Winter is like a coin; there is always a 50/50 chance that it can be cold and snowy or cold and sunny. We can’t control the weather but we can be smart about the choices we make during these cold months to help keep ourselves and our furry companions more comfortable. Winter weather can be fur-ociously harsh on your pet’s physical appearance, which is why we put together some tips to take away your winter worries. But please remember that we are only giving out tips and tricks, not medical advice, so please consult your local veterinarian for anything on the medical spectrum.

Frostbite and Hypothermia 

Suns Out? You’re Out!

The best time to go out during the winter months is when the sun is shining! Get outside when the sun is out so you and Fido can get as much warmth as you can for outside exercise. Try to grab as much Vitamin D as you can outside during winter since these months can be very long and dreary inside. 

Bundle Up!

Some breeds are blessed with thick coats and fluffy fur that can keep them warm throughout the winter, but some breeds have thin coats and short hair; which means it may be time to bundle up your short haired friend when you go outside on your adventures. A good coat should reach from the neck to the base of the tail and also protect the belly while leaving plenty of room for moving around. However, coats WILL NOT prevent frostbite on the paws, ears or tail; so know the signs of when your pet is ready to go inside from the winter chill. 

Time to Come Inside?

If it’s too cold for you, then it’s most likely too cold for your pet. If you notice your pet whining, shivering OR looking for places to burrow, it’s time to go inside and get some warmth for everyone.

Paw Care is “Paw-sitively” a MUST

Just like dry and cold weather can do a number on your skin, the same can be done on your dog’s skin and paws during the winter months. While you cannot share your lotion with Fido, you can help moisturize their cracked paws and dry skin with coconut oil. Fed regularly as a supplement, coconut oil can relieve dry, itchy skin for dogs while improving the look and feel of a dogs coat. You can also topically apply coconut oil to your pups paws, ears or tail if they are becoming dry and crackly. Check out Basset & Lab for some coconut oil products.

If your dog has furry feet, trim the hair that grows between their pads to prevent any ice buildup between the pads while walking around in the snow. Remember to rinse or wipe your dog’s paws to remove any salt after walks around the neighborhood since winter salt can burn your dog’s pads and is toxic. If your pup shows signs of discomfort while walking outside on frozen or salted surfaces, consider using dog booties to protect those paws. Check out Basset & Lab and Amazon for some paw-sitively fun dog booties!

Bedding

Dogs and cats love to burrow, especially during the winter months when temperatures dip pretty low, so make sure your furry companions bedding is comfy, cozy and full of fluff! Don’t let your pet sleep on cold floors; use warm blankets to make a fun bed and think about raising their bed off the ground to keep the dampness and coldness from getting under their bed from concrete or tiles. Place your pet’s bed away from spaces with drafts and cold tile or uncarpeted floors. We humans love our big, fluffy blankets so why not share the love with our furry friends to keep them warm and cozy while sleeping as well. 

No Overfeeding!

Although some dogs may need an extra layer to keep themselves warm in the winter, it should not be an extra layer of fat. Just because you may be snacking more out of boredom during winter does not mean Fido needs the extra calories too. Stick to your pets regular feeding routine and do not give more food to them - in fact, cold temperatures can bring on lazy behaviors for your pet which could mean they may need fewer calories than usual! Be attentive to your pets activity level and you can adjust their calorie intake accordingly. 

But “Keep Pup” the Hydration!

Although it’s not a stifling 90 degrees outside, dogs can still dehydrate just as quickly in the winter as summer. Continue to keep a fresh bowl of water out for ALL pets, because hydration is important ALL. YEAR. ROUND. And remember, although many dogs eat snow, it’s not an adequate substitute for fresh water. If you have an outdoorsy dog that stays outside in your yard for long periods of time, make sure they have access to a water bowl; check it often AND break any ice that forms on top. 

Extra TLC for our Seniors! 

Winter can be especially harder for our senior pets since cold weather can aggravate existing medical conditions, particularly arthritis. If your dog has arthritis, it’s very important to keep up an exercise routine to help keep their joints from getting stiff but be extremely mindful of slippery surfaces and make sure your furry friend has a warm, soft rest area to recuperate in after engaging in activities. Now would be a good time to consider giving your senior dog a natural joint supplement (if you are not already) to help lubricate their joints and ease the discomfort of arthritis. 

Snow Removal 

Snow can be a lot of fun for both you and your pawsome companion, but it also has some dangers pet owners need to be aware of. Any snow piled near fences can offer an escape route for all dogs - even the well-trained doggos can’t resist a good ramp to freedom! When you clear the snow in your yard, make sure you pile it away from any fences to prevent your pup from climbing over and wandering the unknown. You should also keep an eye on your roof overhangs - sun exposure and temperature increases can make the snow and ice accumulations on your roof slide down and possibly injure your dog if they are underneath.   

As you and your family prepare to face the harsh realities of winter, remember to take a little extra time to prepare your pets for the long and dreary road ahead. Like us, our pets need to be cared for during the change of seasons and it’s important for all pet owners to understand the dangers that winter can bring for their favorite furry companions. And, if you need some help keeping up with Fido’s outdoor extracurricular activities, give a big old shout out to Going Mutts Pet Services and let us help you keep your pets active outside during the winter months with our daily dog walks! Contact us TODAY for a free Meet ‘n Greet and more information about our services for you and Fido.

Sources:

https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/15-winter-care-tips-for-your-dog/