Winter Skin & Paw Health 101
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, the winter season brings its own set of challenges for pet parents. Dogs and cats alike are vulnerable to dryness, irritation, and discomfort if precautions are not taken. Their skin and paws can go through stress from the dry air, cold weather, icy sidewalks, and sudden shifts between cold and dry environments. Protecting their skin and paws is an essential part of the cold-weather wellness routine.
Why Winter Is Tough on Pets
Winter means colder walks and cozy blankets, but it also creates an environment where pets’ skin and paw pads are vulnerable. According to the ASPCA, “exposure to winter’s dry, cold air and chilly rain, sleet and snow can cause chapped paws and itchy, flaking skin.”
In addition, winter surfaces often include ice, snow, and de‑icing salts or chemicals. Walking on ice, snow, de-icing salts, and harsh chemicals can cause irritation, cracks, or even chemical burns on paw pads. The risk increases if pets lick their paws or fur, leading to potential chemical ingestion (PetMD).
This is why winter wellness for pets must go beyond just keeping them warm. It requires intentional, preventative care for their skin and paws to avoid discomfort, injury, and more serious health problems.
Winter Protection
By combining protective gear with routine care, pet owners can significantly reduce the risks posed by winter conditions, ensuring their pets stay comfortable and healthy throughout the season. Experts recommend taking proactive measures before heading outdoors and cleaning paws immediately afterward, as ice, snow, and de-icing chemicals can cause cracks, irritation, or chemical burns. According to VCA Animal Hospital, fitted, waterproof booties are highly effective, providing a protective barrier against salt-covered sidewalks and preventing snow and ice from clumping between paw pads, making them one of the top paw protection options
In this article by akc.org, experts recommend introducing booties gradually and positively. First, let your pup sniff and explore the boots. Every time they show curiosity, reward them with a treat or praise. Then gently put a single boot on one paw, reward immediately, and remove it. Over successive sessions, slowly increase how long the boot stays on, then add the next boots one at a time, always pairing wearing the boots with treats, play, or walks. Once your pet is comfortable with all boots indoors, begin using them on short walks, again rewarding calm behavior.
For pets who absolutely cannot tolerate boots, pet-safe paw balms or waxes are the next best thing. These products form a protective barrier against chemical agents, repel water, and help moisturize paw pads. The ASPCA advises pet parents to “massage petroleum jelly or other vet-approved paw protectors into paw pads before going outside to protect from salt and chemical agents.”
Winter Nutrition
Winter wellness also starts from the inside. A pet’s skin and coat health is strongly influenced by their diet, particularly the presence of essential fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to support skin moisture, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the skin barrier. According to the American Kennel Club, omega-3s can “help manage dry, itchy skin and support overall coat health,” especially during seasonal changes (akc.org).
For pets with chronic skin concerns or recurring winter discomfort, veterinarians may recommend supplements or therapeutic diets specifically formulated for skin support. These diets typically include elevated levels of omega-3 fatty acids, as well as vitamins A and E and other targeted nutrients that help strengthen skin integrity and improve moisture retention.
Indoor Winter Care
Winter pet care doesn’t end at the door. The sudden shifts between cold outdoor air and warm, dry indoor heat can exacerbate skin dryness and irritation. The ASPCA also advises keeping your home humidified and towel-drying pets as soon as they come inside. This is especially important for sensitive areas like between toes and paw pads.
Coats and sweaters can help certain pets, especially short-haired or smaller breeds. They help them stay warm and dry on damp, snowy days. But grooming remains important: trimming fur between the toes reduces the risk of snowballs or salt accumulation, and trimming nails helps with traction on icy surfaces. (vcahospitals.com)
Frequent bathing during cold spells can strip away essential natural oils from skin and fur resulting in dryness, flakiness, and discomfort. During winter, it’s best to bathe pets as sparingly as possible. If bathing is necessary, a moisturizing, vet‑approved shampoo or rinse is recommended.
Making The Winter Count
Winter pet care takes effort that blends warmth, hygiene, skin and paw protection, and awareness of environmental hazards. By using protective gear like booties, applying paw balms or waxes, incorporating omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat support, cleaning paws after every walk, and maintaining a comfortable indoor environment, pet owners can take proactive steps to prevent discomfort, infection, and long-term skin damage.
At Koala Health, we believe every season is an opportunity to strengthen the care and connection you share with your pets. Winter wellness is about more than simply surviving the cold, it’s about thriving safely, comfortably, and joyfully during the months when your pets need a little extra attention.
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Disclaimer:
The information provided on the Koala Health blog is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not veterinarians, and the content shared should not be interpreted as medical advice for your pet. Always consult your veterinarian or a qualified animal healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your pet's health or medical conditions.