10 Winter Care Tips For Our Furry Friends

December 08, 2020

10 Winter Care Tips For Our Furry Friends

It can be all too easy for dog owners to assume that since their dog has a furry coat, they can tolerate the cold better than humans can. That isn't always the case. Just like humans, the cold weather can be hard on their bodies and they will need a bit of extra care & pampering. Here are ten winter care tips to keep in mind for your fur buds this cold season.

 

Keep Your Dog Warm

Some dogs naturally have thinner coats and may need to wear a sweater to stay warm during their walks outside. Although some dogs may naturally have a thicker fur to help them withstand the cold temperatures, remember that it may still not be enough when the weather drops considerably. Think, would you wear just a sweater out in a blizzard? Probably not. Also, keep in mind that getting your dog a good coat is not enough to prevent frostbites.

 

Plan Walks on Sunny Days

Try to take advantage of the sunny, clear days to take your dog for walks. If possible, avoid days when it's raining or snowing too hard. Chances are, if you don't enjoy walking in those kinds of weather, your dog may not be as thrilled. Your dog's ears, paws, and tails may be susceptible to frostbite. If he's outside in the yard, check up on your dog often to make sure he's not cold. You can think of yourself in your dog's paws. If you're outside playing with your dog and you feel that you're ready to come into the house, then chances are, your dog may also be ready to hop back into the warm, cozy house.

 

Cozy Bedding

Aside from checking if you're dog is cold when they are outside, you should also be mindful of them when they're indoors. Don't let your dog sleep on the cold floors during the winter. Get your dog a nice, comfy, and warm bed. If you can, a raised bed can keep your dog off the cold floor and heated beds can help with aging dogs with achy joints. Make sure to place your dog's bed in an area that is covered and protected from the wind. You can also provide some warm blankets for your dog to snuggle into.

 


Heater Safety

Just like humans naturally gravitate towards the heat, your dog will want to find warm places around the house to keep warm. However, if they happen to snuggle too close to heated sources - such as your fireplace or heater - your pet could get seriously hurt or burned. So make sure that these heated sources are dog-proof so that they can keep warm safely.

 

Hydration is Key

The cold weather plus our artificial heating appliances can sap out a lot of water from both our bodies and our furry friends. So make sure your dog gets enough water and that their water bowl is checked often and cleaned. Sometimes, dogs may eat snow, however, just like chewing on ice for humans is not enough to hydrate our bodies, our dog will need more to stay hydrated.

 

Moisturize

Just like humans, the cold, dry winters can also dry out your dog's skin. You can help prevent your dog's skin from getting flaky by adding a supplement that targets their skin & coat health, such as Petaxin Omega Care. You can also use coconut oil to help moisturize your pet's skin. If you notice that your dog's paws or tails are dry or cracking, you can apply the oil topically to help soothe the skin.

 

Paw Care

Our dogs may also suffer from cracked paws during the winter. Make sure to trim the fur that grows between her pads to prevent ice buildup between the pads (if they are furry). Also, many cities will salt the sidewalks and roads during the winter. These salts are toxic and can burn your dog's paw pads. Make sure to either invest in a dog shoe or rinse and wipe your dog's paw after walking. You want to make sure you fully remove any salt on their paws as you do not want your dog to lick it off.

 

Be Aware of Thin Ice

Although you want your dog to have fun outside, be aware of areas where the ice may be thinner. It might seem fun and we may trust that our furry friends have the ability to nimbly walk across icy ponds, the fact is that we often hear of dogs falling in and having to be rescued from the icy waters. Also, just like humans, your dog may suffer injuries if they slip and fall.

 

Don't Leave Your Dog Unattended in the Car

So you've probably hear of dogs, and even kids, dying from being left unattended in the car in the middle of summer. Well, leaving your dog in the car in freezing climates can pose a similar danger. If you must run errands, just leave your dog in the safety of your home.

 

Consider Your Senior Dog's Needs

Older dogs may have a harder time regulating their body temperature and may need more care and warmth. Walks outdoors in the rain or snow may be harder on their joints. If that's the case, it may be good to do more activities with them indoors. Colder climates may often aggravate existing medical conditions in your dogs such as arthritis. So keep doing light exercises with them and consider giving them a natural joint supplement to help ease their joint discomfort. Petaxin Hip + Joint Support is a great option as each chew is packed with glucosamine and chondroitin which help restore & support your dog's joints and dogs love its' beef flavor!

 





Also in Pet Care

Why Dogs Eat Grass & What Steps to Take
Why Dogs Eat Grass & What Steps to Take

April 11, 2023

Dogs eating grass is a common behavior that has been observed in different breeds of dogs. This habit is often linked with different possibilities with little to major discomforts after consuming it. Therefore, understanding the reasons behind this behavior and knowing how to help your dog is crucial for dog parents. Here are four possible reasons for grass eating: 

Continue Reading

7 Dog Care Tips for Spring
7 Dog Care Tips for Spring

March 28, 2023

Spring is finally here, and as a dog owner, it's important to make sure your furry friend is ready for the season. With a little bit of effort, you can help your furry friend transition smoothly into the spring season. 

Here are seven dog care tips to keep in mind:

 

Continue Reading

6 Ways to Help Alleviate Dogs with Arthritis
6 Ways to Help Alleviate Dogs with Arthritis

January 24, 2023

As a dog owner, it can be heartbreaking to watch your furry companion struggle with arthritis. Arthritis is a common condition in dogs, particularly as they age, and can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving. However, with the right care and management, you can help your dog live a comfortable and happy life. Here are six ways to care for a dog with arthritis:

Continue Reading