No worries there. Crusty legs. Mine have it in the colder months. U can put Vaseline with no worries if your concerned. Me and my hubby say something to break the tension when im being overly paranoid to break the mood. We say "clam down" instead of calm down. It instantly breaks the tension and i relax a bit. Hope all this works 4 u. P.s. we only say clam down now...its hard not to crack a smile saying that to the pit bull. Happy holidays 
