10 Tips for Caring for your dog in cold winter
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Not all dogs tolerate cold weather. There are breeds that can adapt to cold weather and snow, such as the Husky, and there are dogs that cannot live in low temperatures. On the subject of this day, we will put 10 tips for Caring for your dog in cold winter for dogs that do not adapt to cold weather.
Chapped paws and itchy, flaky skin can result from exposure to winter's dry, cold air and chilling rain, sleet, and snow, but these aren't the only discomforts dogs might experience. If chemicals from ice-melting products are licked off of bare paws, winter walks can turn downright hazardous. Please heed the following recommendations from our specialists to help avoid cold weather hazards from having an impact on your pet's health:
Tip n°1: learn to identify the coldness of your doggie
As soon as a dog feels the cold intensely and suffers from it, it is
important to act to prevent him from having to bear this unpleasant
sensation that could make him sick. When the temperature drops to 5°C
or less, the dog can suffer the full effects of the cold.
Tip n°2: adapt to the needs and characteristics of your dog
Just because your neighbor's dog is cold-resistant doesn't mean yours
will. As with humans, some doggies are more sensitive to the harshness
of winter and this gap is even wider depending on dog breeds, but also
on their weight, lifestyle and age.
Tip n°3: offer him a diet adapted to his needs
Again, you have to take your dog's habits into account. If he lives
mostly indoors throughout the year, do not change his diet. It's not
the few outings to relieve themselves that will have a real impact on
their nutritional needs, so don't take the risk of making them gain
too much weight.
Tip n°4: Avoid tying up your dog
It is best not to attach your dog to a leash when living outside in
the winter. He needs to be able to move enough and freely to keep warm
when he feels the need. On the contrary, allow him to move as he
pleases and freely to avoid cold, frostbite to the legs, or even
hypothermia. Even a breed of dog capable of withstanding the harshness
of winter needs toexert itself to keep warm, this is how the animal
fights against the cold, movement helping it to maintain its body
temperature at a normal level.
Tip n°5: install a protective shelter
If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, you absolutely must adapt
his shelter for the winter. It is essential for him to have the
possibility of protecting himself in a secure shelter isolated from
the cold ground. To do this, raise it slightly by placing feet under
it, a pallet or any other suchaccessory. You will prevent him from
being in direct contact with frost, cold and rain.
Also equip the shelter with a solid, insulated and well waterproof
roof to prevent snow and rain from seeping in. Also orient it so as to
protect it from strong winds. Inside, insulate the floor with straw to
keep the heat in and lay down comfortable and cozy blankets so that
pooch can feel warm. Do not hesitate to protect the entrance by
installing a swing door if space permits or plastic slats. This will
keep the heat inside and prevent the cold and humidity from
penetrating too much.
Tip n°6: think about pads
The dog's pads are very sensitive in winter, because they are in
constant contact with the ground. Rain, snow, frost, ice, salt
deposited on the roads and sidewalks… all this damages the skin and
can cause frostbite or any other type of injury.
To protect your pet's pads, you can protect it before each outing
with a suitable, surgras balm, based on coconut oil, sweet almond
and/or shea butter, or even beeswax. . However, avoid cocoa butter,
which is toxic to dogs. After going out, dry his paws thoroughly and
reapply some conditioner if the pads need moisturizing.
Tip n°7: Dress it up
Dressing your dog in winter is not so useless as that. Admittedly,
we're not talking about making him a star pooch wearing a human outfit
that gives him a somewhat ridiculous look. No, we're talking about
protecting your little friend from the cold with a specially designed
dog coat.
Indeed, as we have said, not all breeds of dogs can tolerate the
cold. Some animals really suffer from going out in winter weather
because of their small size, their low weight, their hair that is too
short or even their old age. In this case, a coat is necessary.
Tip n°8: adopt the right protective measures after your outings
If you take your dog out when it's snowing or freezing on the roads,
take good care of his paws on the way home. Indeed, as we have said,
snow, frost and salt deposited in public spaces are known to irritate
the pads of our little four-legged friends. As a result, as soon as
you return from your walks, carefully dry his paws with a soft, warm
towel, gently patting the pads.
Tip n°9: consult the veterinarian in case of symptoms
Of course, it goes without saying that if your dog seems sick, it's
important to take him to the vet. Our doggie friends can refstiffen in
winter to the point of catching a cold because of the drops in
temperature and the great variations between indoors and outdoors, but
also because of the winds and rains which cool the body.
Tip n°10: Don't overuse the baths
Do not multiply the baths for the dog, and this, throughout the year.
In fact, water and shampoos tend to expose the skin bare by
eliminating the natural barrier that forms on the surface of the
epidermis. In winter, too frequent baths not only eliminate this
famous protective sebum to the point of no longer allowing the doggie
to protect itself naturally from the cold, but it is also necessary to
keep in mind the fact that the animal has more difficulty warming up
afterwards. washing due to low temperatures.