Winter Care for Paws and Skin
Updated: January 23, 2025No pet parent can deny that the winter season can be harsh for furbabies. Exposure to extreme temperatures, snow, and winter air can easily result in dry skin, cracked paws, and discomfort if you opt to take your pets for a walk.
Cold winter conditions affect pets, even if some do not show any signs. It is very important to take these safety measures for winter care for paws and skin.
Winter Grooming
If you have a furbaby who has a long coat, never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. Further, if your dog has a short coat, consider getting them a coat or sweater.
You may also provide them with Pawtect® Blanket for that added warmth and comfort. This Premium Waterproof Cat & Dog Blanket Plus offers extra protection with our soft Sherpup® material.
In the winter, you should keep your dog’s nails well-trimmed. If your dog’s nails aren’t trimmed in the winter, it can add difficulty while walking. Long dog nails in winter also allow for irritants to get between their paw pads.
For your dog’s skin and coat, make it a habit to regularly brush their coat to get rid of dead hair and debris. Regular brushing can also help to distribute natural oils in your dog’s coat. It is also best to provide your furbaby with Skin & Coat SoftSupps®. These skin and coat supplements for dogs help promote dog skin care and an overall healthy skin & coat. It is formulated with Epax®, a world leader in Omega-3 and a pure form of fish oil that is jam-packed in EPA & DHA, which are essential fatty acids for a healthy coat & may help support the expected moisture content of your furbaby’s skin and coat.
Bath Consistently (But Regularly)
"Baths are ideal for removing dead hair, excess oils, and debris from their skin and coat."
Your furbaby needs regular baths, even in the winter. Bathing your furbaby every 2-3 weeks, or when necessary, is ideal for removing dead hair, excess oils, and debris. It's important not to over-bathe your dog, as this can easily dry out their skin in winter.
Always Keep Paws Clean
If you decide to take your furbaby on a walk, clean their paws thoroughly afterward. It is also best that you trim the hair around their paws and between their paw pads. Doing so will help prevent iceballs from accumulating on your dog’s paws, reduce the amount of road salt or other de-icing chemicals, and make it easier for you to clean your furbaby’s paws, as mentioned by Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.
Use Pet WiPees™ Dog All Purpose + Skin & Coat to wipe away environmental allergens or irritants caught between the paws or by your furbaby’s coat while walking on snow. Skin & Coat Pet WiPees™ are hypoallergenic and not only clean your furbaby but cultivate and nourish the skin and coat. These pet wipes are also made with LickSafe™ ingredients, making these wipes safe when for your furbaby to do their natural grooming.
"Use Pet WiPees™ Skin & Coat to wipe away winter irritants on your furbaby's paws and coat."
Once your furbaby’s paws are clean, you may apply balms or moisturizers specifically made for dogs. Avoid putting products made for humans on your dog’s paws as these may be harmful to their skin and harmful when licked and ingested.
Help Your Dog Find Their Way
If your furbaby has been trained to potty outside, consider shoveling a path in your lawn and covering it with straw. The straw will help keep the snow off your furbaby’s paws and it makes for easier paw clean-up.
Prevent Winter Hazards
All dogs are in danger of frostbite and hypothermia in winter and it is best to monitor them at all times while outside in the winter.
Some common signs of frostbite in dogs include:
- Pale or red skin or paws
- Abnormally hard skin or paws
Some common signs of hypothermia include:
- Shivering (while shivering is a natural reaction in winter, it can be concerning if the shivering does not subside after going inside)
- Cold extremities like ears, paws, and tails
- Lethargy
- Slowed movement
- Loss of consciousness
These are all grounds to seek immediate emergency care for your dog. If your dog shows signs of frostbite or hypothermia, call your veterinarian as soon as possible.
If it is too cold for you, then it is probably too cold for your pet, too. You should keep your animals inside. You should always pay close attention to your furbaby when outside in the winter.
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Micka Virtudazo is a full-time content creator at Pet Parents® who lives with thirteen adorable American Bullies and a Shih Tzu-Maltese mix named Gretel. She especially enjoys writing how-to articles as she feels through this she can connect to other pet parents on a more personal level.
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