When winter arrives it's time to start thinking about how to keep your dog warm and comfortable. Snow, wind, sleet, and ice can all take a toll on your four-legged furry buddy. When you are cold, your dog is feeling the chill too. However, you can take a few effortless steps to keep your dog warm and comfortable when facing adverse winter weather.
Limit Outdoor Time
Only allow your dog out for short periods of time. A canine can suffer frostbite to the tail tip and earflaps. Let your pup out to potty and then bring the pup right back . What for any signs of frost bite such as the skin turning blue or white. Focus on fun indoor activities to keep our dog amused when the mercury dips.
Invest in a Winter Wardrobe - Including Booties
Bundle your furry friend in a dog friendly coat or sweater. You can also invest in a pair of dog booties to protect your pup’s delicate paw pads. Also, the fur between a dog’s pads can build up snow and ice which further chills the pet, so a pair of booties is ideal paw protection when walking in snow and ice. Young and old dogs have a hard time regulating their body temperature, so you’ll want to focus on keeping your dog warm with dog designed clothing.
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Heated dog beds are an ideal option to keep senior dogs warm. The dog beds even come with an auto shutoff. You can find a wide assortment of bed such as orthopedic models and more to fit your dog’s particular physical needs and preferences.
Keep Your Dog’s Feet Clean
If you walk your dog without booties, then it is imperative to keep the pup’s feet clean from harmful deicing substances which typically contain sodium chloride and calcium chloride. If you leave the substance on your dog’s feet, then the pads and skin between the toes can become irritated. The pads can dry out and even crack. Also, there is always the danger of your dog licking his paws and accidently ingesting the substance which can lead to poisoning symptoms.
Moisturize Your Dog’s Nose and Paws
Winter weather is harsh and indoor heating systems can seep the moisture out of the air leading to dryness. You’ll find a wide assortment of lotions and balms that have been formulated for your dog’s delicate nose and paw areas. The solutions moisturize, ease pain and stop cracking.
Avoid Outdoor Winter Toxins
During the winter months the danger your dog ingesting antifreeze increases. Antifreeze appeals to dogs because it tastes sweet. Most dogs will sniff out even a few drops to lick. Even in small amounts, antifreeze is extremely toxic to dogs. Avoid walking your dog near driveways, garages or other areas where autos are parked.
Winter is a beautiful time of the year, and your dog might enjoy going outside but you should protect your furry buddy from the inclement weather. Just as you would not go outside without a coat and shoes, many dogs should also not go outdoors in harsh weather without adequate protection.