Basic Guidelines & Tips for Proper Canine Winter Care of Your Dog’s
Cold weather can have an effect on your dog’s health and safety. Here are some simple cold weather care tips that will help your dog to get through the winter without suffering too much discomfort.
Winter can be a harsh time for pets, whether they remain indoors or outdoors.
Even if you live in a somewhat warmer area, the sudden decrease in temperature can still be jolting for your pet.
For example, the drop from a warm 85 degrees during summer months to a mild 50 degrees during the winter is quite an adjustment for a dog.
The thickening of his coat as a form of adaptation when the temperature begins to drop only proves this fact.
The best way to keep your dog healthy, happy, and completely safe during the winter months is to treat him as you would a human child. Like a child, your dog will benefit from supervision and protection during the winter, just as he would in any potentially harmful circumstances.
While his safety is of the greatest concern, you will certainly wish to take his overall comfort into consideration as well.
Outdoor Care vs. Indoor Care
Dogs that are kept out of doors during the winter obviously need more attention and care than those staying indoors. As soon as the first frost arrives, and maybe sooner than that, it’s time to make sure that your dog is kept safe and warm.
Take the following steps as soon as the weather begins to turn :
- Give your dog a warm, roomy doghouse. Make sure that it is free from cracks, holes, etc.
- Always line your pet’s doghouse with a blanket or mat rather than letting him sleep on the cold, hard surface.
- Make clean clothing a part of your dog’s daily routine. At the very least, provide dog booties to prevent freezing paws. A warm dog sweater is always recommended.
Dogs that are kept indoors are still susceptible to the cold. Any exposure to the outside will require the steps mentioned above. While inside, take the following precautions to ensure your dog’s comfort and safety:
- Provide a warm bed or blanket for your dog to lie on at night. The floor can quickly become very cold if it is not carpeted.
- Reconsider house fires altogether when a dog is inside. Even fireplace screens can be ineffective safety measures if a dog is in a playful or curious mood.
- If your floors are mostly uncarpeted, fit your dog with shoes.
When to Bring Your Dog In
While many dogs are safely kept outdoors all year long, there are certain situations in which they absolutely must be brought inside. Although dogs, at one time, were naturally able to sustain themselves in extreme weather, do not mistake your pet for a “wild” dog. Dogs that have been domesticated need protection from the elements.
There are certain guidelines that you can follow for knowing when to bring your dog inside. However, any signs of discomfort such as shivering or excessive whimpering are a good indicator that something isn’t right.
In general, you should bring your dog if the following conditions arise:
- if there is any precipitation (snow, sleet, hail, rain. etc.), regardless of whether or not there is a doghouse provided
- the weather drops low enough for severe frost
- if there is a strong wind
- if the dog is noticeably uncomfortable
Winter Health Concerns
The winter can bring with it a few health hazards for your dog. The cold weather can make him more susceptible to illness as well as injury.
A few of the most common winter health care concerns for canines and their owners include:
- dehydration
- ice and sleet injuries
- colds
- infections
- lack of energy
Because the cold weather can be drying, make sure that your dog has free access to fresh water at all times. Keep feet outfitted with shoes to prevent slipping or cutting that may occur on ice sheets, frost, wet grass, etc.
Colds and infections are harder to prevent, however you may consider putting your dog on a Vitamin C regimen to boost his immune system (ask your vet about weight-specific doses). A lack of energy during the winter time in dogs is usually due to a lack of nourishment.
Your dog’s body needs more energy to warm itself in the cold, therefore you may consider providing more food than usual, slowly increasing the amount until your dog begins to show more energy. Stop increasing the food amounts when your dog begins to look better, and keep the amount that you feed him the same until warmer months, when you can slowly decrease it.
When to See Your Vet
Dogs may require more health care during the winter. At least one checkup at the beginning of the season may boost his chances of staying healthy all winter long. Keep in mind that your pet has a sensitive immune system, just as humans do, and his chances of getting frequent colds are quite high if the proper precautions are not taken.
To boost your dog’s overall health this winter, consider switching from manufactured dog foods to a natural, homemade diet. Simply mix raw meat, carrots, broccoli, and apples together to make a nutritious and healthy treat for your pet. A natural diet provides more nutritional value and is easier on your dog’s system.
Add this to the Vitamin C regimen suggested above, along with any other vitamins and minerals that your vet may suggest, and your dog will have a much better chance of staying healthy, happy, and safe during the cold winter months.
