Dog Winter Care-A Complete Guide

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

If you have a pet cat instead then you must read this: cat winter care guide

Essential products for dog care in winter

Here is a quick list of products you can buy for your dog. I recommend reading the whole post though.

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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 outdoor 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. But beware! Put your pets on a lease or keep the heater out of their reach to avoid any potential accidents.

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.

Buy dog foods here.

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 winters, 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

Petfather Team

We have been dealing with Pets and Aquarium fish for the last 10 years. I have started this blog so that I can share my knowledge with you. I recommend seeking out professional advice whenever necessary, instead of seeking information on this website.