, 2026

Breed-Specific Winter Grooming: Expert Advice from Newmarket

Winter in Ontario isn’t just about heavy coats and cozy sweaters; for our four-legged neighbours, it’s a season of salt-covered sidewalks, icy slush, and bone-dry indoor air. Whether you’re walking through Fairy Lake Park or navigating the downtown core, your dog’s coat is their first line of defence. However, "winter grooming" isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. A Husky’s double coat faces entirely different challenges than a Goldendoodle’s curls when the January freeze sets in.

At Paws in the Bath, we believe in a wellness-first approach. As some of the best dog groomers Toronto and York Region families trust, we know that consistent care is about more than just looking good; it’s about preventing painful matting, salt-irritated skin, and seasonal discomfort. If you’ve been searching for professional dog grooming Newmarket neighbours rely on, understanding your breed’s specific winter needs is the best place to start. From local salt protection to the perfect KONG enrichment strategy, here is your expert guide to thriving until spring thaw.

Why Winter Grooming Differs in Newmarket/Toronto

In the GTA and York Region, our winters are uniquely harsh. Road salt and chemical de-icers used on our streets can cause chemical burns on sensitive paw pads. Meanwhile, the transition from damp, freezing outdoor air to the dry, forced-air heating in our homes causes coats to become brittle and prone to static.

This "indoor-outdoor" cycle creates a perfect storm for matting. When snow melts into a long coat and then dries quickly by a vent, the hair shafts tighten and tangle. That is why a consistent booking cadence, rather than "waiting for spring," is vital. Professional conditioning treatments and sanitary trims during these months aren't luxuries; they are essential for your pet’s comfort and safety.

Breed-Specific Winter Blueprints

1. The Goldendoodle & Poodle Mix

The Challenge: "Snowballing." Wet snow clings to the curly hair on legs and bellies, forming heavy ice balls that pull on the skin.
Salon Routine: A "Teddy Bear" trim (slightly longer but manageable) with a focus on a high-velocity dry and deep conditioning. Monthly visits are recommended to prevent mats.
At-Home Checklist: Use a metal greyhound comb daily. Focus on high-friction areas: armpits, behind ears, and between toes.
KONG Recommendation: KONG Classic (Red). Stuff it with wet food and freeze it. Give it to your Doodle while you work through leg tangles to keep them occupied and still.
Crumps' Naturals Pairing: Beef Tendersticks. Break them into small pieces to reward your pup for every successful "brush-out" of a limb.

2. The Labrador Retriever

The Challenge: Extreme shedding. The dry indoor air causes the undercoat to release in clumps, leading to "hot spots" if the dead hair isn't removed.
Salon Routine: Our Signature Deshedding Treatment. This removes the "dead" winter undercoat while keeping the protective topcoat intact.
At-Home Checklist: Weekly brushing with a rubber curry brush to stimulate natural skin oils.
KONG Recommendation: KONG ZoomGroom. Use this rubber "toy" as a brush at home; it feels like a massage and pulls out loose fur effortlessly.
Crumps' Naturals Pairing: Mini Trainers (Liver). Use these during "bath time" at our self-serve stations to make the water experience a positive one.

3. The Husky & Northern Breeds

The Challenge: Impacted undercoats. While they love the Newmarket snow, their thick coats trap moisture against the skin, leading to "wet dog" smell and skin irritation.
Salon Routine: Deep-cleaning bath with a focus on the "blow-out." It is essential to get these coats 100% dry to the skin.
At-Home Checklist: Daily checks for "ice dams" in the paw pads.
KONG Recommendation: KONG Extreme (Black). These high-energy breeds need a challenge. The durable Extreme model provides the mental stimulation they miss when walks are shorter due to extreme cold.
Crumps' Naturals Pairing: Sweet Potato Fries. A chewy, healthy snack that takes time to eat, perfect for a long session inside a KONG Extreme.

4. The Shih Tzu & Small Long-Haired Breeds

The Challenge: Salt irritation. Being closer to the ground, their belly hair and paws soak up road salt quickly.
Salon Routine: Clean feet (shaving the hair between pads) and a "sanitary" trim to keep the underside clear of slush.
At-Home Checklist: A quick paw-rinse after every walk.
KONG Recommendation: KONG Senior or Puppy (Softer rubber). Ideal for smaller, more sensitive mouths.
Crumps' Naturals Pairing: Freeze-Dried Beef Liver. Crumble a small amount over a KONG filled with plain pumpkin for a low-calorie winter treat.

5. Mixed-Breed Coats (The "All-Canadian" Pup)

The Challenge: Unpredictable textures. Often a mix of wiry and soft, these coats can "velcro" onto burrs and salt crystals.
Salon Routine: A "Bath & Brush" plus a tidy-up of the "feathers" (long hair on legs and tail).
At-Home Checklist: Focus on "The Line Brush" technique—ensuring you see skin with every stroke.
KONG Recommendation: KONG Wobbler. Since winter exercise can be limited, the Wobbler makes them "hunt" for their dinner, providing great indoor exercise.

Local Wellness Tips for Cold, Salt, and Dryness

The Paw Rinse: Keep a bucket of lukewarm water nearby. A quick dip after a walk in Newmarket or Aurora removes salt before your dog licks it off (which can upset their stomach).
The Humidifier Factor: If your dog is itching and has static fur, add a humidifier to the room where they sleep. It helps their skin barrier stay hydrated.
Know When to Call a Pro: If you find a mat that is tight against the skin (you can’t see through it), do not use scissors. You risk cutting the skin. Bring them to our Newmarket or Richmond Hill locations for a safe and professional clip-out.

Booking Made Simple

We know your schedule is busy. That’s why Paws in the Bath offers modern, tech-enabled booking. You can book your next appointment online in seconds, and our system will send you reminders so you never miss a seasonal maintenance window.

Consider our subscription-style rebooking: by scheduling your "Winter Maintenance" every 4–6 weeks, you ensure your dog never reaches that uncomfortable "matted" stage. It’s the neighbourhood-first service you love, backed by the convenience you need.

Ready for a Stress-Free Winter?

Don't let the York Region slush or GTA salt get the best of your pup’s coat. Whether you need a full professional groom or want to take advantage of our famous self-serve wash stations, we are here to help pet parents across our entire community stay ahead of the "Grey Winter".

[Book Your Winter Wellness Appointment Online Now]

Visit us in-store to browse our full selection of KONG enrichment toys and Crumps' Naturals treats, the perfect duo for a happy, groomed, and well-behaved winter dog!

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