Does your dog love winter or does he prefer to cuddle on the couch under a cozy blanket? Either way, you have to be ready to protect it when it gets into the thick of things. Winter care tips for your dog are important to keep him safe this season. Many dog owners live under the misconception that because their pets have fur, they can tolerate the cold better than humans. This is not necessarily the case. Like us, these fur-covered creatures are accustomed to the warmth of enclosed shelters, and the cold weather can be just as them as we humans. Regardless of your perspective on winter, one thing is for sure: It’s a time when our beloved pets need a little extra care.

We’ve got 15 winter care tips to keep in mind as you explore the winter landscape with your faithful four-legged friend!

Freezing:

Frostbite begins when the dog’s body has cooled down. The body automatically draws blood from the extremities to the center of the body to stay warm. The dog’s ears, paws, or tail can become so cold that ice crystals can form in the tissue and damage it. The hardest thing to remember about freezing is that it’s not immediately obvious. Watch out for signs of pale or gray skin; The skin may also become hard and cold. Frozen areas can be extremely painful because they are hot. Severely frostbitten skin will eventually turn black and scab over.

Hypothermia:

A second serious winter weather concern is hypothermia. This occurs when a dog spends a lot of time in the cold, gets wet in cold weather, or when dogs with poor health or circulation are exposed to the cold. In mild cases, the dog will shiver and his ears and feet may become cold. As hypothermia progresses, it may show signs of depression, lethargy, and weakness. As the condition worsens, his muscles will stiffen, his heart and breathing rate will slow down, and he will not respond to stimuli. Severe hypothermia is life-threatening.

Protecting your dog from frostbite and hypothermia is crucial, so learn how to recognize the signs that your dog needs to go inside to warm up.

Is your dear friend cold?

If it’s too cold for you to stand at the door without your coat, it’s probably too cold for your dog as well, so be mindful of their behavior when you’re out. If you notice your dog whining, shaking, or looking anxious, or if he stops playing and seems to be looking for a place to nest, it’s time to bring him in.

15 ways to protect your dear friend from the winter months!

Let’s talk about temperature first!

Some dog breeds are blessed with thick fur that keeps them naturally warm even in very cold weather, but dogs with fine fur may need to wear a sweater or coat when they go out for winter walks. A good coat should extend from the neck to the base of the tail and at the same time protect the belly. But keep in mind that coats will not prevent frostbite on the ears, feet or tail… So, even with a comfortable coat, don’t keep your short-haired dog outside in freezing temperatures for too long.

When the sun shines, go outside!

If your dog feels the cold, try to walk late in the morning or early afternoon when the weather is a little warmer, and avoid walks in the early morning or late evening. Spend time playing outside when it’s sunny; Sunlight brings with it the added benefit of providing vitamin D to both you and your pet. Play with toys, not sticks, which can cause suffocation and other injuries. So, if your dog likes to chew and chase, pack a Frisbee, ball, or other safe toy and play together in the sun.

Limit the time you spend outdoors during the winter months!

Your family’s pet may love spending time outdoors, but in winter, even the most distant dog can get cold. Ears, paws and tails are susceptible to frostbite. Take your dog outside often for walks, exercise, and play… But when the temperature drops, don’t leave it out for a long time. A good rule of thumb is to go out with him, and when you’re ready to go in, he probably will too. If he’s outside in your garden alone, check often to make sure he’s not showing signs of getting cold.

Cozy linens!

In addition to limiting your dog’s time outside on cold days, don’t let your dog sleep in a cold place in the winter. Choosing the right bedding is essential to keep your dog warm. Warm blankets can create a cozy environment; Raised beds can keep your dog away from cold tiles or concrete, and heated pet beds can help keep stiffness away from aging joints. Put your dog’s bed away from drafts, cold tiles, or uncarpeted floors, preferably in a favorite spot where he sleeps every day, so the area doesn’t feel unfamiliar.

Protect your dog from heaters!

Dogs will seek heat during the cold winter months, often cuddling very close to heating sources. Avoid space heaters and install baseboard radiator covers to prevent your pet from getting burned. Fireplaces also pose a big threat, so please make sure you have a pet-proof system in place to keep your heat-seeking friend out of harm’s way!

Use moisturizer!

Dry and cold weather can do a trick on your pet’s skin. Help prevent the skin from becoming dry and flaky by adding a skin and feather supplement to your meal. Coconut oil is a good natural moisturizer that can help keep your pet’s skin and coat healthy. If you notice that your pet’s paws, ears, or tail are dry or cracked, you can also apply coconut oil topically as needed.

Please do not overfeed!

Although dogs need an extra layer in the winter, make sure it comes from a coat and not a layer of fat. In fact, cold weather can lead to lazy behavior and fewer calorie needs. Keep an eye on your dog’s activity level and adjust their calories accordingly. A high-quality, whole foods, preferably raw meat-based diet will help maintain a healthy coat and good energy during the cold winter months.

Don’t dehydrate your dog!

Dogs can become dehydrated as quickly in winter as they are in summer. Although most dogs eat snow, it is not an adequate substitute for fresh water. If your dog spends time outdoors in your yard, make sure he has access to a water bowl, check it often, and break up any ice that forms on top.

Groom your dog!

Your dog needs a clean, well-groomed coat to stay properly insulated. This is especially important if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors. Dry your dog thoroughly after bathing, especially before letting him go outside.

Foot care is a must!

Just as we tend to develop cracked feet in the winter, dogs can also have cracked pads. If your dog has furry feet, trim any hair that grows between the pads to prevent ice from forming between the pads. Winter salt on city sidewalks can also burn your dog’s pads and is toxic, so rinse or wipe your dog’s paws clean of the salt after a walk around the neighborhood — you don’t want him licking it off. If your dog is showing signs of discomfort when walking outside on frozen or salty surfaces, consider using dog booties to protect his paws.

Snow removal!

Snow can be a lot of fun, but it can also be dangerous for your dog. Snow piled up near fences gives your dog escape routes that even well-trained dogs often can’t withstand. When you remove snow from your yard, place it away from the fence to prevent your dog from climbing over it. Snow and ice often accumulate on roofs, and if the sun is out or as the temperature rises, this buildup can slip and injure your dog. If you are unable to remove snow from the roof, keep your dog away from the roof ledge to avoid injury.

Watch where your dog plays!

While your dog is probably having a great time outside, take frequent breaks indoors for water and warm-ups, and never stay outside too much. If you’re walking or playing in unfamiliar places, keep your dog close. It is easy for him to get into unsafe surfaces, such as frozen ponds or lakes. These may be covered in snow and may not be easily visible.

Avoid exposure to toxins!

With winter comes antifreeze. Antifreeze tastes sweet, and dogs (as well as some children!) He easily licks or drinks it. Antifreeze is extremely toxic, and only a small amount of it can be fatal. Keep your dog out of the garage and out of the driveway, where he may encounter antifreeze or other harmful chemicals.

Regardless of the season, never leave your dear friend unattended in the car!

Just as cars can get dangerously hot in the summer, freezing temperatures in the winter are equally dangerous for your dog. Leaving the car running involves additional risks, including carbon monoxide poisoning if the car is parked in a garage. Leave your dog at home when you go out to run errands.

Special care for the elderly!

Cold weather will often worsen existing medical conditions in dogs, especially arthritis. It’s essential to maintain an exercise regimen with your arthritic dog, but watch out for slippery surfaces and make sure your dog has a warm and soft resting area to recover from the activity. If you haven’t given your senior dog a natural joint supplement to lubricate joints and alleviate arthritis discomfort, you may want to consider adding one in the winter. Just like humans, dogs are more susceptible to other diseases during the winter months. The harsh winter weather brings a wide range of concerns to responsible dog owners. Bitter cold, numb wetness, or strong winds can all cause discomfort for that special dog in your life. Paying special attention to the well-being of your faithful companion during the winter season will ensure that both of you live the season to the fullest.

Keep these winter care tips in mind and enjoy all that winter has to offer. And don’t forget that cuddling with your canine companion in the winter is a great way for everyone to keep warm!