{"id":11362,"date":"2026-01-06T13:07:51","date_gmt":"2026-01-06T13:07:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shop-pawness.com\/winter-dog-care-and-training-how-to-keep-your-four-legged-friend-happy-warm-and-fresh\/"},"modified":"2026-08-24T06:33:32","modified_gmt":"2026-08-24T05:33:32","slug":"winter-dog-care-and-training-how-to-keep-your-four-legged-friend-happy-warm-and-fresh","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shop-pawness.com\/en\/winter-dog-care-and-training-how-to-keep-your-four-legged-friend-happy-warm-and-fresh\/","title":{"rendered":"Winter dog care and training: how to keep your four-legged friend happy, warm, and fresh"},"content":{"rendered":"

Winter walks can be magical: crisp air, crunchy snow, and a dog who\u2019s completely in their element. But\u2026 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.<\/p>\n

In this blog, you\u2019ll get a simple, Pawness\u2011proof routine: from paw and coat care to training (because even in winter you can do super fun mini sessions).<\/p>\n

Winter dog care: what actually changes?<\/h2>\n

In winter, this is what mainly changes: it\u2019s wetter more often, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2011haired 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.<\/p>\n

Dog in winter: body temperature, hypothermia, and warning signs<\/h2>\n

A dog\u2019s normal body temperature averages around 38\u201339\u00b0C (100.4\u2013102.2\u00b0F). In low temperatures, body temperature can drop, especially in puppies, seniors, and other vulnerable dogs.<\/p>\n

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\u2019re unsure. Hypothermia is something to take seriously.
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In the cold season, a few groups deserve extra attention. Small dogs cool down more quickly and need protection more often. Short\u2011haired 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.<\/p>\n

Even within breeds, you\u2019ll 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\u2019t mean you only need to keep an eye on one dog during the cold months and not the other. It mainly means it\u2019s important to tailor your routine smartly to your own four\u2011legged friend.<\/p>\n

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Wet dog: what to do after an adventure in rain or snow<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Make things easy for yourself with a mini routine after every walk: blot out the moisture with a towel (don\u2019t 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<\/p>\n

For poodles and labradoodles, it\u2019s not recommended to dry the coat with a towel. The friction between the towel and the coat can create mats. It\u2019s better to dry this curly coat<\/a> with a dog dryer. It dries the coat quickly, removes dirt, and helps prevent matting.<\/p>\n

Cold days: paws, paw pads, ice, and road salt<\/h2>\n

Cold days are often the toughest on your dog\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how to keep paws in top shape:<\/p>\n