The season to cuddle is here!
Winters are the time when your pets need a little extra care. If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your dog too. In this blog post, we bring you tips to keep your pets safe in winter.
No season calls for as divisive responses as winter. You either look forward to it or you just wait for it. It is no different for your pets. Despite their furry coat, they are still vulnerable against the cold, unforgiving winds.
Is your dog cold?
If it’s too cold for you to step outside, it’s probably too cold for your dog too. If you notice your dog whining, shivering or appearing anxious, it’s time to bring him in.
Winter care tips for your dog
- Keep your dog indoors as much as possible. Even if your dog loves the outdoors and roaming around, it makes good sense to keep him indoors during the winters. It is also advisable to put sweaters on dogs with thinner hair like Chihuahuas, Greyhounds, Dachshund or Pugs to guard them against hypothermia.
- Fleas and ticks are capable of surviving cold weather. They may seek out warmer areas in your home or easily transfer themselves onto your dog.
- Ensure to towel dry your pets after a walk or run in the snow. This would help keep their fur coat from any wetness or dampness.
- Watch out for your dog’s exposure to heaters or fireplace. Leaving them unattended may be risky.
- While taking your dog on the walk during the snowy season, be extra careful on patches of ice which can be slippery. Also, watch out for frozen lakes or ponds, they have thinner areas of ice that can break away.
See Also: Winter, our time of the year…
- Your pet can be dehydrated in winters too! Ensure that your dog’s water bowl has fresh, unfrozen water.
- Coconut and fish oils are essential to keep your pet’s skin and coat healthy and moisturized. If you find your pets paws, ears or tail are dry or cracking, you can also apply coconut oil topically as needed.
- Since winters coincide with the holiday season, your dog also runs the risk of getting exposed to raisins, chocolates, and candies which contain Xylitol. All of it is toxic to the dogs.
- If you have a senior dog with arthritis or diabetes, cold weather may agitate their already achy joints. You may tone down your exercise regimen with your dog accordingly in the winters, say 15 minutes instead of an hour walk.
- Massaging petroleum jelly or other paw protectants into paw pads before going outside can help protect from salt and chemical agents.
One question that we get asked a lot – Do dogs need clothes?
Not all dogs need a coat or sweater to keep them warm outdoors, but shorter-haired breeds, senior dogs, puppies and dogs with medical conditions do benefit from the additional warmth.
Well, it is more than a fancy dressing contest or a game for Instagram quick wins. If you see your dog (or the one on the street) shivering in the winters, please don’t hesitate to put clothing on him.
How to Keep Your Pet Clean and Fresh in winter?
Winter can spell trouble for your pet. The cold weather can give rise to skin and health problems such as dry, flaky skin, dandruff, bad odour, infections, and fever.
Bathing more than once a month during winters can rob the much-needed essential oils from your pet’s skin, and the dip in temperature can cause your pet to become sick. You may also find it difficult to bathe your dog at regular intervals with your busy schedule and travel plans during the winter holiday season.
Try water-free clean-up for your dog during the cold winter months and keep them looking fresh and smelling great. Deodorize your pet’s fur with water-free, quick, and natural bathing sprays.
Dandruff is also a common problem in the winter and can be avoided by selecting a shampoo that treats itching and skin irritation.
Winter care tips for homeless animals
Let’s also spare a thought for the homeless dogs braving the harsh winters. Here’s how you can help them:
- Making them a bed from old clothes.
- Keeping food and water bowls outside for homeless animals.
- Giving special attention to pups and kittens. If possible, please keep them safe in your gated community or home.
So snuggle up, keep your pet warm and safe!