GM News - June 2026

Happy Winter!

This edition (no. 79) has tips for getting through the winter in good shape.
Stay warm :-)

Amanda, David, & Ruth
Gentle Modern School of Dog Training

Top Winter Tips

For your Dog

Review your dog's bedding. A bed with sides to block the drafts, some blankets to burrow into, and a cosy location away from drafts will facilitate better sleep.

Like us, dogs can suffer from dry skin in cold weather. Limit baths - they can strip natural oils from the skin and coat and increase the likelihood of dry, flaky skin - and use moisturising shampoos.

Stay on top of grooming - a close shave may be ok in summer to deal with matts, but is less than ideal in Winter! Groomer tips (courtesy Winter Coat Care: Grooming Tips by Jackie Aarons):

"Removing loose fur, dirt, and debris from the coat can prevent skin issues and matting." . . . "brush then comb and comb again"
Is a jacket necessary for your dog? (Check with your Vet or breeder - it's generally not necessary for normal activities for most dogs.) For "longer-coated dogs, clothing can become problematic if grooming is neglected. Coats can hide matting, rub against the fur, and contribute to further matting, irritation and skin rashes and inflammation. . . . ensure the garments fit properly and do not restrict movement. Check your dog regularly for knots and tangles, and always comb and brush after removing coats to prevent matting."

Cold weather has been known to exacerbate joint pain and other health conditions. Petzyo recommends watching for limping, stiffness, or unusual slowing down. Take special care with senior dogs (8 years +).

Beware of burns from making contact with heaters.

Frosty temperatures, wind chill, cold sea or river water: severe cold can be dangerous. Dr. Debra M. Eldredge, DVM, recommends "warming a dog slowly. Bring your dog into a warm room and wrap him in a warm towel. Dry him off carefully. Do not do a lot of rubbing."

For You

Invest in gumboots or reliably waterproof shoes
Carry towels in the car
Purchase a cheap plastic poncho to store in the car/your dog-walking-bag so you won't be caught out in sudden rain
Take extra care - surfaces can be slippery

Body Language - Pain

We talked above about how cold weather can exacerbate pain. Limping is an obvious sign of physical discomfort, but what about other signs of pain?
Understanding Your Dog’s Body Language: A Guide To Canine Communication by the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences has a section on “red flag” indicators that can indicate pain or tension:

Limping
Head-hanging
Tense posture
Tucked belly
Arched back
Whimpering
Lip-smacking (precursor to nausea).

"Reading, understanding and responding to your dog’s body language is a key part of the companion-to-owner relationship. By understanding their cues and appropriately advocating for your dog, owners can continue to ensure their dogs remain happy, comfortable and safe while also guaranteeing the safety and well-being of those around them."

Your reward for reading to the end . . .

Being outside in the garden isn't so much fun in the cold Winter months, but it is a great time to plan for some dog-friendly improvements for the backyard in the Spring.
Check out Dog Friendly Backyard: 11 Tips To Transform Your Yard by Lincoln Schaefer.
Lincoln is an American, but his tips are easily translatable to Australia.

Thinking ahead to warmer times!