In partnership with

Your daily dose of doggy goodness!

Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!

Dog of the Day:

Baxter!

Meme of the day: The Daily Struggle!

If you work in fintech or finance, you already have too many tabs open and not enough time.

Fintech Takes is the free newsletter senior leaders actually read. Each week, we break down the trends, deals, and regulatory moves shaping the industry — and explain why they matter — in plain English.

No filler, no PR spin, and no “insights” you already saw on LinkedIn eight times this week. Just clear analysis and the occasional bad joke to make it go down easier.

Get context you can actually use. Subscribe free and see what’s coming before everyone else.

Cozy Canines: Is Winter Giving Your Dog Dry Skin?

As the temperatures drop and the cozy indoor heat cranks up, many of us start reaching for our own moisturizer. But have you stopped to think about your furry best friend's skin? You might be surprised to learn that, yes, dogs absolutely can get dry, itchy skin in the winter, and it can make them just as uncomfortable as it makes us!

The cold, dry air outside, combined with the even drier air from your central heating inside, creates a perfect storm that strips moisture from your dog's skin and coat. This can lead to a condition that's common but easily manageable.

Signs Your Pup Might Be Feeling Parched

So, how can you tell if your dog is battling the winter dry-out? Keep an eye (and a gentle hand) out for these common signs:

Excessive Scratching or Licking: If your dog seems itchier than usual, especially without the presence of fleas, dry skin is a likely culprit.
Flaky Skin or "Dandruff": Those little white flakes settling in their fur are often dry, dead skin cells.
Redness or Irritation: Excessive scratching can lead to visible red, irritated, or scaly patches of skin.
A Dull Coat: Healthy skin contributes to a shiny coat. If your dog's fur looks lackluster or brittle, it could be a sign of dehydration from within.
Cracked or Dry Paws: The harsh elements, especially ice, snow, and road salt, can be particularly tough on their paw pads.

❝

Note: While dry winter air is a common cause, persistent or severe skin issues can also be signs of underlying conditions like allergies or other health problems. If at-home remedies don't help, or if the skin is broken, bleeding, or infected, it's always best to consult your veterinarian!

Simple Steps to Soothe and Protect

The good news is that you can make a big difference with a few simple, loving adjustments to their routine!

Optimize Their Environment

Bring on the Humidity! Since central heating is a major factor in drying out the air, an easy solution is to use a humidifier in the room where your dog spends the most time (like the living room or their sleeping area). Aim for a healthy humidity level to benefit both of you!
Keep Them Hydrated: Encourage them to drink plenty of fresh water. You can try adding a splash of unsalted, unseasoned bone broth to their water or food for an extra inviting, hydrating boost.

Tailor Their Grooming

Brush Regularly: Daily or weekly brushing not only removes dead skin and loose hair but also helps distribute your dog's natural skin oils (sebum) throughout their coat. This acts as a natural moisturizer.
Rethink Bath Time: While a clean dog is a happy dog, over-bathing can strip essential oils from their skin, worsening dryness. Try to reduce bath frequency in the winter. When you do bathe them, use a lukewarm temperature and a moisturizing, oatmeal-based, or sensitive-skin shampoo designed for dogs. Always follow up with a pet conditioner to lock in moisture.

Nourish from the Inside Out

Boost with Omega-3s: Essential Fatty Acids, especially Omega-3s (like those found in fish oil), are powerhouse supplements for skin and coat health. They help support the skin's barrier function and can reduce inflammation that causes itchiness. Talk to your vet about adding a supplement to your dog's diet.
High-Quality Diet: Ensure your dog is eating a high-quality, nutritionally balanced food. Good fats and vitamins from their diet are the foundation of healthy skin.

Protect Those Paws

Use a Paw Balm: Before winter walks, apply a dog-safe paw balm or wax to create a protective barrier against ice, snow, and salt.
Wipe Down After Walks: Immediately after coming inside, use a damp cloth or pet-safe wipe to clean their paws. This removes irritating salt and chemicals that can cause cracking and soreness.

This winter, a little extra attention to their skin and coat can make a huge difference in your dog's comfort and happiness. By implementing a few of these simple steps, you can help ensure your canine companion is just as cozy and comfortable as you are all season long!

Dog Food and Supplement Recalls

Here are the recent recalls and advisories:

Foodynamics - Freeze Dried Pet Treats for potential Salmonella contamination.
Nature’s Own - Pet Chews Bully Bites Treats for potential Salmonella contamination.
Viva - Ground Beef for Dogs and Ground Chicken for Dogs and Cats for potential Salmonella and Listeria contamination.
Savage Pet - Cat Food Chicken for potential bird flu exposure.

Family Photo of the Day:

Frank!

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.

Share our newsletter with your friends!