As temperatures drop and snow begins to fall, our dogs need extra care to keep their skin and paws healthy and protected. Winter weather brings dry air, salt on sidewalks, and icy ground—all of which can cause discomfort and potential health issues for our furry friends. At The Salty Dog Pet Co., we’re passionate about creating products that help dogs stay comfortable and healthy through every season. Here’s our guide to keeping your dog’s skin and paws in top shape this winter, along with some product recommendations to help you along the way!
1. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
Winter air can be harsh, stripping moisture from your dog’s skin and leaving it dry, flaky, and uncomfortable. Indoor heating can add to this dryness, leading to itchiness and even cracked skin. Using our essential shampoo during winter baths helps maintain hydration, soothing and protecting your dog’s coat and skin. At The Salty Dog Pet Co., we use gentle, hydrating ingredients like aloe vera and Manuka honey in our shampoos. These natural moisturizers nourish the skin and coat without stripping away the natural oils that help keep your dog warm and comfortable in the cold.
2. Protect Their Paws with a Quality Balm
One of the biggest winter challenges for dog owners is protecting those precious paws! Paws are directly exposed to snow, ice, and salt, which can lead to cracking, irritation, and even burns. A protective paw balm is a winter essential, creating a barrier between your dog’s paws and the ground to lock in moisture and prevent damage.
Our paw balm is specially formulated for winter conditions. We use shea butter, beeswax, and calendula—a powerhouse blend that soothes, moisturizes, and provides a protective layer against rough surfaces and chemicals like salt. Not only will this balm keep your dog’s paws from drying out, but it will also help to heal any minor cuts or abrasions.
3. Rinse and Cleanse Paws After Walks
Salt and chemicals on sidewalks can do more harm than just drying out paw pads—they can be toxic if ingested when your dog licks their paws. That’s why it’s essential to cleanse your dog’s paws after every walk. That’s why it’s essential to cleanse your dog’s paws after every walk. Our Paw Cleanser, enriched with witch hazel, makes this quick routine easy and effective. Witch hazel is a natural astringent that helps remove dirt, salt, and other residues while soothing any irritation. Use the cleanser to gently clean each paw, paying close attention to the spaces between their toes, and follow up with a little paw balm to moisturize and protect.
Incorporating this simple post-walk cleansing routine will prevent irritation and give you peace of mind that your pup isn’t bringing any harmful chemicals back inside.
4. Keep Bathing Routine Consistent (But Not Too Frequent)
While dogs may need fewer baths in winter, it’s still important to keep up a regular grooming schedule. Bathing every 3-4 weeks (or as needed) is ideal for washing away debris and excess oils. Over bathing can dry out the skin, so be mindful of how often you’re washing. When you do bathe your dog, use a moisturizing shampoo like ours to lock in hydration and leave their skin feeling soft and healthy.
5. Winter Coat Care
Your dog’s coat plays a huge role in keeping them warm, so maintaining it in winter is essential. Brush regularly to remove any matting, which can trap moisture and make them colder, and avoid trimming their coat too short in cold months. A little extra length provides warmth and protection.
Why Our Paw Balm Is a Must-Have This Winter
We designed our organic paw balm to be the ultimate winter paw protector. Our carefully chosen ingredients:
- Shea Butter: Deeply moisturizes and soothes dry or cracked skin.
- Beeswax: Acts as a natural barrier against harsh elements.
- Calendula Extract: Known for its healing properties, helping soothe irritation and promote skin repair.
- Cajeput Oil: Provides gentle antiseptic properties to protect against infection, while also reducing inflammation and supporting overall paw health.
With our balm, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your dog’s paws are shielded from the cold, chemicals, and rough surfaces. Applying the balm before walks can prevent damage, and applying it afterward can help heal and restore.
A Winter Skin and Paw Care Routine Made Easy
At The Salty Dog Pet Co., we believe caring for your dog’s skin and paws should be as natural and effective as possible. Our products are designed with pet safety in mind, using only the best natural ingredients to ensure your dog stays comfortable and healthy all season long.
So, as winter approaches, be sure to stock up on our paw balm, essential shampoo + conditioner, and paw cleanser to keep your dog’s skin and paws in tip-top shape. With a few small steps, you can help your dog enjoy winter as much as you do—snow, salt, and all!