Winter is again around the corner. While it brings joy to most of us, winter is still uncomfortable for a few people, as well as your pet dog. A dog winter care guide is important to keep your dog safe this season.
Dogs have a coat of fur, they can tolerate the cold better than humans. These fur-coated creatures are used to the warmth of indoor shelter, but cold weather can still be as hard on them as it is on us humans. It’s a time when our beloved pets need a little extra care.
Related: Dog summer care guide
Essential products for dog care in winter
Note: Links to Amazon are our affiliate links.
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| Dog winter coat | Check on Amazon |
| Dog jackets | Check on Amazon |
| Toys for dogs | Check on Amazon |
| Heated dog beds | Check on Amazon |
| Room heater | Check on Amazon |
| Dog lease | Check on Amazon |
| Dog food | Check on Amazon |
| Dog boots/booties | Check on Amazon |
| Pet hair trimmer | Check on Amazon |
| Dog paw cream and moisturizer | Check on Amazon |
| Dog massage oil | Check on Amazon |
Dog winter care quick guide
Here are a few tips dog owners should follow to keep their pets safe and cozy in the cold season and enjoy the festivals carefreely.
Keep your pet indoors
No need to let them outdoors when it’s chilling outside. You can take them out for exercise when there is good sunlight out there. Otherwise, keep them indoors and buy them some toys to keep them busy.
Wrap your pet up in woolen clothes and jackets
It is nice to invest in some good winter clothing for your dog. It will keep them warm, as well as make them look better.
Arrange warm and cozy bedding
Does your dog have aching joints? Perhaps your dog loses body heat easily. A heated dog bed may be just what your canine friend needs and deserves. Heated dog beds warm your dog’s body, keeping them cozy even on cooler days.
Use a room heater (with caution)
Some parts of India can get really chilling in winter. In that case, only warm clothes won’t be sufficient enough. You will need to buy a room heater.
Keep the dogs active indoor
Dogs can’t stay inside all day. They need some outdoor exercise. In winter, sometimes it may not be possible to take them for a stroll outside. In that case, buy some toys for them to keep them engaged in indoor activities. This will prevent anxiety and mood swings in your dog.
Dog health checkup in winter
Harsh cold weather can aggravate many health conditions that dogs may have. By getting into your vet’s clinic for a checkup, you’ll be able to identify any issues that require additional attention or care.
Adjust their food accordingly
Your dog may experience indigestion and other issues in winter, due to less activity. Make sure not to overfeed them, besides keeping them active indoors.
Dog paw care in winter
Cold weather brings a few potential paw hazards, including dryness, chapping, paw injuries and cracking, frostbite, poisonings from anti-freezing agents, hypothermia, and injuries from slips and falls.
Remedies? Purchase dog boots or booties, trim your dog’s nails and long furs between toes with a pet hair trimmer, wash your dog’s paws after walks, keep paw pads moisturized, and more.
How to prepare your dog for winter?
- Bathe your pets as little as possible during colder months.
- After each walk, use a washcloth or wet wipe to wash and dry your pet’s feet and stomach to remove ice, salt, and chemicals—paying special attention to the areas between footpads for snow/ice balls.
- Feeding them a little bit more during the cold weather months can provide much-needed calories. You should also ensure that outdoor pets have plenty of non-frozen water to drink in order to help keep them well-hydrated. For indoor pets that are not getting as much outdoor activity, you may actually have to feed less than you normally do so they don’t pack on that winter fat layer.
- Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from drafty areas.
Some extra tips for your dog’s well-being in the winter season
- Coconut and fish oils are essential to keep your pet’s skin and coat healthy and moisturized. If you find your pet’s paws, ears or tail are dry or cracking, you can also apply coconut oil topically as needed.
- Since winters coincide with the holiday season, your dog also runs the risk of getting exposed to raisins, chocolates, and candies which contain Xylitol. All of it is toxic to the dogs.
- If you have a senior dog with arthritis or diabetes, cold weather may agitate their already achy joints. You may tone down your exercise regimen with your dog accordingly in the winter, say 15 minutes instead of an hour walk.
- Massaging petroleum jelly or other paw protectants into paw pads before going outside can help protect them from salt and chemical agents.
How to take a dog out in winter?
- Buy them warm clothes and boots.
- It’s better to put them on a lease so that they don’t run into hazardous situations.
- Clean their paws after coming back home.
Winter care tips for homeless animals
Let’s also spare a thought for the homeless dogs braving the harsh winters. Here’s how you can help them:
- Making them a bed from old clothes.
- Keeping food and water bowls outside for homeless animals.
- Giving special attention to puppies and kittens. If possible, please keep them safe in your gated community or home.
FAQs
How do you take care of a dog in the winter?
You need to buy the items mentioned in this post to take care of your dog in winter.
What can I give my dog for winter?
Warm clothes, jackets, etc, as well as toys to keep them active in winter.
How cold is too cold for a dog to be outside?
Dogs should not be outside when the temperature falls below 8 degrees Celcius.
Do dogs feel cold in winter?
Even if your dog has a thick, heavy coat, it might still feel chilly in the winter.
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