Author KellyPosted on Categories BlogWhen the winters arrive, whether your area experiences snowfall and hail storms or relatively colder degrees and rain, there are a few things you should do to keep your pooch healthy and cozy. Some dog breeds are more tolerant of the cold than others. But, as the temperature falls, so does your pup’s tolerance for it. Here’s all you need to know about keeping your fur buddy warm, comfortable, and healthy.
Do Dogs Feel Cold?
Dogs, like their owners, can feel cold. Young dogs with short fur are more sensitive to the cold than larger dogs with thick fur coats. Similarly, older dogs are more susceptible to the effects of the cold than younger canines. However, keep in mind that your dog’s ears, nose, tail, and paws are more exposed than the rest of their body, even if they have thick fur.
How To Keep Dogs Cozy During Winters?
These five key tips will keep your dog’s comfort as well safety at the top level during the chilling winters.
1. Offer them a Soft, Cozy Place to Sleep
During winters, a nice bed and a heavy blanket should keep your pooch extremely warm. However, you can consider buying a self-warming pet mat, which preserves your dog’s body heat, or a mat with a removable heating pad if your dog sleeps in a particularly damp or chilly portion of the house.
Above all, make sure that your pooch should be able to get out of the bed on its own. If you have any queries about heated pet beds, talk to an expert like Doo Care, a leading Elmhurst dog poop service.
2. Get Your Pooch a furry Jacket or Pullover
Naturally, dogs with heavy furs, such as huskies and chow, are better suited to cold conditions than breeds with less or no fur. So, breeds like greyhounds, chihuahuas, bull terriers, and whippets require a doggie jacket or pullover during winters to stay cozy.
Thus, to guarantee a perfect fit, measure your pup’s size around the neck chest, and shoulders. Look for styles that are comfortable but not too tight, and that don’t have any itchy zippers or frills that could cause choking. Naturally, not all dogs will tolerate wearing a cardigan or jacket. So, simply shorten the time they play outside if they don’t want to wear one.
3. Offer Enough Shelter
When it’s extremely cold outside, you should keep an eye on your dog. Your dog’s ears, tail, and paws are prone to frost if they spend too much time playing around in a cold yard. Make sure your dog has a dry and draught-proof kennel. The shelter should preferably be 4 inches above the ground and have a tilted roof. For added insulation, spread hay on the floor.
4. Keep an eye on Your Dog’s Paws
In the winter, it’s very important to give special attention to your pet’s paws. The naked paws of your dog can become frostbitten, and snow on the ground can hide harmful things that can hurt the paws. Check your dog’s feet for wounds or abrasions after they’ve been outside, and wipe away any frost or foreign objects.
Trim your dog’s paws by removing excess hair from their toes especially if they are a long-haired breed. Consider strapping your dog with boots to protect their feet if they allow it. Consult your vet about a dog-safe moisturizer if you notice that your dog’s pads are breaking or drying up due to the chilly weather. Avoid using a moisturizer made for humans, or you may hurt your dog’s paws instead of relief.
5. Protect Your Pup from Hypothermia
If dogs are left outside in extremely cold conditions, their body temperature may drop below normal, resulting in hypothermia. Mild hypothermia causes dogs to become weak as well as sluggish and can lead to nonstop shivering.
Dogs become unresponsive as hypothermia develops, and their respiration and pulse rate slows down. If you observe any of these signs, take your dog to a warm place right away and consult your vet in case intravenous fluids are required. Using a heating bag wrapped in a towel, keep your dog cozy on the way to the vet.
Some Bonus Safety Tips for Your Dog
Here are some bonus tips to keep dogs warm as well as safe during winters.
- Plenty of exercise daily can warm your dog up during cold months. But remember to warm up the muscles gently for a few minutes just like humans.
- Having your dog beside you near a fireplace or bonfire is good. But, never leave your pooch unattended near a fireplace.
- Place antifreeze out of reach. Everyone knows it’s toxic to dogs.
- While in a room with a room heater, make sure that your dog is at some distance from the heater. Being too close can burn their fur or may cause a fire.
By following these simple tips you can prepare to keep your lovely pooch warm in winter. You can reach out to Doo Care, a Naperville dog poop removal service for getting more safety tips while keeping your pup cozy and snug all winter months. Remember that cuddling your pooch is a great way to stay warm while also strengthening your bond!