Hey {{first_name}} Dog Parents 💌,

Winter changes everything for our dogs. The air gets sharper. The ground gets colder. Walks get shorter. And our pups rely on us more than ever to keep them warm, safe, and healthy.

Some dogs pretend they are tiny wolves who can conquer any snow drift. Others take one step outside and immediately regret all their life choices.

Either way, winter care matters.
Today’s newsletter is your guide to keeping your dog safe, warm, and comfortable all season long.

Grab your hot cocoa. Your pup will thank you for reading this one.

Dogs cannot tell us when the cold hurts or when the weather becomes dangerous.
Their bodies speak in quieter ways:

• shivering
• lifting their paws
• licking salt off their fur
• refusing to walk
• drinking less water
• sluggishness after outdoor time

Cold weather affects their skin, their joints, their hydration, and even their mood.
When we understand the risks, we can protect them long before trouble starts.

📌 Winter safety is not about worry. It is about awareness.

Cold ground and sidewalk salt are a painful combination.
Here is how to protect your pup’s feet:

• Apply a dog safe balm before every walk
• Wipe paws after each outing to remove ice melt and chemicals
• Use booties for long or icy walks
• Keep fur trimmed between paw pads to prevent ice balls

Salt can burn. Ice can cut. A little protection makes a huge difference.

Some dogs get cold fast, especially:

• small breeds
• thin coated pups
• senior dogs
• puppies
• dogs with low body fat

If the temperature would feel too cold for a child without a coat, it is too cold for most dogs.

Look for:

• full body shivering
• tense posture
• slow walking
• trying to lift paws off the ground

When the body says “enough,” your job is to listen.

Cold weather calls for comfort food. For dogs too.

Our Snowy Blueberry Bliss Bites are soft, no-bake winter treats made with blueberries, banana, and coconut. They’re gentle on tummies and perfect for a post-walk reward.

They’re simple to make, easy to store, and feel just right for the season. Think of them as a small, homemade way to say, “You’re part of the celebration too.”

🐾 Makes about 15–20 mini bites
❄️ Serve chilled for a fun winter treat
🧡 Great for Christmas week, movie nights, or quiet evenings together

Coats help keep your dog’s core warm and reduce cold related stress.

Great choices for winter:

• insulated puffer coats
• fleece lined jackets
• waterproof shells for snow or slush

Short haired breeds like Pit Bulls, Chihuahuas, and Dachshunds often need coats every day.
Double coated breeds like Huskies may be fine without insulation but still benefit from waterproof shells on wet snow days.

📌 Warm dog equals happy dog.

Cold air pulls moisture from your dog’s body faster than you think.

Encourage drinking by:

• adding warm water to food
• offering bone broth
• keeping indoor air humid
• refilling water bowls more often

Hydrated dogs regulate temperature better and feel more comfortable.

Christmas Eve mornings are cold. Sometimes wet. Sometimes quiet in a way that feels sacred.

And no matter what the weather looks like, your dog still needs their walk.

That’s why we love our “My Best Friend Has Paws” Hoodie. It’s made for devoted dog parents who show up every day, rain or shine, because love doesn’t take a holiday.

✨ Soft, warm, and easy to layer
✨ Perfect for early walks and late-night potty breaks
✨ And every hoodie purchased helps feed dogs in shelters across the country

It’s not just something to wear.
It’s a reminder of who you are and who you show up for.

Winter brings hidden risks. Stay alert for:

• antifreeze drips in driveways
• sidewalk salt that causes burns
• frozen ponds that can break
• ice chunks hiding under soft snow
• increased carbon monoxide risks indoors

Antifreeze tastes sweet to dogs. Even a tiny sip can be fatal and needs immediate veterinary help.

This season, keep a close eye on your garage floor and driveway. A quick wipe could save a life.

If it is too cold for long walks, try these indoor activities:

• hide and seek with treats
• snuffle mats
• simple trick training
• puzzle feeders
• mini fetch in the hallway
• clicker games

A mentally tired dog is just as happy as a physically tired one.

Here’s what every dog parent should have:

• insulated dog coat
• paw balm or booties
• reflective harness and leash
• dog safe ice melt
• emergency preparedness sticker for your home

Speaking of safety…

Emergencies spike in winter.
Heaters. Candles. Frozen pipes.
And when something happens, first responders need to know your pets are inside.

Place this sticker on your door or window near your entrance.
It tells firefighters and rescue teams: “My pet is inside. Save them too.”

It is waterproof, high visibility, and takes two minutes to install.

👉 Get your Emergency Sticker Pack today. Your dog’s safety is worth it.

If this newsletter helped you, pass it to another dog parent who wants a safer winter. You can also send them our signup link so they never miss a winter tip.

🐾 Share the website. Get your free recipe. Make a dog’s day.

Winter can be harsh, but your care softens everything.
Every coat you zip, every paw you wipe, every warm space you create tells your dog, “You’re safe with me.”

Stay warm out there.
Your dog feels your love in every choice.

Wags & gratitude,
Mark
USA Dog Owners Association
Because every dog deserves to feel their best. And so do you. 🐾

💌 P.S.

📬 Subscribe to our full dog-loving universe: dogowner.beehiiv.com
👥 Join the community on Facebook: USA Dog Owners Facebook Page
🎥 Watch the breed in action: YouTube Channel
🎬 Follow our daily dog joy, tips, and treats on TikTok: @usadogowners