Winter in Arizona can be an appealing time to get outdoors, for dogs and their owners alike. The sunny days and cool temperatures keep everyone more comfortable, but even though they’re mild, our southwestern winters still bring dry air, cold weather, and even snow at higher elevations. Here’s what you need to know to protect your pet.
Protecting Your Dog’s Coat and Skin
The low humidity that keeps pets comfortable in hot weather is the same cause of dry skin and shedding when it’s cold.
- Give your dog a good brushing every day. It helps distribute the natural oils in their skin to help keep their coat shiny.
- Bathe your dog less often to prevent dry, itchy skin. And when you do give your dog a bath, use moisturizing products.
- Pay attention to dandruff and staticky fur. Adding a humidifier to the rooms your pet spends the most time in can help.
- Use light sweaters for short-haired or senior pets. If your pet’s fur isn’t quite warm enough for cold morning or evening walks or your elderly pet has trouble with temperature regulation, a sweater or jacket can significantly increase their comfort.
Protecting Your Dog’s Paws, Claws & Nails
If your dogs spend a lot of time outdoors, cracked paw pads and skin irritations are a risk during winter in Arizona. Cold temperatures, dry and rocky ground, and ice melt chemicals can hurt their sensitive paws. So can invasive weeds like foxtails that have thorny barbs.
- Inspect your pet’s feet and nails regularly. Wipe their feet after outdoor walks, and use paw balms as needed to soothe sensitive skin, whether it’s caused by rough ground or dry indoor air.
- Watch for signs of foxtails on your dog’s paws. While some exposure may be unavoidable, don’t let dogs run free through tall grassy areas. Keep tweezers on hand so you can gently remove them, and contact your vet promptly if the affected area shows any signs of infection.
- Avoid outdoor walks during the coldest parts of the day or evening to minimize your pet’s paws contact with low-temperature surfaces.
Dedicated Veterinary Care for Dogs in Gilbert
Knowing more about the hazards present during Arizona winters will make it easier to take great care of your pets. Small steps like improving the humidity of the air in your home to ease their dry skin can help you feel better, too!
And remember, you always have the caring team at Anasazi Animal Clinic to support you. We can help with problems like cracked paw pads, troublesome dandruff or skin irritations. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Photo by Yuki Dog on Unsplash used with permission under the creative commons license for commercial use 01/20/2026