Winter Is Coming!
Whether you like it or not, winter is here to stay for a good amount of time, at least in the North hemisphere!
So better prepare for it not just for you but also for your dog. Winter can be a harsh time for your pooch and as a loving and caring pet owner, you want to ensure your four-legged friend is safe.
So, how can you protect your dog from the winter weather? Thankfully, you don’t have to look far and wide for the answers. Here are some quick tips!
1. Stay Inside
Staying indoors is the best way to keep your dog from the freezing winter weather. If you are comfortable with the temperature within your home, it is more likely that your dog is comfortable too. Stay in the house and be warmth.
Dogs may love to go outside, but letting them rest inside the house during this weather will keep them safe and sound.
2. Dress them up
Adding an extra layer of warm clothing to your dog works like magic. Yes, dogs do already have coats, but they can be sometimes not enough especially when you head outside. Not only that, but dogs with short coats are more at risk of freezing.
Dog clothing is available from pet shops. You can even make them if you know how to knit or crochet. Dressing them in clothes and boots will keep their body heat warm.
3. Be Aware of Their Feet
Boots are a lifesaver for dogs. This prevents their feet from cracking their pads. If you ever see a crack on their pads, rub some foot-pad balm. Alternatively, you can also use oils such as natural cooking oil, olive oil or coconut oil. This will keep their pad soft. Not only that, but it also reminds you to keep your pet’s feet cleaned and groomed.
4. Keep Hydrated
Winter can be deceiving. Because we are not sweating, we might think that we are well-hydrated. The truth is that we are not.
Your dog can easily get dehydrated during the winter months. Keeping your pet hydrated will not just make their body functioning well but it also helps them fight off diseases.
5. Do Not Overfeed Them
Cold weather can make your dog hungry. The problem is that since winter usually keeps you and your pet inside, there are fewer ways for your dog to stay in shape. Thus, instead of giving them food at any moment of the day, give them more calories to keep their body warm. Schedule feeding time as well to make sure you are not overfeeding your four-legged friend.
6. Let Them Play
Winter days are an offseason for us to keep our bodies moving. Dogs are known to be outgoing and playful pets.
Do not let these fur babies get bored and be sedentary all day. Put their creative minds to work. A simple fetch could help your pet to be fit. You can even let your dog use the treadmill!
7. Stay Away from Heat Sources
To keep us warm in the winter, we use heaters, fireplaces, and other heat sources inside the house. Your dog, especially the young ones, may get curious and get too close to these heaters. Don’t leave your dog alone especially in the fireplace area.
Even if your heater has a mesh covering or glass door, your dog can still get burned when they get in contact with these hot surfaces.
8. Go Out When the Sun Shines
Winter isn’t simply all about grim and bloom. There are days when the sun will still be up and when it does, you better get outside. Let your puppy explore the world filled with snow. This is a great time for a short walk they need to remain healthy. Just make sure you keep them leashed and monitored all the time.
9. Avoid Thin Ice
Be mindful of the places you go to. Your dogs might have a great time playing outside and may not notice dangerous areas during the winter. Do not let your dog walk on lakes, swamps or rivers where thin ice might be present. Even the edges and banks of these bodies of water may be unsafe as snow tends to cover them.
10. Warm bedding
Keep your dog warm by adding extra blankets. Make sure his beddings are dry and cozy enough for him to stay comfortable throughout the winter.
Enjoy the Winter Months
Always remember that “if it is too cold for you, then it could also be too cold for your dog.” Winter doesn’t mean that you should also be cold with your pet. With enough knowledge and research, you should be able to survive the winter safe and with all smiles.
