15 winter care tips for your best friend!
Does your dog love the winter or does he prefer to cuddle under a comfortable blanket on the sofa? Either way, you should be ready to protect him when he gets into natural phenomena. Winter grooming tips for your dog are important this season to keep him safe. Many dog owners live under the misconception that they can tolerate cold better than humans because their pets have fur. This is not necessarily the case. Like us, these fur-covered creatures are accustomed to the warmth of closed shelters, and cold weather can be just as harsh on them as we humans. Regardless of your perspective on winter, one thing is for sure: It is a time when our beloved pets need a little extra care.
We have 15 winter maintenance tips to keep in mind as you explore the winter landscape with your faithful four-legged friend!
Freezing:
Frostbite starts when the dog's body cools down. The body automatically draws blood from the extremities to the center of the body to stay warm. The dog's ears, paws, or tail can become so cold that ice crystals can form in the tissue and damage it. The hardest thing to remember about freezing is that it's not immediately obvious. Watch out for signs of pale or gray skin; the skin may also become rough and cool. Frozen areas can be extremely painful as they are hot. Severe frozen skin will eventually turn black and scab.
Hypothermia:
A second serious winter weather concern is hypothermia. This occurs when a dog spends a lot of time in the cold, gets wet in cold weather, or when dogs with poor health or circulation are exposed to the cold. In mild cases the dog will shiver and his ears and feet may become cold. As hypothermia progresses, it may show symptoms of depression, lethargy, and weakness. As the condition worsens, his muscles will harden, his heart and breathing speed will slow down, and he will not respond to stimuli. Severe hypothermia is life threatening.
It is very important to protect your dog from freezing and hypothermia, so learn how to recognize signs that your dog needs to go inside to keep warm.
Is your dear friend cold?
If it's too cold for you to stand at the door without your coat, it's probably too cold for your dog too, so be mindful of his behavior when you're outside. If you notice your dog whining, shaking, or looking anxious, or if he stops playing and seems to be looking for a nest, it's time to bring him in.
15 ways to protect your best friend from the winter months!
Let's talk about temperature first!
Some dog breeds are blessed with thick fur that keeps them naturally warm even in very cold weather, although dogs with fine fur may need to wear a sweater or coat when they go outside for winter walks. A good fur should extend from the neck to the bottom of the tail and at the same time protect the abdomen. But remember that coats will not prevent freezing in the ears, feet or tail… so even with a comfortable coat, do not keep your short-haired dog outside for too long in freezing temperatures.
Get out when the sun shines!
If your dog is feeling cold, try to walk late in the morning or early in the afternoon when the weather is a little warmer, and avoid walking in the early morning or late evening. Spend time playing outside when it's sunny; Sunlight comes with the added benefit of providing vitamin D to both you and your pet. Play with toys, not sticks, which can cause choking and other injury. So if your dog likes to chew and chase, pack a Frisbee, ball or other safe toy and play together in the sun.
Limit the time you spend outside during the winter months!
Your family pet may love to spend time outside, but even the furthest dog can get cold in winter. Ears, paws, and tails are susceptible to frostbite. Take your dog out to take walks, exercise and play often… but don't leave him outside for long when the temperature drops. A good rule of thumb is to go out with it, and when you're ready to go inside, it probably will too. If he's out alone in your garden, check back often to make sure he's not showing signs of chills.
Comfortable linens!
In addition to limiting the time your dog spends outside on cold days, don't let your dog sleep in a cold place in the winter. Choosing the right bedding is essential to keep your dog warm. Warm blankets can create a comfortable environment; Raised beds can keep your dog out of cold tiles or concrete, and heated pet beds can help keep stiffness away from aging joints. Put your dog's bed in a favorite place where he sleeps every day, away from drafts, cold tiles or non-carpeted floors, so the area doesn't feel foreign.
Protect your dog from heaters!
Dogs often experience heat during the cold winter months.
They will seek heat by embracing very close to their source of heat. Avoid space heaters and install baseboard radiator covers to prevent your pet from getting burned. Fireplaces are also a big threat, so please make sure you have a pet proof system to keep your heat-seeking friend out of danger!
Use moisturizer!
Dry and cold weather can do a trick for your pet's skin. Help prevent skin from becoming dry and flaky by adding a skin and feather supplement to your food. Coconut oil is a good natural moisturizer that can help keep your pet's skin and coat healthy. If you notice that your pet's paws, ears, or tail are dry or cracked, you can also apply coconut oil topically as needed.
Please do not overfeed!
While dogs need an extra layer in the winter, make sure this is from a coat, not a layer of fat. Even cold temperatures can cause lazy behavior and less calorie needs. Pay attention to your dog's activity level and adjust his calories accordingly. A high-quality, whole-food, preferably raw meat-based diet will help maintain a healthy coat and good energy during the cold winter months.
Don't leave your dog without water!
Dogs can get dehydrated as quickly in winter as in summer. Although most dogs eat snow, it is not a sufficient substitute for fresh water. If your dog is spending time outside in your garden, make sure he has access to a water bowl, check it often, and break the ice formed on top.
Groom your dog!
Your dog needs a clean, well-groomed coat to stay properly insulated. This is especially important if your dog spends a lot of time outside. Dry your dog thoroughly after bathing, especially before letting him go outside.
Foot care is a must!
Just as we tend to develop foot cracks in the winter, dogs can also have cracked pads. If your dog has furry feet, cut the hair that grows between the pads to prevent ice build-up between the pads. Winter salt on city sidewalks can also burn your dog's pads and is poisonous, so rinse your dog's paws or wipe the salt off after walking around the neighborhood - you don't want him to lick it. If your dog shows signs of discomfort when walking outside on frozen or salty surfaces, consider using dog booties to protect their paws.
Snow clearing!
Snow can be a lot of fun, but it can also be dangerous for your dog. Piled snow near fences gives your dog escape routes that even well-trained dogs often can't stand. When you clear the snow in your yard, put it away from fences to prevent your dog from climbing over it. Snow and ice often accumulate on roofs, and if the sun is outside or as the temperature rises, this buildup can slip and injure your dog. If you are unable to clear the snow from the roof, keep your dog away from the roof overhang to avoid injury.
Watch where your dog is playing!
While your dog is probably having a great time outdoors, take frequent indoor breaks for water and warm-up and never stay outside too long. If you are walking or playing in unfamiliar places, keep your dog close. It is easy for him to enter unsafe surfaces such as frozen ponds or lakes. These may be covered in snow and not readily visible.
Avoid exposure to toxins!
Antifreeze comes with the winter. Antifreeze tastes sweet, and dogs (as well as some children!) Easily lick or drink it. Antifreeze is extremely toxic and only a small amount can be fatal. Keep your dog out of the garage and out of the garage path where it may encounter antifreeze or other harmful chemicals.
Whatever the season, never leave your dear friend unattended in the car!
While cars can get dangerously hot in the summer, freezing temperatures in the winter are equally dangerous for your dog. Leaving the car running poses additional risks, including carbon monoxide poisoning if the car is parked in a garage. Leave your dog at home when you go out to get things done.
Special care for the elderly!
Cold weather will worsen pre-existing medical conditions in dogs, especially arthritis. Maintaining an exercise regimen with your arthritic dog is essential, but keep an eye out for slippery surfaces and make sure your dog has a warm and soft resting area for recovery after the activity. If you haven't given your elderly dog a natural joint supplement to lubricate the joints and alleviate his arthritis discomfort, you may want to consider adding one in the winter. Just like humans, dogs are more susceptible to other diseases during the winter months. The harsh winter weather brings a wide range of concerns to responsible dog owners. Bitter cold, numb wetness or strong winds can cause discomfort for that particular dog in your life.
Paying special attention to the well-being of your faithful friend during the winter season will ensure that both of you live to the end of the season.
Keep these winter maintenance tips in mind and enjoy all that winter has to offer. And remember, cuddling with your canine in the winter is a great way to keep warm for everyone!
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