Does your dog look weak or like it’s in pain during the cold season? Unknown to many, dogs experience cold the same way humans do despite having a natural coat. You may notice that its fur is starting to change when it’s cold or even hear the poor puppy crying at night. Frostbite, hypothermia, and cracked paws are some of the woes that dogs face during winter if no measures are taken.
So, how do you protect your little fur friend from this kind of pain?
1. Cover up
Even if the dog has a natural coat, it’s always good to add a layer of warmth to their body. Buy a sweater or a fur coat that covers the dog from the neck to the tail. It should also go down to the stomach. Most dogs suffer from frostbite on their ears because they are uncovered so you can invest in a light hat for the head. Dogs need their natural fur when it’s cold, so you should not trim it before or during winter.
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2. Keep them active
It is very tempting to cuddle up on the sofa all day when it’s cold. However, a dog still needs to exercise every day to function correctly. If it’s too cold to take a walk outside, you can buy toys that you can play with inside the house. Get off the couch and play some fetch with your dog at least once a day. You can also use Nylabone chew toys from companies such as toolsofpets.com or Vetsend.co.uk to keep their teeth healthy and active instead of clenching them all day.
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3. Warm bedding
In addition to dressing your dog in warm clothing, you should also prepare a warm place for them to sleep. Winter is not the time for your dog to sleep on a cold floor or in their kennel. A raised bed with warm blankets or a pillow will provide enough warmth and comfort throughout the cold season. If the puppy is suffering from aching joints, you can add a heated blanket or heating pads to help with the stiffness.
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4. Keep your dog hydrated
Your dog needs to stay hydrated during winter just as much as summer. The water ensures that blood is moving freely all over the body and providing warmth to the skin surface. If you can, provide warm water for the dog throughout the day, even when you are taking a walk.
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5. Paw care
The combination of cold, snow, and winter salt can cause serious harm to your dog’s paws. Paw care has to be a daily activity, especially if the dog is going outside the house without boots. If the dog has some fur on their feet, you should trim them often because they can harbor ice and salt between the paws. However, buying some dog booties is always the best way to avoid harm on their sensitive paws during winter.
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Dog owners have to be especially proactive in keeping their dogs warm and safe during winter. Make sure they don’t go too close to the fireplace or ingest any harmful products used to clear the ice outside.
