How Do I Look After My Dog In Winter?

Keeping Your Dog Warm In Winter

Coats and jumpers arent just for us humans! Keeping dogs like Greyhounds and Staffies warm with short coats ensures they’re warm and snug in winter.

Dogs that feel the cold through their paws will benefit from booties which come in all shapes and sizes. These also help keep them clean at the same time.

Do try to make sure your dog still gets a walk in all weathers – that is if the weather’s not too extreme and it’s safe for you to go out.

Using light-up collars and flashing balls for play when outside in the dark is always a good idea. If you aren’t able to brave the elements on dark evenings, make sure your dog doesn’t get bored by providing him with other indoor activities. Make sure your dog’s nutritional needs are met during colder months

As the winter months draw near we can expect some winter fun especially if it snows. Many dog owners like the winter months here in the UK because it means wrapping up and getting out with the hound for those long winter walks. However – you need to make sure you’re prepared for the hazards that come with the colder months. Our advice will help you keep your dog warm, happy and safe from danger during the cold spell…

What’s The Best Way To Keep My Dog Warm?

If your dog is a pet and doesn’t spend too long outside don’t leave him outside for any length of time. Dogs tend to sensitive creatures especially pet dogs and they can get hypothermia just like humans. If, on the other hand, you have a working dog, he’ll be quite happy to go for a bit longer. He can generally adapt to the cold and probably lives a life without the luxury of central heating. With the colder months comes an uplift in calorie burn. Making sure you have the right nutrition in the house can be very wise as your hound will need more energy to keep him warm.

Some Dogs Like Coats and Jumpers!

Having a thick coat does a great job of protecting our dogs against elements such as Collies, Huskies, and German Shepherds are well adapted to the cold. However, certain breeds of dog struggle to keep warm more than others. Short-coated Breeds, like greyhounds, Dobermans, and Staffordshire bull terriers struggle the most to cope with the cold so if you have a short-haired hound, make sure he has some winter clothing like a cosy coat or doggy jumper on when they go outside.

Booties for Dogs

If your dog starts to lift up his paws a lot, starts to whine or just stops in protest while out on walks it could be because their feet are too cold. So why not invest in some doggy winter booties for them to wear? It makes post-exercise cleaning easier as well as keeping them warm. Always look out for dog boots that have a good sole and Velcro straps to keep them from falling off. There’s quite a choice online for Winter items these days.

If your dog prefers not to wear boots, you should ensure that their feet are inspected and wiped down after your walk. Removing harmful objects like thorns and embedded grit they’ve picked up is always a good idea.

Remember that anything can get in between your dog’s toes and irritate their footpads and you’ll be surprised what you find! Oh and, make sure you top him up with his favorite snack.

Dogs In The House

Your dog may be getting chilly at home in which case you may consider moving his bed. Chilly drafts and icy cold floor tiles after a warm summer are never a good thing and you may consider moving his bed to a warmer part of the house. Thick cosy blankets are a good idea to keep him cosy during the coldest spells and of course plenty of treats. It’s always worth considering a jumper for your dog indoors for extra warmth if they’re more susceptible to the cold. And of course its always a good excuse for a cuddle to share the warmth!

Look out for part 2 in a couple of weeks.

The Exe Valley Team