So does your dog shiver a lot when you go outside? Most of the dogs feel cold as much as their owners, during the time of winter season especially when they are not used to the cold, or if they do not have specific traits of cold. Keeping your dog during the time of winter is very important in order to maintain their health. So here are some tips to care for your dog during winter.
1. UNDERSTAND YOUR BREED’S PARTICULAR SUSCEPTIBILITY :-
Some dogs are more likely to be cold as compared to other dogs whereas some breeds of dog respond extremely well to the winters. Dogs which do great in cold includes Siberian Huskies, Chow Chows and Alaskan Malamutes. Dogs which find it harder include toy dogs, Greyhounds, Dobermans, hairless or low hair dogs. Any excessively clipped or shaven dog will also fall into this category as the thick winter coat is insulation of a dog.
2. ENSURING ADEQUATE SHELTER :-
During winter, provide adequate shelter to your dog. It will be good if your canine friend can stay indoors during the whole winter season, but going outside only for answering nature’s call and exercising. This will make sure that your dog will not get cold when you are asleep or out. You should not leave young puppies outside because they do not have ability to keep themselves warm like older dogs. However, if you have an outside dog then make sure that if he has access to his shelter and also bedding. You can prove a fresh straw as it is an appropriate layer of insulation, against the outside shelter’s cold ground however be sure to regularly change it. An outside dog must have a insulation, sloped roof and heating, especially if you are living in a very cold climate locations. If cold becomes exceptionally cold then take your dog inside your house. You should also construct an insulated house around the crate of the dog.
4. WARMING THINGS UP :-
Ensure that the bedding is warm and well – placed as bedding plays an important part in order to keep your dog warm throughout the winter. You can place his bed up off the floor if he sleeps on the ground. A custom made bed with blankets, cushioned insert and some old clothing will make a warm bed. Also, you can use canine clothing options for particular dogs and situations. This can really help your friend to stay warm in winter especially for toy or small dogs, old or sick dogs, and dogs without hair. If dog feels cold then their key sign is just like humans, that is, shivering. You can purchase or make dog jackets, sweaters or blankets.
5. GROOM YOUR DOG :-
Well, it is important to groom your dog in winter also, knotted hair will be less effective in order to keep out the cold rain and snow and also will not insulate the dog. Avoid shaving, cutting or trimming your dog;s hair as his coat is the source through which they can keep themselves warm. You can bathe him indoors and before letting him to go outside, make sure that he is completely dried out. Give him bathe with lukewarm water and dry him as soon as possible. If possible, give him less bathe or no bathe in one week. You should keep the hair around your dog’s paws trimmed as this will help in preventing snow and ice balling up between the foot pads.
6. AVOID OVERFEEDING YOUR DOG :-
Well, it is quite important to eat regularly during the time of colder months so that he can keep up with warmth and energy. If you have an indoor dog then you won’t have to increase any amount of food, by doing so, your dog can become overweight. More food is only acceptable for outdoor dogs and also who are extremely active during the time of winter season. You can talk to your vet about the particular energy needs of your dog.
7. TAKE SHORTER WALKS WHEN THE WEATHER IS SEVERELY COLD :-
Do not try to take your dog on walk, on the same distance as in the warmth weather. A shorter walk can still be achieved by doing enough exercise with relief breaks and it will not cause both of you ( you and your dog ) to become too cold. If you have an indoor dog, then keep making him to exercise , you can play indoor games with him like fetch, hiding toys, tug of war and if possible, you can let him to run inside your house. Remember that to keep your dog always on leash if you are walking during winter as if something happens such as the sudden appearance of an ice plow, if he rushes out to an ice lake and falls into it or snowstorm then you will not be able to retrieve your falling dog.