As winter approaches, it is time to focus on protecting yourself and your family from the cold. This means getting cozy in your home and wrapping up warm every time you head outdoors, while making sure that everyone else in your family stays warm. Winter brings freezing temperatures that continue to plummet and sickness that spreads rapidly from place to place. It is a time when your health can easily deteriorate, and you can be extremely vulnerable to sickness if you don’t take the right measures to prevent it.
With the freezing temperatures and dark days affecting everyone and putting people at risk, it is so easy to purely focus on protecting yourself and other people in your family. However, there is another member of the family that often gets overlooked and needs to be considered when the cold weather hits. This is your dog. If you own a dog, you will know all about keeping them safe in the heat of the summer. But when winter rolls around and the cold snaps in, many owners assume that their pooch will be fine because they have thick coats. This isn’t the case, though. Just like us, dogs can experience issues due to the cold and can be seriously affected by it. Their fur does insulate them, but for the warmth of the indoors, not the freezing temperatures of the outdoors. Due to this, it’s essential to also protect your furry friend from the harsh cold that winter brings. See how you can best take care of your dog through the long, cold winter with these winter care tips for dogs and their owners.
Health Risks That Can Occur for Dogs in Winter
Dogs can experience various health issues due to the freezing temperatures that come in the wintertime. Just like you, your pooch can be vulnerable to the cold and can experience deteriorating health if they’re exposed to the cold for too long. They can also experience common cold-related serious problems that humans can get. These are:
- Frostbite: This can set in when your dog’s body gets cold, just like it does for humans. Their body can automatically pull blood from the extremities to the center of the body to help them stay warm. This can cause your dog’s ears, paws or tail to form ice crystals in the tissue, which damages it.
- Hypothermia: This can also occur when your dog spends too much time in the cold, gets wet in cold weather, or if they have poor circulation or health. When this happens, your dog will shiver, and their ears and paws can grow cold. If this progresses, they can become weak and lethargic. This can be life-threatening if not treated as soon as possible.
Protecting Against the Chill
Your dog’s ability to handle colder weather depends on their current health, age and breed. Some dogs are equipped with thicker coats that help them manage the cold weather and stay in good health. Although these breeds are built for the colder temperatures, it really does depend on your dog and their health. Other breeds have thinner coats and can’t cope with freezing temperatures. This is particularly the case for smaller breeds, short-haired dogs, and older pets. These are more vulnerable to the harsh temperatures of wintertime.
Outings in harsh weather should be kept shorter, and the use of dog coats or sweaters can provide an extra layer of protection. Paw care is equally important, as ice and road salt can irritate sensitive pads. Wiping a dog’s paws after walks not only prevents discomfort but also avoids them ingesting harmful substances if they lick their feet later.
Owners should also prepare for winter outings with layers, sturdy footwear, and reflective gear to ensure visibility during darker evenings. Walking a dog in winter can be enjoyable when both pet and owner are dressed appropriately for the conditions.
Limit Outdoor Time
Even though outdoor time is important for dogs, you need to find a balance that works for them to make sure that they don’t spend too much time in cold temperatures, as this can cause issues. Your dog may love exploring outside and uncovering new scents in the area, but when it comes to winter, even the furriest dog can get cold, and their ears, tail, and paws can get frostbite. Try to take your dog out regularly for walks, exercise, and play, but as soon as the temperature drops, don’t leave them outside for a long time. Shorten the time you spend outdoors, and as soon as you feel cold and ready for home, go back inside because your pooch will more than likely be feeling the same way.
Maintaining Activity Levels
Cold weather often discourages outdoor activities, but dogs still need regular exercise to stay healthy and avoid restlessness. Shorter, more frequent walks may be more manageable than long adventures, especially when temperatures drop significantly. Indoor playtime also becomes important. Setting aside time for fetch, tug-of-war, or even training exercises helps keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated when you can’t spend the time on a long adventure.
For owners, maintaining these routines is just as beneficial. The commitment to keeping a dog active encourages daily exercise, fresh air, and a structured schedule, all of which contribute to well-being during a season when many people feel sluggish or confined indoors- which can lead to feelings of depression and loneliness.
Nutrition and Seasonal Needs
With the temperature changes during winter, your dog’s dietary requirements can change. Sometimes, colder temperatures can lead to more energy being used because your dog is not just carrying out their everyday routine, but also warming their body up when they feel cold. This is especially the case for more active dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors and need to spend as much time as possible outdoors. With less energy, your dog can struggle to operate normally and stay fit and healthy to prevent risks of health problems. This means you need to provide them with meals that meet their change in needs to help them maintain body condition and vitality. You need to give their body and mind a boost in energy to keep them going and allow them to store extra energy to use as a way for them to warm up. Offering a balanced and nutritious diet ensures they remain strong and resilient throughout the season. For example, ensuring access to high-quality food for dogs supports energy levels and contributes to overall health, making the winter months easier for them to handle.
As an owner, you should also focus on nutrition during this period to look after yourself through the cold, difficult season. Winter often tempts people into comfort eating or reduced activity, but balanced meals rich in vitamins and minerals can help sustain energy and boost immunity against seasonal illnesses.
Creating Warm and Safe Spaces at Home
Your home becomes a safe retreat from the cold during the winter months for everyone, especially for your pooch. Your dog can significantly benefit from having a warm and cozy space that lets them escape the freezing temperatures. They really need this warm space after they’ve been outdoors to help their body warm up and regulate their temperature once more. Providing a soft, insulated bed away from cold floors or draughty windows helps ensure their comfort. For breeds particularly sensitive to cold, heated pads or blankets designed for pets can offer additional warmth.
Winter care for dogs and their owners requires a balance of warmth, activity, and vigilance. Protecting yourself and your furry friend contributes to a happier season for both you and your pooch. With thoughtful preparation and shared routines, winter can become an enjoyable time that you and your dog can treasure together and create lasting memories.