Winter walks can be magical: crisp air, crunchy snow, and a dog who’s completely in their element. But… that same winter also brings rain, ice, road salt, and a wet dog who would love nothing more than to roll straight onto your rug. In the colder months, winter dog care just needs a little extra attention so your dog stays comfortable, their skin stays calm, and their coat stays beautiful and healthy.
In this blog, you’ll get a simple, Pawness‑proof routine: from paw and coat care to training (because even in winter you can do super fun mini sessions).
Winter dog care: what actually changes?
In winter, this is what mainly changes: it’s wetter more often, it’s colder more often, and your dog dries more slowly. As a result, moisture stays in the coat longer, which can cause matting, irritated skin, and in some cases even hypothermia.
Most dogs cope just fine with winter, but not every dog has the same coat. Breeds with a thick coat or undercoat often have more insulation. Short‑haired dogs and dogs with a thin or shorter coat feel the cold faster than you might think. And small dogs cool down more quickly than large dogs.
Dog in winter: body temperature, hypothermia, and warning signs
A dog’s normal body temperature averages around 38–39°C (100.4–102.2°F). In low temperatures, body temperature can drop, especially in puppies, seniors, and other vulnerable dogs.
Watch for signs that your dog is too cold or may be getting hypothermic: shivering, lethargy, walking more stiffly, refusing to walk, or being unusually restless. Do you think your dog is hypothermic? Go indoors, dry your dog thoroughly, make sure they warm up, and contact your vet if you’re unsure. Hypothermia is something to take seriously.
In the cold season, a few groups deserve extra attention. Small dogs cool down more quickly and need protection more often. Short‑haired dogs or dogs with a thin coat have less insulation. Puppies are less able to retain their body heat. And vulnerable dogs (those recovering, seniors, or sensitive) need extra care sooner.
Even within breeds, you’ll see differences: a dog with a long coat or lots of undercoat can stay outside longer than a dog with a shorter coat, especially when the coat is wet. That doesn’t mean you only need to keep an eye on one dog during the cold months and not the other. It mainly means it’s important to tailor your routine smartly to your own four‑legged friend.
Wet dog: what to do after an adventure in rain or snow
A wet dog cools down faster. Rain and snow make the coat wet, and if your dog stays wet around the belly, chest, and paws, it can irritate the skin.
Make things easy for yourself with a mini routine after every walk: blot out the moisture with a towel (don’t rub hard), check the belly and chest (moisture often lingers there), and check the ears. In cold periods, that little bit of moisture can sometimes be just enough for the cold to win
For poodles and labradoodles, it’s not recommended to dry the coat with a towel. The friction between the towel and the coat can create mats. It’s better to dry this curly coat with a dog dryer. It dries the coat quickly, removes dirt, and helps prevent matting.
Cold days: paws, paw pads, ice, and road salt
Cold days are often the toughest on your dog’s paws. Ice can get stuck between the toes, and road salt can dry out or irritate the paw pads. Add wet pavements and dirt to that, and you get it: paws deserve extra attention.
Here’s how to keep paws in top shape:
- Clean paws after the walk (especially when there’s road salt and dirt)
- Dry thoroughly (also between the toes)
- Check for redness, cracks, or sensitivity
- Care for the pads with a balm that nourishes and protects, such as Cuddle Cure Balm
If your dog licks their paws a lot, it’s often a sign that something is bothering them. And when it’s freezing, even a small crack can quickly become painful.
Long coat: tangles, undercoat, and the right brush
A long coat is beautiful, but in winter it also becomes a magnet for snow, rain, and tangles. Mats pull on the skin and trap moisture. They also prevent the skin from breathing properly, which can lead to irritation or infections. In dogs with a lot of undercoat, loose undercoat can form mats even faster
What helps (without turning brushing into a daily drama):
- Brush briefly but regularly (better 2–3 minutes a day than 30 minutes of struggle)
- Focus on armpits, behind the ears, belly, and hind legs
- Keep the coat clean and dry
For long, fine coats, the Pawness Wooden Brush is perfect: it glides smoothly through the coat, removes loose hair, and helps prevent matting without irritating the skin. FSC‑certified beechwood also makes it a consciously sustainable choice.
Shorter coat: thin coat, thick coat, and what you do (or don’t) need to do
With a shorter coat, you’ll often see fewer tangles, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to do anything. Short‑haired dogs can also suffer from dry skin, loose hair, and dirt that sits close to the skin.
Which brush works best?
- Pawness Wood/Nylon Brush: ideal for removing loose hair from short coats and stimulating the skin.
- Pawness Short Coat Brush (vegan Tampico bristles): removes dust and sand, adds natural shine, and feels like a gentle massage.
Do you have a dog with a thick coat? Then, brushing can still Clean coat: bath time in winter
Clean coat: bath time in winter
In the colder months, you don’t want to give your dog a full bath every week, but it is important to keep the coat clean. Mud, road salt, and dirt can throw the skin out of balance. And if your dog often gets wet, the skin can become dry or sensitive more quickly.
When you do bathe your dog:
- Use lukewarm water
- Choose a mild shampoo that supports dry, itchy skin
- Dry thoroughly afterwards (drying is especially important in winter)
The Bark Bliss Shampoo gently yet effectively cleans your dog’s coat, helps relieve dry, itchy skin, and leaves it looking shiny and healthy. With the goodness of palmarosa, vetiver, and cedarwood, it feels like superfood for your dog’s coat.
Fresh Fetch Shampoo is a real feast of nourishment for the skin, with lemongrass and the cool touch of peppermint. It’s more than just clean: it’s a moisturising experience that says goodbye to dryness and hello to a lasting natural scent.
Your dog’s coat: leave‑in care with Bark Bliss Spray and Fresh Fetch Spray
After washing (or in between baths), leave‑in care is a true winter hero. Especially when the coat seems to dry faster than usual, but the skin still feels dry.
Bark Bliss Spray is a leave‑in spray you don’t have to rinse out. It keeps the skin hydrated and makes the coat soft and easy to brush through. Ideal if your dog is prone to tangles, or if you simply want brushing to go more quickly.
Fresh Fetch Spray is perfect for refreshing the coat between washes. It not only keeps the coat soft and wonderfully scented, it also keeps those typical “doggy smells” at bay. Together, they turn your pup into the freshest pooch in the park.
Cold months: energy, enough healthy fats, movement, and snow eating
In the colder months, your dog may use more energy to stay warm. This is especially true if you spend a lot of time outside, if it’s wet, or if your dog naturally feels the cold more.
What helps:
- Plenty of exercise (preferably in short bursts)
- A warm spot at home where your dog can really relax and recharge
- Good nutrition so your dog gets all the building blocks they need
Some dogs also love eating snow. It often looks funny, but it can irritate the stomach and cause diarrhea in some dogs. It’s better not to let it become a habit.
What to do when it’s really cold: keeping warm, coats, and protection
Cold isn’t just a feeling: wind, rain, and a wet coat often make it feel colder than the temperature suggests. When it’s really cold, a coat can make the difference between a lovely walk and wanting to go straight back home for some dogs.
Who needs extra protection more often?
- Small dogs
- Short‑haired dogs
- Dogs with a thinner coat
- Puppies, seniors, and vulnerable dogs
Note: big dogs can also get cold if they stay wet for a long time. Keeping warm is not just about size, but also about moisture, wind, and how quickly your dog cools down
Extra care for skin, ears, and tangles
In winter, extra attention is anything but a luxury. It’s actually the way to prevent problems.
Check weekly:
- Skin: dry, flaky, itchy?
- Ears: is moisture getting trapped?
- Coat: are tangles forming more quickly?
When your dog feels good, you’ll notice it in the small things: they move easily, they’re excited to go for walks, and they warm up again quickly once you get home.
Coat care: Cuddle Cure, Pooch Polish, and refill pouches (a winter‑proof routine)
Sometimes a bit of extra care is exactly what’s needed, especially in wet, cold periods.
Cuddle Cure Dog Balm is your secret weapon for paws and nose. It helps soften rough, dry spots, makes them supple again, and adds a protective layer. Ideal for ice, road salt, and dry winter air.
Pooch Polish Foam Droogshampoo is perfect voor de dagen waarop je hond vies is, maar je hebt geen tijd (of zin) in een volledige wasbeurt. Het reinigt zonder water, verwijdert vuil en maakt de vacht zacht en fris. Geen naspoelen, wel snel resultaat.
And if you want to keep things sustainable: go for the refill pouches. They let you refill your bottles and cut down on waste, while your dog still enjoys the same lovely care.
Winter checklist (after every walk)
- Paws clean (road salt, dirt, ice)
- Dry with a towel (also between the toes)
- Check ears and belly
- Optional: Cuddle Cure on paw pads and nose
- For long coats: a quick brush to prevent tangles
Winter training: 10 minutes a day is enough
Training in winter doesn’t have to take long. Short sessions are often better: your dog stays warm by moving, and it stays fun for you too.
Try this:
- 3 minutes of focus at the door (watching, sitting, waiting)
- 3 minutes outside (1 exercise, lots of rewards)
- 4 minutes inside (a sniffing game or search game)
Reward with small Training Treats from Pawness:
- Spirulina Spark (buckwheat + spirulina): ideal for lots of repetitions
- Carob Crunch (carob + lupin flour): extra motivation for trickier moments
Tip: if it’s raining or snowing, choose an exercise that doesn’t require much standing still. Movement keeps your dog warm and helps prevent them from cooling down too quickly.
Finally: winter is not a break. With a simple routine, the right care, and short training moments, you can turn the winter months into a season where your dog feels fresh, safe, and happy.
Ik ben Denise, oprichter van Pawness. Ontstaan vanuit de liefde voor mijn hond Bo en de zoektocht naar eerlijke, mooie producten voor honden. Ik geloof dat elke keuze telt: voor je hond, voor de planeet en voor de mensen erachter. Met deze blogs help ik puppyouders bewuster te kiezen, zonder dat het ingewikkeld hoeft te zijn.
