Winter Dog Care Tips for Dry Skin & Odor | Dog Skincare Reimagined
A skincare-first approach to keeping dogs fresh, hydrated, and comfortable — from Jan & Nancy, co-founders of the canine project®
Winter changes everything — especially when it comes to winter dog skin care.
As the temperatures drop, we see it every year: dogs with dry skin, dull coats, and that not-so-fresh smell that shows up from walks in rain, snow, and slush between baths. And almost instinctively, well-meaning dog parents reach for more baths.
But here’s the truth: over-bathing dogs in winter can worsen dry skin, irritation, and odor, especially for dogs with sensitive skin.
That’s why winter dog care should focus on hydrating, soothing, and cleansing gently between baths. At the canine project®, we take a skin-first approach to dog care, supporting healthy skin so dogs stay comfortable, fresh, and hydrated all year long.
Why We Think About Dog Skin Differently
Jan: I’ve spent my career in beauty and skincare, working with high-performing, clean formulations designed to protect and support human skin — not strip it. In skincare, we’re taught to respect the skin barrier, avoid over-cleansing, and focus on daily maintenance rather than aggressive fixes.
Nancy: And I spend my days caring for dogs who work — dogs on set, outdoors, under bright lights, long hours, and close contact with people. They need to look great, smell fresh, and feel comfortable every single day. Frequent baths simply aren’t an option.
So when we looked at traditional dog grooming routines, we kept asking the same question:
Don’t dogs’ skin deserve the same level of care — and the same high-quality ingredients — we expect from human skincare?
Winter Dog Skin Care: Why Cold Weather Changes Everything
Cold outdoor air combined with dry indoor heat is tough on skin — human and canine alike. During winter, we often see:
- Increased dryness and flaking
- Compromised skin barrier
- Dull coats that don’t hold moisture
- Odor that starts at the skin level, not the fur
And here’s what doesn’t help: bathing more often.
Just like over-washing our own faces can leave skin tight, irritated, and reactive, frequent dog baths can strip away the natural oils that protect the skin. That can actually make dryness and odor worse over time.
Jan’s Skincare Perspective: Why Over-Bathing Isn’t Care
In human beauty, perhaps we exfoliate every day. We try to reset our skin constantly. In winter, we are mindful of the harsher weather conditions, so we use products that are hydrating and moisturizing to support the skin barrier with daily care.
Dog skin deserves the same respect.
When skin is stripped too often, it produces oil unevenly, becomes more sensitive, and loses its ability to regulate itself. What looks like a “clean slate” can actually be stressed skin.
That’s why winter care should focus less on bathing and more on consistent, gentle maintenance.
Nancy’s Reality: What Dogs Need Between Baths
For dogs who work — and honestly, for dogs who simply live full, active lives — baths are occasional. What they need daily is:
- Light cleansing after walks, play, or cuddles
- Odor control without heavy fragrance
- Products that are fast, gentle, and non-irritating
- Skin support that keeps them comfortable
Between-bath care isn’t a shortcut. It’s a smarter routine.
Fresh Doesn’t Mean Fragranced: Rethinking Dog Odor Control
One of the biggest misconceptions in dog care is that “fresh” means fragranced.
Heavy perfumes don’t solve odor — they mask it. And on sensitive winter skin, they can cause irritation or dryness.
We believe freshness should feel elevated, subtle, and spa-like — the way clean skin naturally smells when it’s healthy.
When skin is balanced and hydrated, coats simply smell better.
Between-Bath Dog Care: the canine project® Method
We built our daily care philosophy around skincare principles:
- Cleanse gently without stripping
- Hydrate daily to support the skin barrier
- Reduce stress on the skin, especially in winter
A simple winter routine we use and recommend:
- Bathe according to the needs of your dog
- Use DAILY RE:FRESH.™ between baths to gently cleanse, refresh, and lightly scent the coat
- Apply BEYOND THE FUR™ to soothe itchy, irritated skin and support hydration, recovery, and skin health
This approach keeps dogs comfortable, soft, and fresh — without overdoing it.
Why Daily Dog Skin Care Is the Most Luxurious Choice
Luxury isn’t about excess. It’s about intention.
In skincare, the most effective routines are the ones you do consistently. Dog care is no different.
Taking a moment each day to refresh your dog, support their skin, and making them feel good isn’t just functional — it’s a ritual. It’s care that strengthens trust and connection.
And in winter, when skin needs extra support, those small daily moments make the biggest difference.
Final Thoughts From Us
Dogs rely on us to make thoughtful choices on their behalf.
When we apply the same care standards we expect from human skincare — clean ingredients, high performance, and respect for the skin — dog care becomes something more elevated, more effective, and more loving.
Winter dog care doesn’t require more bathing. It requires better daily skin care and gentle cleansing between baths.
That’s how we keep dogs fresh, comfortable, and beautifully cared for — all season long.
