20 January 2021

9 Essential Winter Care Tips for Your Dog(s)

 


With the new year, arctic outdoor temperatures seem to creeping up on us. Do you bundle your pup up for below freezing temperatures, sleet, and snow? If you do, then good move! You’re already taking steps to ensure your furry companion stays comfortable and healthy during the cold winter months. However, there are plenty other problems that cold weather brings. Here's a short list of ways you can do even more to make your dog(s) comfortable during cold weather. Since this list is not all-inclusive, please feel free to add your tips in the comment section below! 


Dry air can affect your dog’s skin just like it does yours. You know that dry, itchy feeling you get? Dogs can feel that way, too. Keeping your home humidified helps avoid itchy, flaky skin.

Towel dry your friend's fur after rolling around in the snow will protect your pet’s skin. Don't forget to pay attention to snow clumps stuck between toes!

Gently wash your puppy’s feet and belly regularly to remove harmful deicing chemicals and any last bits of snow and ice. 

While you’re cleaning your friend's feet more often, you might feel the urge to give your furry friend a full bath. Try to resist that urge, and bathing them less. Stripping the oils from your dog's coat will leave their skin less protected. If you must wash your dog, ask your vet or groomer for recommendations on moisturizing products.

Fur is nature’s way of protecting your furry friend from the elements. Allow it to do its job. If your pet has a long coat, go ahead and give it a little trim to prevent it from dragging on the ground, picking up excess snow, but wait with the haircut until the weather is warmer.

A lot of short-haired dogs were not made for cold, snowy weather and definitely benefit from a jacket or sweater that helps protect them from the cold.

Puppy pads can quickly dry out, become irritated and crack during the cold winter months. If your dog doesn't mind wearing boots, then go for it! If not, rubbing their pads with dog paw wax before going for walks can save them from irritation.

Dogs can benefit from a few extra calories and water during the cold weather season, as they burn energy to stay warm. 



Check your dog's bedding and favourite resting places to ensure they’re warm and away from drafts. An extra blanket or two will help keep them comfortable.
But above all, when you do go outside with your furry friend, have a boatload of fun together! 


Piper is the author of several non-fiction books, and recently added five historical fiction novels to her ever-expanding collection of published writings, In the Shadow of Her MajestyThe Country Girl EmpressA Life in the Shadow of the Crown, The Perpetual Traveler, and Excerpts from the Imperial Diary. When she isn't busy typing on her computer, she can be found chasing after her furry children or holding on tightly to a good cup of coffee. Follow her on LinkedInFacebookInstagram, and Goodreads.
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6 comments:

  1. What a loving list: lots of photos and just enough text, a blog readers' delight. Thank you, Piper!

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    1. Thank you for stopping by and commenting, Marian!
      These are definitely some of my favourite blog posts to write...everything about dogs! =)

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  2. Great tips for the winter. Love the photos.

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  3. It is so sad to see how some dogs are treated especially in the winter cold and snow and the summer heat.

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    1. Yet another great opportunity to remind everyone to take care of their furry companions.

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