Dr Fetcher
15 tips on how to take care for your dog in winter – part 1
A four-legged friend’s tolerance of cold depends on many factors. You need to take into account their size, the amount and thickness of their fur; their age and physical fitness can also be decisive.
However, one thing is common to all dogs: when winter arrives, we need to pay extra attention to them! After all, in addition to the ‘dog cold’, there are many other dangers lurking for our furry family members this time of year.
Let the 15 tips in total in today’s and the next 2 informative posts help every owner in caring for their pet in the winter.
- For dogs with thin fur, protective clothing is essential. Choose a coat that reaches from the neck to the base of the tail, and one that also covers the belly. However, remember that clothing does not completely protect your pet. He can still easily suffer frostbite on his ears, legs… and tail. So, never be outside for too long with your little darling below freezing.
- If your dog is sensitive to the cold, try walking them in the late morning or early afternoon when the temperature is warmer. Avoid early morning or late evening exercise. Enjoy the winter sun as it provides your pet with the beneficial vitamin D.
- Your family pet may love being outside, but even the furriest one can get cold. In addition, their ears, paws and tail are at risk of frostbite. On winter days, it’s better to take them for walks more often, but for shorter periods of time; let them exercise and play outdoors a lot. However, as the temperature drops, don’t leave them outside for long periods of time. If you can, keep them with you… and if we’re cold, the dog is cold too, which means it’s time to go inside, into the warmth. If you have a garden but can’t join in on the outdoor fun, check frequently to see if your four-legged family member is cold.
- In this cold season, never let your dog lie on the ground; neither outside… nor inside (unless you have underfloor heating at home). Choosing the right bed will provide the animal with the necessary warmth. It can be a raised bed or even a heated couch, and thick blankets will further enhance the comfortable environment for our four-legged friend. Choose a warm spot in the house for sleeping, away from drafts. All these measures will help prevent stiff joints, which we should gradually pay attention to as our pet ages!
- Keep in mind: a dog can burn itself in the hope of warming up. So if you use an oil radiator, other heating elements or even a fireplace, never leave them unattended.
- In winter, an extra ‘protective’ layer is necessary for the dog. However, this does not mean a thicker layer of fat, but thicker fur. It is also important to keep this in mind because the cold can make your pet lazy, so they need fewer calories. So, pay attention to your pet’s activity level and adjust their calorie intake accordingly. If possible, choose high-quality, minimally processed foods. During this time of year, include raw meat in their diet. It not only helps ensure a healthy coat, but also provides your four-legged friend with the right amount of energy.
Next week we will discuss just one point, but it will be thorough! We will cover the sensitivity of dog skin and how we can treat it both externally and internally.
In the meantime, share in the comments how you take care of your pets! Feel free to show us the warmest beds; the cutest dog clothes… and even how you play in the fresh air with your furry family members.
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