The sun starts to hide earlier, wind blows strong and temperatures descend. Winter season has arrived! You might be more of a summer person or a winter person. Maybe you prefer spending time outside enjoying warm weather or maybe you are someone who loves the cosy heat of the fireplace. The same can happen to your dog! There are dogs which are very active and prefer outside activities, and those which just can’t get up from the couch.
Either way, when winter arrives, it’s important to take all the precautionary and protective measurements to take care of your dog and make sure that it stays safe and healthy during this time of the year.
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It’s all about the fur!
As you know, there are dogs with different types of furs and hair. Those which have more prominent, thick hair, such as Huskies, Old English Sheepdogs or Shetland Sheepdogs, are safe with extra protection to keep warm and heated during times of cold temperatures. On the other hand, those dogs which have thin or shorter hair, as can be the cases of Pugs, hounds or Whippets, might need some extra protection to maintain their body temperatures.
For short-haired dogs, a good solution for winter times is to provide them with a sweater or coat that will keep them warm and cosy. Take into account that a good, functional coat or sweater should cover the dog from its neck to at least the base of the tail.
Don’t spend that much time outside
As soon as the cold temperatures arrive, remember that it’s not necessary to keep the dog outside for so much time. Of course, it’s still very important to go out for walks, but it’s fine if the walks are a bit shorter than they would be in times of warmer temperatures.
The best way for your dog to be fully protected from the winter is to keep them in warm environments. That’s why reducing the time of being outside when cold arrives is one of the best ways to make sure that your dog will be safe.
Always ensure proper hydration
It’s quite common to associate the need of hydration and water with summer and hot temperatures, but this is a mistake! A good and sufficient hydration is essential for the health of your dog (and yours!) both in summer as in winter. In this sense, remember to make sure that your dog still drinks enough liquids and always has its drinking plate full of clean, fresh water.
Keep an eye on the paws
The dog’s paws are a part of their body that can be especially sensitive to the harshness of cold temperatures during winter. As our human skin also can suffer more from cracks and scratches, the dog’s paws are also very prompt to develop cracked pads.
A good advice if you notice that your dog is not comfortable walking outside during winter times is to use dog booties to protect their paws. You can also use a moisturizer for their paws and be sure to clean and keep an eye on its pads after you return from walks and strolls.
Shave less!
As we have mentioned, the fur and