Winter is coming; you have a lovely pet dog and want to know about keep dog warm in winter. Let’s begin.
Winter is almost at our doorstep now. There is a nip in the air, and the nights have become chilly. The time has come to take out the extra warm clothing, so we are well-set to bear the onslaught of snow and cold air.
While we do all this for ourselves, it is the right time to do it for our pet dog. Although Mother Nature has given dogs a thick fur coat, sometimes it proves inadequate, especially in the face of chilly arctic air.
With the ecological imbalance created due to disregard of pollution control norms by different countries, extreme weather is being experienced globally. This means extremely high temperatures in summer and shallow temperatures in winter.
Therefore it is important to keep in mind a few safeguards that will keep your dog warm, irrespective of whether your dog is at home or you have lodged him in a Dog Daycare Near Your Home.
How To Keep Dog Warm in Winter
Secondly, since all dogs are not the same, it is worthwhile to consider a few aspects:
#1. The coat type of your dog
Pups such as Siberian Huskies, German Shepherds, and Samoyeds have thick, double-layered coats that protect them from extreme cold, not so with hounds and other breeds which have no fur.
#2. Size of your dog
The smaller your dog, the sooner he will get cold and wet and lose heat. Larger pups tend to be warm.
#3. Weight of your dog:
The fatter your dog is due to the accumulation of body fat, the more likely he will feel warm.
#4. Age and health:
Small puppies are prone to catch a cold and fall sick and so need extra protection than dogs that are adults.
#5. Warning signs that your dog is cold
If you have left your dog in a dog daycare near your home, it will be under the care of experts and will remain warm.
Most dog day cares have rubberized flooring that keeps the dogs warm. However, if you have inadequate heating at home or have not covered your dog correctly, then watch out for these telltale signs:
- Whining: Dogs whine if they are unhappy or uncomfortable.
- Pausing: If your dog lifts its paws, it may have balls of ice or snow between the pads of its feet.
- Shivering: Your dog will shiver.
- Anxiety: Your dog will exhibit anxious behavior and jump and down or run to keep himself warm.
Ways to keep your dog warm in winter
Below are some ideas that you can deploy inexpensively to keep your dog warm in winter:
- Keep your dog’s sleeping place warm and well-placed, preferably not near a window or a door.
- Ensure that your dog is in a room that has heating, especially on cold nights.
- Clean and change the bedding of your dog regularly.
- Put a warm coat on your dog when taking him out for a walk
- You can also use booties to protect your dog’s paws when walking with him on snow and salt.
#6. Shorter Walks
If temperatures are shallow, people don’t feel like spending much time outside. Our dogs too. So, during winter, walks shouldn’t take as long as on hot days.
A quick walk is enough for your dog’s exercise, socializing with other dogs, and meeting his basic needs without being too cold.
In winter, it’s essential to add activities and games to the home. For instance, I was throwing the ball or a rope or throwing toys in the air for him to find them. It is the perfect time to make use of your imagination.
#7. Avoid frequent bathing
The bathing routine can be put off for some more days as, during the winter months, our canine companions won’t venture out more often, which means they’ll get less filthy. Cleaning them every three or four weeks should be sufficient.
Whatever time you’ll need to shower them, if it’s cold, you should do it inside. If possible, it will be more beneficial to bathe at the time of day and in a smaller space far from the windows to ensure the warmth of the surrounding remains.
#8. Do Not Feed Them Too Much
There’s another myth associated with this, and it’s completely incorrect. Since it’s winter, dogs shouldn’t consume more food than usual due to the possibility of excess weight or obesity.
Humans generally consume calorific food during colder days; however, it isn’t required for your pet. Whatever time in the entire year, it’s always recommended to keep your dog’s diet balanced and as healthy as you can.
The food they eat should contain sufficient protein or carbohydrates, and they should also have gasses that supply them with nutrients to boost their defenses.
Even in the coldest temperatures, you should not focus on increasing the amount. Instead, focus on maintaining the nutritional quality.
#9. Create Warm Environments
It’s probably one of those times of the year that your dog is looking to be able to stay inside more.
If you can’t accomplish this, it is best to be able to shelter your dog from the elements of wind and cold in your backyard.
To endure a cold winter night, one should be able to sleep in a blanket or bed which protects him from the hard flooring.
A prolonged period of contact with the ground can lead to joint pain, and in the long run, it could lead to diseases like arthritis or flu.
A simple way to tell the signs that your dog is cold is to rub the edges of his ear or tail. If they’re extremely cold or dry, it is necessary to wrap them up immediately and cover them in blankets that go all the way to their body.
#10. Do not trim their Fur
Certain breeds can withstand cold better than others due to their thick Fur, which serves as a warm coat for their bodies. This is why it’s not advised to cut it during winter since it can be harmful.
In any event, it is necessary to continue to brush the coat at this time of year, as when it’s caught up in knots, it’s less efficient. Moreover, grooming them can help prevent dandruff in a dry winter.
It is less necessary to shave when it comes to breeds with shorter hairs like French bulldogs, beagles, or boxers who need to be kept warm in winter.
#11. Wrap them in Clothing
It isn’t a matter of whether it’s purchased or made by hand, and it is essential to ensure that whatever we wear is warm and not bulky.
A standard error is to select clothes made from weighty materials that cause itching or discomfort while walking.
If this occurs, the dog will eventually strip off their clothes, and all efforts to keep them warm will be wasted.
Therefore, making them comfortable wearing these clothes early is essential, particularly if they’re short-haired breeds.
If they’re not in a position to dress, this time of the season is the perfect time to snuggle and pamper them more than average.
Conclusion
Your pet dog is just like your family member, and it pays to take care of him and look after him in winter just as you would look after your child.
Dog daycare centers look after your puppies and dogs in the same way and shower the same love and care.