Winters are approaching and nights turn freezing for all – you might consider taking some additional steps to keep your pets warm and safe. In this blog, we will discuss how to protect dogs from cold winter.
Whether it is adding extra blankets to their kennel or ordering heating pads – it is a smart move to try a combination of things that makes their life cozier and healthier this winter. Winter dog care tips help you to save your dogs from cold weather.
Your dog may enjoy the winters or may rather avoid coming out of the blanket – either way, you must prepare for the chilly nights. Keeping your dog nice and tidy during winter can be a challenge if you do not start early.
Here are some tips on How to protect dogs from cold weather: Winter Dog Care Tips
Monitor the temperature:
Keep a watch on the inside temperature by using an apparatus, especially during extreme climatic conditions. Some dog breeds can sustain dropping temperatures. These dogs can sustain temperature drops due to the shaggy coats blessed naturally.
However, some may require additional jackets or dog coats to keep them warm. Look out for the signs in your pet, like shivering and wet eyes, then take immediate action. Get a well-fitted coat for your dog. It will cover the neck, to the base of the tail, and the belly.
The dog jackets do not cover the ears, feet, and tail so, that doesn’t ensure 100% safety from frostbite. Also, avoid trimming the coat or fur of your pets during winters.
Plan your walks:
Look outside and plan your outdoor walking and activities accordingly. When the sun is out, and the temperatures are a little warmer during the daytime, you can plan the dog walks.
Avoid heading out during early mornings and late evenings. You can spend the outdoor time playing fetch games using toys, use frisbee or ball to enjoy some natural Vitamin D.
Play indoors:
You can plan some indoor activities. Select fun activities for you and your pet to bond. Furry dogs may find it easier to take walks but, smaller hair pets and puppies struggle during freezing conditions.
Time outdoor activity of your dog. Ensure that they return within some time, and don’t spend all evening outside. You can plan small activities on your patio, rare garden, and staircase.
Add beddings:
Just like you add extra blankets during winters, your pet will also require added beddings and sheets. You can make some simple changes in the house like adding rugs and carpets in the living spaces, placing old throws and blankets to your dog’s kennel, and raising the bed to higher areas to keep off the cold floorings.
You can even relocate your furry friend’s sleeping spot, closer to warm corners of the house. Lookout for draughts and leaks from the windows to ensure that they stay warm all the time.
Install a great heating system:
You might have to consider installing some heating systems at home like heating lamps and heating pads for your pet. Ensure that your quadruped friend does not curl up too close to the radiators and gets burnt. You can install baseboard heater covers for safety.
Special skincare:
Take exceptional care of the dog skin from dryness and freezing weather by using natural moisturizer. You can also use coconut oil that keeps the scalp and coat of the animal healthy.
You do not want your fur friend to suffer from flaky skin that can even lead to further skin problems. You can bring simple changes to the food and diet that help nourish the skin.
Also, check for the cracking paws, ears, and tail that require an equal amount of skincare.
Plan the diet:
It is advisable to increase the food of your pets during winters. Digestion helps in keeping the body temperature high. However, avoid overfeeding your four-legged companions.
More food and less activity will result in laziness and lethargy in your pets. You can bring changes in the meals by adding a raw meat-based diet during colder weather.
Hydration is the key:
It is a myth that dehydration only happens during summers; your pets always require a regular intake of freshwater to stay healthy and hydrated during colder spells.
Hit the salon:
You always get a new grooming appointment for your pooch; how about special autumn and winter tidying session. You might check with your pet salon for special winter fur trim styles that retain more hair and yet help keep it neat.
Go for thorough drying of the shaggy hair after a hot bath of your pet. Remove the matted hair and give a nice brush regularly. A lumpy and tangles fur will attract dampness and lead to severe illness in animals.
Special paw care:
Did you know that dog paws are the most sensitive parts of the body? Never ignore the nips and cuts on the paws, especially after outdoor activities. Look for foot cracks and dirt build-up in the nails that might lead to skin ailments.
Winter salts and chemicals (prevent icing on pavements) can lead to toxic burns to your dogs’ paws. Sometimes your dogs might accidentally lick the paws and digest these chemicals leading to severe illness. Always wipe the pet paws after an outdoor walk or make them wear boots to protect the paws.
The leash is significant:
You might have a well-trained dog. However,t it is important to use a leash during walks and outdoor visits. It is quite a straightforward way to ensure that the dog is safe and not exposed to anything dangerous. Never leave your pet unattended, whether in open spaces or inside the car.
Winter Exercise Tips For Your Dog – Winter Dog Care Tips
In the winter, it is always cold outside, but it is important that your dog gets exercise on a daily basis. Exercise is a crucial part of a dog’s physical and mental health. This will make winter more comfortable for your dog.
Play games with your dog
Hide and seek is a very good way to get your dog warm in the cold winter and physically fit. Hide a treat and ask your dog to find it. Let your dog fetch its favorite toy.
Dog treadmills and indoor walking
There are treadmills on the market specifically designed for dogs. Spend a few days familiarizing your dog with how it works. Start with a slow speed and always stand with your dog to motivate her.