Grooming and coat
How do I get rid of static in my dog's coat during winter?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
A light mist of water or a dog specific anti static or detangling spray before brushing reduces the dry air buildup that causes static in winter, particularly on fine or silky coats. Using a metal comb rather than a plastic one also helps, since plastic tools generate more static than metal.
Why static gets worse in cold weather
Indoor heating during winter lowers humidity significantly, and dry air lets electrical charge build up on individual hair strands rather than dissipating the way it would in more humid conditions, which is why the same coat that behaves normally in summer can look frizzy and cling together with static in winter.
Practical fixes before and during brushing
A light mist of water or a dog safe anti static spray on the coat just before brushing adds enough moisture to reduce the charge buildup considerably, and switching from a plastic comb to a metal one, since plastic generates more static through friction, makes a noticeable difference on fine coated breeds.
Addressing the room environment too
Running a humidifier in the room where a dog spends most of its indoor time during winter reduces static at the source rather than just treating it during grooming sessions, which is worth considering for a dog with a particularly fine or silky coat that reacts strongly to dry indoor air.
Key takeaways
- Low humidity from indoor winter heating is the main cause of static buildup in a dog's coat.
- A light water mist or anti static spray before brushing, plus a metal comb, reduces static noticeably.
- A room humidifier addresses the underlying cause rather than just treating static during each grooming session.