In today's issue:

-Meet our adoptable dog of the day

-Enjoy a laugh with our dog meme of the day

-Get great information in our featured article

-Take our action of the week

-Check out our family photo of the day

Join our Facebook group - Post Your Pooch!

Real Food Without the Hassle

Fresh dog food sounds great — until you’re thawing it in the sink every morning. Sundays skips all of that. It’s gently air-dried in the US, which locks in nutrition and flavor without needing a freezer, prep, or cleanup. Just scoop it straight from the bag into the bowl. It’s shelf-stable, mess-free, and easy to take on trips — built for real life with a dog, not a lab schedule. I Love Every Dog readers: your dog’s next meal is one scoop away — and it’s 30% off your first order with Sundays For Dogs.

Try Sundays Today — 30% Off Your First Order

How Often to Wash Your Dog in Colder Months

With cooler air, muddy trails, and indoor heating in full swing, many dog parents find themselves asking a common question at the tub’s edge: How often does my dog actually need a bath during the winter?

The short answer? Usually less often than in the summer! For most pups, a bath every 4 to 8 weeks during the colder months is plenty. However, the exact schedule depends on your dog's lifestyle, coat type, and skin health. Here is everything you need to know to keep your dog clean, cozy, and comfortable all season long.

Quality over Frequency: Knowing Your Dog's Needs

When it comes to winter bathing, one size definitely doesn’t fit all. Here is how different factors come into play:

• Short & Smooth Coats (e.g., Beagles, Boxers, Labradors): Short-haired dogs often need fewer baths in winter—about once every 6 to 8 weeks—unless they’ve had an energetic romp in the mud.
• Double or Thick Coats (e.g., Huskies, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds): Thick coats protect against cold weather and naturally repel dirt. Bathing every 6 to 8 weeks is usually ideal. Tip: Avoid over-bathing double coats in winter, as stripping natural oils can compromise their natural insulation.
• Curly or Long Hair (e.g., Poodles, Doodles, Shih Tzus): Breeds that require regular grooming still need routine baths every 4 to 6 weeks to prevent mats, which trap moisture and cold air against the skin.
• Active Adventure Pups: If your dog's idea of fun involves splashing through freezing puddles or snowdrifts, spot-cleaning dirty paws and bellies after walks will save you from giving full baths every few days.

Why Less is More in Winter

It might be tempting to stick to your summer grooming routine, but winter presents two unique challenges for canine skin: dry air and indoor heating.

Over-bathing in winter washes away the essential natural oils that coat your dog's skin and fur. Without those protective oils, your pup can end up with itchy, flaky skin and a dull coat. Plus, damp fur takes much longer to dry in chilly weather, leaving your dog susceptible to feeling cold and uncomfortable.

Warm & Cozy Tips for Winter Bath Time

When it is time for bath day, a few extra steps will make the experience safe, soothing, and stress-free:

1. Keep It Lukewarm: Warm water feels great, but hot water strips natural oils fast and can dry out sensitive skin. Stick to comfortably lukewarm water.
2. Choose a Hydrating Shampoo: Switch to a gentle, oatmeal-based or aloe-infused pet shampoo. Avoid human products entirely, as dogs have a different skin pH than we do.
3. Dry Thoroughly Before Going Outside: Never let a freshly washed dog step outside into cold weather while damp! Towel dry extensively, and if your dog isn't afraid of noise, use a hair dryer on a low, warm (never hot) setting.
4. Pamper the Paws: Winter sidewalk salt and de-icers can burn delicate paw pads. Wipe paws with a warm, damp cloth after outdoor walks, and consider applying a pet-safe paw balm to prevent cracking.

The Ultimate Winter Alternative: Spot Cleaning

You don’t always need a full tub session to keep your pup smelling fresh! Between baths, try these low-maintenance alternatives:

• Brushing Daily: Brushing removes loose fur, lifts dirt, and stimulates the natural oils that keep your dog's skin healthy and coat shiny.
• Waterless Shampoo or Dog Wipes: Great for quick cleanup on muddy paws, bellies, or face folds without disturbing the rest of their coat.
• Baking Soda Refresh: A light sprinkle of baking soda brushed through dry fur acts as a natural deodorizer!

A Little Winter TLC Goes a Long Way

Winter is a wonderful time to cuddle up indoors with your furry best friend after a crisp, invigorating walk. By stretching out bath times and focusing on skin hydration, you’ll keep your dog’s coat healthy, shiny, and ready for whatever chilly adventures lie ahead.

Dog Food and Supplement Recalls

Here are the recent recalls and advisories:

• FI - Pet Supplements: Potential Salmonella Contamination
• Northwest Naturals - Chicken Recipe: Potential Salmonella and/or Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination
• Fromm - Wet Canned Dog Food: Potential Metal Contamination
• Oma's Pride - Canine Food: Contaminated with Salmonella

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We want to feature your pup!

We want to share your pup with our pack. Email us your favorite doggy pic or video with your pup’s name, and we'll try to feature it as a family photo in one of our upcoming newsletters or on our Facebook page.