Does your pet enjoy the winter or find it comfortable under a smooth cozy blanket? In both ways, there needs to be adequate protection for the pet before you let them face the consequences of cold weather.
Dogs are the real faithful companions for many of the pet-lovers, and nowadays, they also consider taking care of them with hygienic dedicated food, health, and pet dog accessories online like cute name tags, bow ties, etc.
The dog owners also make sure that they put vibrant and greatly colored dog bandanas on dogs’ necks to provide warmth and develop calming effects.
As a true caretaker for your beloved pet, it is essential to keep your dog happy and secure and ensure that they go through the best times in the winter season just like any other season.
Cold weather needs to be considered seriously because it can pose certain threats to the life of your pets. When it is too cold for you and you shiver, then this can mean that it is too cold and uncomfortable for your pet as well.
This blog discusses in detail various tips to take care of your dog during winter.
Diet tips for your dog in Winter
The nutrition your pet receives determines their health and the condition of the coat. Worried about how to maintain a healthy diet plan for your dog? Fret not. Here is a quick guide to help you with diet tips for your dog.
- Choose to feed fresh and species-appropriate home-cooked dog meals over packaged commercial cupcake recipes for dogs as they often lack the right amount of nutrition and carry many harmful ingredients and preservatives. There are many dog food services that offer freshly cooked meals at your doorstep
- Include more fatty protein such as red meat
- Add warm bone broth as a healthy snack in between meals or add these as part of your dog’s meals at least once a day
- Keep a watch on your dog’s treat consumption. Dog treats are generally quite high in calories. If you use treats to motivate and train your dog, use smaller pieces to ensure you are not overfeeding your dog
To know more about this over here and what to feed your dog in winter in detail, do check out our in-depth interview with a renowned canine nutritionist in India.
15 Winter Care Tips for your Dog
1. Sweater Care
Certain dog breeds have thick fur, which can help them with natural warmth despite cold temperatures. But fur coats don’t always have to be warm, the case is different when we consider dogs with thin coats and certain with thick coats too. They might require a sweater to go out for winter walks. It’s ideal to wear a coat that can cover the neck to the tail base, and that completely safeguards the belly. Though this can give you the optimum temperature, these will not restrict frostbite in feet, tail, ears, etc. So it is important to note that it is not good to let your dog out in cold temperatures for too long. You can also check out pet dog accessories like personalized dog collars that provide warmth and comfort to the dog.
2. Walk dog when it is sunny
Some dogs feel extremely cold in the winter, especially those with thin coats. In such circumstances, you may try to walk her in the hours when the temperature is quite warm, like late mornings, or even the afternoon hours. Avoid walks in the early morning and late evening. Spending time playing outdoors provides Vitamin D to your pet and you as well. It is advised to use safe toys to play with instead of sticks so that you can avoid injuries. Make sure that your dog gets enough sunshine.
3. Reduce outdoor time during winter
It’s natural for sometimes your family pet feels like spending time outdoors, but during the winter, even the dog with thick fur can get affected by cold weather. Frostbite can impact the tails, ears, and paws of your dog. You may take your dog for exercise, walk or play, but ensure that you don’t leave them outside for long during cold weather. Be sure your dog doesn’t show any signs of feeling uncomfortable with the dropping temperature.
4. Choose the right bedding
Now that you know you should restrict the time you walk your dog outdoors, it is also important to choose the best bedding that lets your dog stay warm and extremely comfortable. To ensure that your dog stays warm, you can use warm blankets, and raised beds. This can also let your dog be safe from the cold tiles, concrete, and uncarpeted grounds. This warm spot can turn out to be your pet’s favorite so that they might sleep comfortably every day in the same place, and get used to good health habits.
5. Protect your dog from heating sources
During winters, dogs usually need heat and go in search of heating sources to stay comfortable. However, be careful and avoid space heaters and deploy baseboard radiator panels or covers to prevent the dog from getting burnt. Additionally, go for a pet-proof system so that you can save them and keep them away from dangerous accidents.
6. Apply Moisturizer to heal skin
The pet’s skin gets affected due to the dryness and roughness of cold weather. You can add a coat supplement to the dog’s food to avoid skin getting flaky. Another way is to apply coconut oil to the skin. Being a natural moisturizer and healthy option, coconut oil can let your pet’s paws, ears, and tail stay normal, without any cracks or dryness.
7. Give your dog an energy-filled diet
Instead of fat, try feeding dogs with an extra layer meant for a coat. The freezing temperature can make your dog lazy and it might need fewer calories. Take care of the dog’s activity level and also decide on the calories according to it. Choose whole foods of high quality, you can also go for a diet based on raw foods to ensure an energy-filled diet in the winter. A proper diet can ensure high energy and a good coat for your pet in the cold season.
8. Keep the dog hydrated
Winter seasons need precise care because your dog is more prone to dehydration during winter seasons than in summer. Many dogs prefer eating snow during winter, however, this can’t replace fresh drinking water. Ensure that your dog gets ample water by keeping a bowl of water in the yard, also do remember to break the layer of ice forming on the top.
9. Take care of your dog
A neat and well-maintained coat is necessary to let your dog stay healthy and protected. If your pet prefers to be outdoors more, then this is very necessary. Dry your dog carefully after bathing, and leave it outside only after this is done.
10. Consider Paw care
You might develop foot cracks during winter. The same goes for the cracked pads of dogs in winter. If your dog’s feet are furry, then you can carefully trim the hair growing between the cracked pads, to avoid the build-up of ice between them. On city sidewalks, you might have come across the winter salt. This is highly toxic and will burn the dog’s pads deeply. Hence after the usual walks, make sure you wipe the winter salt from the dog’s paws to prevent them from licking it. You may also use dog booties, in case of walking along salted or frozen surfaces, to protect the paws.
11. Clear the snow when necessary
Though snow is fun and happy to see or play with, the presence of piled snow near your fences gives escape routes to the dogs which they use to climb over. If you clear the snow, then it is ideal to make the pile away from the fences, so that your dog won’t climb over it. Snowy ice present on the rooftops is highly dangerous because when the temperature rises, there are chances for them to slide over your pet and injure it. If you are unable to clear away the snow from rooftops, then you may keep the dog away from the overhangs of roofs to avoid injury.
12. Keep an eye on where your dog plays
Your dog might have fun playing outdoors, but it’s ideal to take indoor breaks for warming. If you walk through areas unfamiliar to you, then walk with your dog close to you. Let your dog stay away from unsafe places like lakes and ponds which are frozen. They might not be visible properly and are covered with heavy snow, hence it is better to keep a distance from them and avoid playing near these areas.
13. Avoid exposure to toxins
Antifreeze is an essential add-on to your garage during winters. It is sweet to both your pets and children and easily seeks their attention. They may even bother to try out these toxic substances and lick or drink them. Even a small amount of this is highly dangerous and fatal. Always remember to keep your dog away from access to the antifreeze, the garage, and the driveway.
14. Don’t leave the dog inside the car without your presence
Summer keeps your cars extremely hot and winter is just the opposite. This extremely cold weather will keep your cars unsafe for dogs to thrive. If your vehicle is parked in the garage, it might cause carbon monoxide toxicity creating serious risks to the life of your pet. Instead of leaving your dogs in the car, it is advised to leave them at your home once you go out.
15. Give Special Attention to Seniors
Your dog may suffer from arthritis due to winter. Hence, exercise is essential to keep them healthy and away from joint pains. Also, take care of the surfaces and ensure they aren’t slippery. Consider allocating a warm and cozy area for your senior dogs, and give a natural supplement for joints to often lubricate joints to reduce the discomfort. The cold and harsh winter winds can make your dog feel uncomfortable. In such cases, you must pay special attention to the health of your loyal partner to keep them healthy throughout their lifespan.
Wrap Up
It is not only about having a pet dog at your home. It is also important to take utmost care of your dog during every season and consider their lives as the way you care for yourself. Let those happy paws and cozy tails give your dogs the best life with pleasure and leisure around while having you pamper them and be there for all their needs.
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