Are you also worried about your pet due to these unpredictable weather changes? Winter care for dogs is also necessary, just as it is for us. They require some special attention during the winter season.
Winter pet care for dogs is a multi-pronged effort that will necessitate some thought and planning. There are some preventive measures that we should take as responsible pet parents. Some dog breeds demand less attention in the winter, such as the Great Pyrenees and the Keeshond (unless needed due to their health issues). They are biologically conditioned to survive in cold temperatures. When the temperature drops, it is essential to go over some winter pet care tips for dogs to keep them safe, warm, and comfortable.
This blog covers some tips and best practices you can follow as a pet parent. Give your pet the best winter care possible; this winter season will be ideal for them.
Here are some essential winter care tips for dogs:
1. Serve them warm food that includes protein:
This freezing weather can be harsh on your dog. Firstly, you must know why taking care of your pet's diet is essential in the winter. Then you must locate a veterinarian who can advise you on the best dog food and the best dog food brands for your canine companion. Additionally, knowing how much to feed a dog and how to feed a dog is also very important. So the right amount of nutrients can go into their body. You must decrease your pup's calorie intake if you are wondering why they are lazing around.
Moreover, you can consider some other things to balance their diets, such as their age, their current living location (geographical location—not all cities in India witness harsh winter months), their weight, and other activities he performs. Whatever diet you give to your dog, ensure it contains all the vitamins, minerals, and calories he requires to thrive. And play along with them while serving their food, so it can get them moving.
2. Sunbathe can also help them in winter:
Who knows better than us how scary cold morning baths are? You can provide your dog a sunbathe, as it will be helpful and easy for you. Remember that your pet should not be bathed in cold water during the winter. If you clean your dog at home, do so only on a sunny day with lukewarm water. You do not need to bathe your dog very often in the winter.
Dry shampoos, regular brushing, and grooming are better options to follow during the winter. Winter can be dry and cold for your dog's skin, so make sure to use all those essential products to keep them moisturized. Dry skin can cause some severe discomfort.
3. Made them wear winter clothes and accessories:
Puppy winter wear is cute, right? You can quickly get them from pet supply stores. Many dog winter care essentials are available in markets, such as dog jackets, dog blankets, dog sweaters, and so many other things. Dog winter jackets do look pretty good, though. Dog breeds such as Siberian huskies, Chow Chows, and Komondors, which have long and dense fur, do not require winter coats to stay warm as small breed dogs do. Make them wear winter wear and save them from these harsh, cold winters.
Make sure to buy them clothes and accessories that are comfortable, warm, and easy to wear. Use these winter clothes to protect the dog's exposed areas, such as the back, sides, and chest. Choose a material that is appropriate for your climate and not too warm or light for your dog. Purchase water-resistant dog raincoats to protect them from harsh winters.
4. Take care of their snouts and paws:
How do you protect your dog's paws in the winter? For those living in the snow, maybe their dog's paws are damaged due to the rough running in the snow. You should be worried for them if you also see cracks in their paws and some odour coming from their nose. Pet shops offer dog paw protectors to keep your pup's feet safe.
Winter dog paw care is essential. Keep them moisturized with different types of paw balms and some snout butter. Apply it before bedtime, so they won't lose it while roaming around the house or lick it off.
5. Get them regular health checkups:
Dogs who walk regularly and run can face some real health problems as they grow older. Therefore, you must pay extra attention to their exercise routines, especially in the winter. Consult your dog's veterinarian for health supplements and other medication if your pet experiences joint pain.
Dogs usually face arthritis in their joints in the winter because of insufficient preparation. They might have a hard time during the winter months. Thus, as a pet parent, you must get them to a good vent and bear all of their responsibilities. Follow all the preventive measures with every 6-month annual checkup. You can also check your dog's health in different ways regularly at home.
6. Provide them with cozy bedding:
Your cuddle partner needs some relaxing time too. Create some warm and comfortable space so they can relax peacefully during their nap. Find a place in your house where they love snuggling the most. Don't let them sit on the floor, and do not place the bedding in unfamiliar places. Allow them to sleep on their mats and beds.
Search a pet shop near me to find one of the best pet supply stores where you can find pet accessories that are comfortable and warm for them. Shop these accessories in various colours, sizes, and shapes, and place them in your house to make the perfect bedding.
7. A good exercise is always important:
Exercise for dogs is as essential as it is for the human body. All must incorporate a good walk and an outdoor play session with some yoga into their daily routine. To protect them from harsh winters, try giving them a noon or mid-afternoon walk instead of an early or late evening walk. But don't ever skip it because of your hectic schedule. Place their bed or mat on your terrace or balcony so they can get sunlight.
Dogs with long furs, such as Labradors and Golden Retrievers, need rigorous exercises. However, smaller breeds of dogs that do not have long fur need outdoor activities for their mental stimulation. Dark fur absorbs more heat from the sun than light fur. Since more outdoor activities generate a lot of heat, you must also ensure that you provide minimal heat to them in the winter.
Wrap UP!
I hope this blog helped you in some way to find out how to protect dogs from cold weather. You can provide shelter and offer some food during those chilly winters. Make sure you don't forget about the homeless street dogs who don't have a PAWrent to look after them.
Being a pet parent brings so much more responsibility, and these winter care tips for dogs can be constructive for your pooch. If you need help or more information and suggestions, you can contact Mr n Mrs pet. We are a one-stop solution for all pet lovers. Provide them with unconditional love with all these tips mentioned above.
Healthy pets, happy winters!