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7 Tips For Keeping Your Dog Happy & Healthy This Winter
Nov
As the temperature drops and the icy weather starts to show, it’s important to take extra care of your dogs and be aware of the dangers.
With that in mind, here are our top tips for keeping your dog happy and healthy this winter.
Protect their paws from the cold
As the weather gets colder, even the most active dogs will need to adjust to the drop in temperature. We recommend sticking to short, frequent walks where possible to avoid overexertion.
Paw balm can do wonders in helping to protect and soothe your dog’s paws from the drying effects of cold weather and rough ground. We recommend applying balm before and after each walk.
If you find that your dog is particularly sensitive to the cold, it might be worth considering dog boots. Also known as booties, they will keep your dog’s paws warm and dry and protect them from ice and snow.
Trying to get them on may be another challenge completely, but we’ll leave you to that one…
Provide a warm and cosy place to sleep
Most dogs tend to sleep all over the house, but their bed is often the warmest and cosiest place for a nap.
During the winter, give them a better chance at staying warm by moving their bed into a draft-free location. Avoid placing the bed near windows, doors, or cold kitchen floors, and opt for rooms that keep the heat in or close to radiators.
Even better yet, let them up on the bed for a cuddle! Be warned though, they make take over the bed forever – try at your own risk…
We also recommend providing some additional bedding for warmth. Your dog is sure to appreciate the extra blankets.
Be aware of the dangers of antifreeze
Put simply, antifreeze is highly poisonous to dogs, and it only takes a very small amount to deliver fatal results.
Keep it out of reach, and clean up any spills immediately. Looking after your car during the winter is important, but you need to prioritise your dog’s safety.
If you suspect that your dog has ingested antifreeze, contact your vet immediately.
Keep your dog hydrated
Even though it’s cold outside, it’s still really important to make sure that your dog is drinking enough water.
We recommend keeping their water bowl filled and fresh on a regular basis, and consider adding an ice cube or two to keep it from freezing. It sounds crazy, but it works!
Another way of encouraging your dog to drink more is by offering them warm water or a type of broth.
Feed your dog a high-quality diet
During the winter months, your dog will need more calories than ever to stay warm.
That’s why it’s important to feed your dog a high-quality diet and choose a food that is high in protein, and make sure that your dog is eating enough.
Lucky for you, our complete dog food is designed to give your dog everything it needs for peak condition, even in the colder months of the year.
Want to find out more? Click here.
Take extra care of senior dogs and dogs with health conditions
Similar to humans, senior dogs or dogs with any health conditions are more susceptible to the cold, and it’s important to take extra care.
We recommend keeping them warm and dry wherever possible, and limit their time outdoors in the cold weather.
If you have any concerns about your dog’s health, please contact your vet.
Do lots of indoor playing and mental enrichment
There is nothing more tempting than getting back in bed on a cold winter’s morning, but your dog is likely not going to feel the same.
Even the most chilled out dogs need a bit of time to get their energy out, and that’s where you need to step up with lots of indoor playing and mental enrichment.
Training with treats and asking your dog to perform tricks can be very mentally stimulating for dogs, and asking them to use their brain will soon have them snoozing in the corner.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your dog happy and healthy all winter long.
