While most of us humans know how to layer up for the cold [archives.nsf] our furry friends need a helping paw to stay warm during the colder months. Although most dogs have fur which naturally insulates them against the cold, many would still find it quite painful from the sting of winter temperatures. Regardless of your dogs affinity to winter or their sensitivity to the cold, there are many things you can do to keep them comfortable throughout this chilly season. Following are the few key points, which you should consider to keep your doggie safe, warm and happy during the winters.
1. Cozy and Insulated Dog Beds
Ensuring your dog has a warm, insulated bed is one of the most critical elements for their cold weather comfort. Dogs like the rest of us like to stretch out on a nice cold tile, or wood floor in summer but when it is cold outside those same tiles can become too chilling for Fido. Make sure that your pet has a warm and cozy place to sleep, this is particularly important for senior dogs and thin coated breeds.
Choose winter beds made for the season such as having thermal or self-heating capabilities. American Kennel Club Cuddler Solid Pet Bed [$29 70] These gigantic round self-warming dog beds will make sure your dog does not get cold no matter how room temperature drops, as they help trap your dog’s body heat. Or in a very cold place, you may want to have an additional blanket or even a heated dog mat. You should not miss out on taking the extra precaution of keeping your dog off the cold ground which can help prevent stiff joints, discomforts and even a cold.
2. Winter Dog Coats and Sweaters
But not all doggos are as well-suited for colder climates. Small breeds, short-haired dogs and puppies are high-risk in the cold and can benefit very much from wearing an extra layer of a dog coat or a re:cent type of dog sweaters. The key feature of dog winter coats is ensuring that your pooch gets some essential weather protection especially when out and about on wintry walks or playing in the front yard.
Size is crucial when selecting your dog a coat – it must extend from right behind your pups back all the way to his underbelly as these are the parts that will certainly get cold. When you come from a place like mine, suffering from rain and then snow, you should just cover your canine to keep them dry and not to have water absorbed into their coat thus avoiding more discomfort. Always ensure the coat is well fitted but not too tight that it will interfere with normal movement.
3. Tips for Winter Care of Your Doggereeton Silver-Tipped Bootiest
Winters can be brutal on your dog’s feet, especially if you are walking them along snowy pavement or icy terrain. During winter road salt, ice and cold surfaces in general can lead to his paw pads drying out or becoming irritated enough to crack or discomfort. For dogs that are a bit more active, the best way to protect their paws during winter walks is with protective dog boots or paw wax.
Dog boots keep cold and ice out while providing traction on slippery roads without risking injury from rough surfaces. If your dog won’t wear boots, you can apply some WAX to his paws which will protect them by forming an insulating layer while still caring for their skin. Wipe your dog’s paws after each walk and prevent skin irritation from chemicals contained in road salt.
4. Hydration is Still Key
Especially when it is cold outside, we forget that hydration is just as important in the winter months as it is in the summer months. Dogs may be less thirsty when the weather is colder, but they still need an adequate intake of water to stay healthy. In fact, our heated houses will dry out the air inside, which makes winter the right time of year for dehydration to sneak up on dogs.
Your dog must always have fresh water inside the house and out. But if you go outside to spend the day with your dog, remember to bring a little water bottle so we can avoid dehydration. For your outdoor dogs, you may want to take a look into heated water bowls so that their precious little water doesn’t freeze in the super cold. This same breathing air dries-out the skin, so proper hydration also is important to keep Fido itch free scratching himself constantly.
5. Continue with Consistent Indoor and Out of Doors Exercising
Wind chill or not, the need for exercise doesn’t change – even if your dog would rather just cuddle up with you on the couch. Exercise is essential for maintaining the health of your dog’s muscles and joints, as well as preventing weight gain from inactivity brought about by winter’s reduced daylight hours.
If your dog is cold-tolerant, do not forget to continue to walk the dogs in such weather, or have a good time with him outside, though always keeping an eye on very low temperatures! Be vigilant in watching for signs your dog is cold, like shivering or trying to pick their paws up off the ground and if you notice anything that looks uncomfortable about them, take them inside.
If your dog is less indoor outdoor inclined,try providing indoor activities to keep them busy. That could entail interactive toys, puzzles or a five-minute indoor play session. Indoor fetch, tug-of-war, or hide-and-seek are good ways to tire them out and prevent the cold they will get from staying outside.
6. Cold Weather Balanced Nutrition
During the winter months, dogs may need a little more food to keep them happy and warm as their energy demands go up in order to stay ahead of frigid temperatures….But make sure to increase this moderately according to your dog’s activity level. Obviously, dogs that are outside more during the winter months and/or have higher activity levels will inherently require more calories in order to maintain enough body heat; indoor dogs can often afford a lower calorie adjustment.
Confer with your vet to make sure your dog has a balanced diet for the chilly season. A diet full of nutrients as well as healthy fats also greatly benefits their skin and coat which can begin to dry up from indoor heating, or feel the harsh effects of winter air.
7. Cold-Weather Hazards That Dogs Need Protected From
Winter means different risks to the safety of your dog, and that leads me to this handle. Antifreeze, used in cars during the winter months, is sweet to taste yet very toxic for dogs. Always clean up spills immediately so your pet won’t lap them up while you are unable to kijken, and remember that antifreeze is deadly poisonous to all domestic animals. Finally, if you live near water that is frozen over please be cautious of thin ice.
Indoors, ensure that heaters or fireplaces are correctly secured and out of the range for your dog. This is the season that many pet loving customers use heating devices to lure their dogs or cats. But animals are not human beings, it is true, and if you deny this, then your dog can burn itself on the coils. Ensuring you have a heated dog bed or heating pad for your dog to use on their own can bring comfort to those winter nights and will prevent them from being hurt in any way.
8. Winter Grooming Essentials
Grooming is important for your dog in the winter. The cold weather might tempt you to skip baths or grooming, but your dog’s cleanliness is just as important in the winter. It also helps to keep his coat healthy, and remove dead fur which can prevent matting (making it difficult for him to naturally insulate).
However, you should be careful when bathing your dog too regularly in winter because it may eliminate natural oils from their coat that help provide insulation. They should be bathed with moisturizing shampoos and conditioners to stop them from drying out so much, but are not allowed outside until they have been properly dried and will not catch a chill.
In conclusion: A warm, happy dog is a cozy, well-ventilated dog
These are some little — and big! — things you can do now to help keep your dog comfortable, safe, and happy in the cold this winter. Ensuring that your dog is catered with a comfortable slumber and layers upon layers of fur, maintaining proper pampering for paws, and the benefits of regular hydration will all help to make their winter…a hot one. Having these tips on hand will keep you happily enjoying the season together — complete with cozy indoor snuggles and rosy-cheeked outdoor adventures.
