Cold Weather Care for Your Dog: Ears, Wrinkles, Toes & Nose
When the temperatures drop and the snow starts falling, we bundle up in coats, scarves, and boots — but what about our dogs? Cold weather can be tough on our furry friends, especially when it comes to their ears, wrinkles, toes, and nose. Just like humans, dogs can suffer from dryness, cracking, and irritation during the winter season. The good news? With a little dog care (and the right products), you can keep your pup comfortable and healthy all season long.
Let’s dig into the most common cold-weather dog issues — and how to treat them using the Squishface line of dog-safe skincare products.
Dog Ears: Keep Them Clean and Dry
Cold weather often brings moisture — snow, slush, and rain — and that can spell trouble for your dog’s ears. Moisture trapped in the ear canal creates a perfect environment for yeast and bacteria to grow. Dogs with floppy ears or heavy ear folds (like English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, Cocker Spaniels, and Basset Hounds) are especially prone to ear infections in the winter.
Signs of trouble:
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Redness or swelling inside the ear
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Excessive head shaking or scratching
To prevent irritation and infection, clean your dog’s ears regularly with Squishface Ear Wipes. These gentle dog wipes remove dirt, wax, and moisture without harsh chemicals or fragrances. They’re perfect for routine ear care — especially after a walk in damp or snowy weather.
Pro tip: A little regular maintenance goes a long way toward keeping ears healthy and odor-free.
Wrinkle Care:
Wrinkly-faced dog breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shar Peis are undeniably adorable — but those skin folds can trap moisture, dirt, and bacteria, especially in winter. Snow and slush can get lodged between the folds, leading to irritation, redness, or even infection.
Cold air also dries out the skin, which makes those folds even more sensitive.
What to do:
Keep wrinkles clean and dry with a gentle, non-irritating wipe. Squishface Wrinkle Wipes are designed for sensitive skin and help remove buildup without stripping natural oils. After wiping, make sure to dry the area completely — trapped moisture is the enemy!
Bonus tip: Apply a pea-sized amount of Squishface Wrinkle Paste after cleaning with a Squishface Wrinkle Wipe to keep your dog's wrinkles protected. This magic paste acts as a protective barrier against moisture, while also soothing redness.
Toes and Paws: Protection from Ice & Salt
Winter sidewalks can be brutal on a dog’s paws. Cold temps, road salt, and ice melt chemicals can cause dryness, cracking, and even burns on your dog's paws/paw pads. Snow can also get stuck between your dog’s toes, leading to frostbite in severe cases.
Watch for:
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Limping or licking paws after walks
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Cracked or red paw pads
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Dry, rough skin between the toes
After a nice winter walk, apply Squishface Toe Paste to form a barrier on your dog's paws. It’s formulated to moisturize and protect without being greasy or sticky. After walks, wipe your pup’s paws with Squishface Wrinkle Wipes to remove salt and debris, then reapply the toe paste as needed to keep them soft and healthy.
Pro tip: Trim the fur between your dog’s toes during the winter. It helps prevent ice buildup and makes paw care easier.
Nose: Combat Dryness and Cracks
Cold, dry air can cause your dog’s nose to become flaky, rough, or even cracked — a condition known as nasal hyperkeratosis. It’s not only uncomfortable but can also make it harder for your pup to smell properly (which, let’s be honest, sniffing is one of their favorite hobbies!).
Look for:
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A crusty, dry surface on the nose
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Flaking or peeling skin
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Sensitivity or bleeding cracks
Soothe and restore your pup’s sniffer with Squishface Nose Balm. This rich, dog-safe balm hydrates deeply and helps heal dry or cracked noses. It’s fragrance-free, lick-safe, and easy to apply — just dab a little on your dog’s nose and gently rub it in.
Regular use helps maintain a soft, healthy nose all winter long.
The Bottom Line:
Cold weather doesn’t have to be rough on your dog. With a few simple steps and the right products, you can prevent most winter skin and ear issues before they start.
Here’s your winter dog care checklist:
✅ Clean ears with Squishface Ear Wipes
✅ Keep wrinkles dry and protected
✅ Moisturize & Protect Dog Paws with Squishface Toe Paste
✅ Hydrate dry noses with Squishface Nose Balm
A little extra love and care goes a long way toward keeping your pup comfy and healthy all season. Because when your dog feels good, those snowy walks and cozy cuddles are even better.
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