How To Look After Your Dog In Winter

Just as humans adjust their lifestyles to cope with the winter season, dogs also need a little more extra care during the colder months. We’re not the only ones who much prefer the warmth of indoor shelter! It’s important to properly care for your four-legged friend during winter so they can remain happy and healthy even when the temperature drops. Here are 4 essential tips for looking after your dog in winter.

Keep them warm and dry

Making sure your pooch remains warm and dry is paramount during winter. Try and avoid taking them out in the snow or the rain (especially if they have long fur) and keep them active indoors instead. If you do want to walk them outside from time to time, consider getting them a dog coat for winter to keep them nice and warm.

Make a cosy bed

As well as choosing exactly when and where to walk your canine companion, make sure they can rest in a warm and cosy bed, as well. While selecting the right bedding is vital to ensure your dog stays warm, there are also some easy ways to make sure your dog always has somewhere cosy to spend the night:

Raised beds can keep your pooch off cold tiles
Warm blankets can create a snug den in seconds
Heated pet beds are great for avoiding stiff joints
Placing the bed away from draughts can help them avoid the winter chill
Creating a den in their favourite spot can help the area feel familiar and relaxing

Watch out for Hyperthermia

Frostbite and hyperthermia are two serious winter weather concerns to watch out for when caring for your dog in winter. Hypothermia occurs when your four-legged pal spends too much time in the cold or gets wet in cold temperatures – which can sometimes be hard to avoid in the winter months. Familiarising yourself with the symptoms of hyperthermia means you can act accordingly if you notice anything untoward in your pooch.

Prioritise paw care

Protecting your dog’s paws in the winter is a must, especially for those long-haired dogs that are prone to snow compacting between their toes! Make sure to thoroughly dry their paws after they’ve been outside and clean their paws at the end of the walk to remove any salt and grit from the roads. Trimming the long hair between your pooch’s toes can help prevent ice balls forming, while investing in dog booties will also help protect their paws!

While it’s important to take care of your dog all seasons of the year, winter can prove especially hard for your canine friends. Just follow the above tips to help your dog keep their tail always wagging – even while the drop in temperature might not be anything good to wag about!

This is a collaborative post.

Pin It!