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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Just like humans, the cold, dry winters can also dry out your dog's skin. Yo
u 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.
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.
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.
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.
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. Co
lder 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!
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:
