When the temperature drops, so do our pets’ comfort levels. Icy sidewalks, dry air, and darker days can put a damper on their daily routines — and we all know pets thrive on routine. But winter doesn’t have to mean hibernation for pet-care businesses or pet parents. It’s an opportunity to shine, show expertise, and provide year-round support that builds trust and loyalty.
As pet-care providers, you know that cold weather shouldn’t put a freeze on wellness. During the winter months, it’s especially important to take extra care and extra precautions to ensure pets’ safety and well-being. Your business can help pet parents keep their furry friends happy and healthy all season long with these winter pet-care tips.
Winter sidewalks aren’t just cold; they can be downright dangerous. Ice, snow, and road salt can cause paw pad cracks, irritation, and even chemical burns. Protecting dog paws from these elements is crucial, as rock salt and ice balls forming between paw pads can lead to injury, discomfort, and further complications. Even quick outdoor potty breaks can take a toll on sensitive feet.
To keep your clients’ companions safe:
Bonus idea: Host a “Paw Care 101” workshop or livestream with grooming staff or a local vet. It builds trust and positions your business as the go-to expert for cold weather pet care. Remind attendees to inspect paw pads for ice balls and use paw protection products to keep dog paws healthy all winter.
Winter weather often keeps pets (and people) inside, which can lead to boredom, anxiety, and behavior challenges. During winter, caring for pets indoors is especially important to protect their health and comfort when outdoor conditions are harsh. Enrichment isn’t just a perk—it’s essential to overall well-being. Keeping minds and bodies active during the colder months is a great way to show pet parents the added value of your services.
How to turn cabin fever into tail-wagging fun:
Pro tip: Promote indoor playtime packages with automated SMS and email notifications. Include seasonal bundle pricing or limited-time offers to spark engagement.
Just like humans, pets may need more calories to maintain body heat in colder months, especially outdoor-loving or working dogs. Others, however, may exercise less and be prone to seasonal weight gain. For pet-care businesses, this is a perfect opportunity to become a trusted advisor. Along with adjusting calorie needs, it’s important to emphasize proper nutrition for most pets during winter to support their overall health and help maintain body temperature.
Support pet parents with:
You could even partner with a local pet nutritionist or vet to offer a winter diet guide or host a “Winter Wellness Check-In” week.
It’s a common myth that grooming should pause in the winter. In truth, regular grooming is essential year-round. For most dogs, regular brushing is important to maintain a healthy coat, prevent tangles, and distribute natural oils throughout the hair and fur. Thick winter coats can trap moisture, salt, and debris, leading to matting or skin irritation. Snowballs between the toes? Not cute for long.
Support your grooming team by:
You can also include grooming-specific fields in Gingr’s Report Cards, letting pet parents know how their dog did during the appointment and any home care needed.
When recommending grooming products, remind clients to choose shampoos free from harsh chemicals to protect their dog's coat, fur, and skin—especially in colder weather. Proper grooming supports a healthy dog's coat, dog's fur, and dog's skin, helping to prevent dryness and irritation during winter.
- Practice regular brushing to maintain natural oils in the hair and coat.
- Monitor for hot spots and other skin issues.
- Trim long fur between paw pads to prevent ice balls and discomfort.
- Avoid overbathing and use gentle, chemical-free shampoos.
- Pay extra attention to grooming routines during colder weather to keep most dogs comfortable and healthy.
Cold weather can aggravate arthritis, joint stiffness, and other age-related issues. Colder temperatures and cold temperatures can negatively impact pets' health, making extra protection essential to keep them comfortable and safe. Shorter days and extra fur make it harder to notice weight changes or declining energy levels. That’s why proactive health reminders are a must.
Here’s how your team can help:
As temperatures drop, monitor pets closely to ensure they are protected from environmental hazards and their overall health is maintained.
Winter is also prime time to talk about dental health. Many pet parents schedule cleanings during the off-season. Include a note in Report Cards or offer a dental health package in February (National Pet Dental Month!).
Your communication style in the winter months can go a long way in building customer loyalty. Pet parents want to know their companions are safe, happy, and in good hands—especially during inclement weather. It's important to communicate winter safety tips to pet owners and dog owners to help keep pets safe from cold weather hazards.
With Gingr's pet-care business software, you can:
Personalized, proactive communication is a surefire way to turn first-time clients into lifelong customers.
Winter is the perfect time to launch creative campaigns that educate, engage, and drive bookings.
Here are a few ideas:
Promote these events through your digital marketing channels and client communication tools.
Winter wellness isn’t just about survival; it’s about showing up for pets and their people with compassion, smarts, and a little seasonal joy. As a pet-care professional, you have the unique opportunity to make winter feel a little warmer, one tail wag at a time.
With Gingr, you have the tools to be the go-to resource your clients rely on. From automated reminders and online booking to pet report cards and retail add-ons, we help you deliver a pawsitive winter experience that’s all about care, comfort, and connection. Book your personalized demo today!