Just like us human beings, dogs also need special care during the months of winter. Yes, they do have their fur to protect them from the cold. But it is not a perfect insulator for them, especially if it is chilling outside. It means they need extra care for keeping them healthy as well as comfortable in winter.
This article will discuss all the measures that dog owners can adopt to ensure complete safety during the cold season. They are simple to implement, and you won’t be breaking a sweat for it.
So, let us get started.
1) Groom Your Dog Often
In winter, grooming your dog is a must if you want them to stay super-healthy. It is because dogs need a clean and neat coat to keep them well insulated during the cold months. You may have to groom them every time they are home after spending some time outdoors.
After bathing your dog, you should dry your dog thoroughly, especially if you are going with them outside for walks.
2) Take Them for a Walk Only When the Sun Shines
The usual early morning and evening walks can be risky for dogs in winter as they will feel freezing. It is suggested that during the cold months, you take your dog for a walk in the late morning or early afternoon hours when the sun is out. Besides keeping them warm, you can also give them their daily dose of Vitamin D by taking them out during sunny hours.
Your dogs would love to play a game of fetch in the sunlight, and for this, you may consider buying them several dog toys.
3) Prepare Them a Cosy Bedding
It is essential to prepare bedding for your dog when it is chilling outside. Do not let your dog sleep on the floor, as it would be too cold for the dog to tolerate. As a dog owner, you may find enough opportunities to buy a dog blanket that provides excellent warmth for your pets.
Warm blankets can create a snug environment where your dogs will be comfortable. Also, note that raised beds can keep your dog off cold tiles and concrete. You may also consider buying heated beds for them, which keeps the stiffness out of their ageing joints.
4) Take Care of Their Paws
Just like us, humans develop cracks in the feet during winters. Dogs also suffer from a similar condition known as cracked paws. Say, if your dogs have furry feet, you may want to trim the hair nice and short to prevent the buildup of ice between the pads.
You should also know that winter salts can get accumulated in the dog’s paws if you take them for a walk when it is chilling outside. Hence, it would help if you wipe your dog’s feet every time after coming home from walks. The salt can be dangerous, especially if your dog swallows it.
5) Keep them Well Hydrated
Unlike us, dogs get dehydrated just as quickly in winter as in summer. They may lose the urge to drink water as it gets cold, and hence you should be a little careful about it. Though you can find many dogs eating snow, it can never be a substitute for freshwater. If your dog is spending time outdoors, make sure she has access to a bowl of drinking water.
It is suggested that you check the water bowls to make sure no ice gets built up on it. You can also keep your dogs well hydrated by giving them soups and broths in their diets.
6) Please make Sure They Are at a Distance from The Heaters
You will find dogs cosying up to heaters very closely during the time of winter. You need to be careful as this practice can expose your pets to the risk of burns. What dog owners should do in this case is to make sure their pets are at a safe distance from the heater or make it completely inaccessible to them. Never even think about switching your heaters on for your pets if you won’t be there at home.
7) Don’t Miss The Veterinary Visits
The routine health check ups and regular veterinary visits become all the more important for your pets during the winter months. Senior dogs especially need special care during the cold season, as the risk of getting arthritis is higher in older dogs during this part of the year. Your vet shall give you health supplements and other medication if your pet is experiencing joint pain.
It is advised that you pay extra attention to your pet’s exercise routine and ensure they are not stressing too much. If you can do this much, they will sail smoothly through this cold season.
Winding Up
You have just seen some essential tips regarding the well-being of your dogs during winter. As you can notice, they are easy enough to practice in real life and would be comfortable for your pets.
Make sure this winter, you give your pets comfortable bedding and also groom them often to ensure superb health in them. This cold season may turn out to be the best opportunity to strengthen the bond between you and your lovely dog.