When days are short through the winter months it can seem difficult to walk your dog in the cold weather to keep them fit and healthy. Here at United Dogdom we want the best for every dog. So we’ve put together an essential guide for you to make sure it’s easy to keep your dog happy.
Do Dogs Feel The Cold Weather?
We might experience dry skin and hair in the colder months. This also applies to your dog. The adverse weather and low temperatures can leave your dog with cracked skin and a dull coat. Dogs with short coats and older dogs sometimes need help to retain their body heat, even indoors. But there’s more you can do than add a layer or two to help.
Here are our top tips for dog walkers in cold weather!
1. Get A Dog Coat and Sweater
As we just hinted, the first place to start is with a toasty dog coat or sweater for your dog. Very small dogs, senior dogs, dogs with short coats and fine hair sometimes need help to retain their body heat, even indoors. Whether you choose a warm quilted dog coat or a stylish, warm sweater for your small or large dog, not only will it keep them happy but help to retain their body heat. In winter, it’s all about keeping our four legged friends as warm and cosy as possible!
2. Plan A Route For Your Walks
You cannot keep your dog in forever. Your dog at some point will need to go for a walk. Make sure you take a route that you know so we recommend keeping walks short so your dog does not get too cold and tired.
3. Shine Bright At Night
Keeping you and your dog safe when walking in low light in the winter is very important. Ensure you and your dog are visible with fluorescent colours and reflectors. Remember, even if the weather is sunny, you may find that you end up walking in low-light levels.
4. Wear Sturdy Boots
Snow and ice may look pretty, but it is also extremely cold and slippery at times. All dog lovers will know their dog’s welfare is the upmost importance and the winter months can bring some hazards and challenges. Here are some top tips for dog owners to help their four-legged friend to get through the winter season and stay in good health.
5. Keep Their Paws Healthy
After a dog walk, a dog health check is certainly advised. Make sure to check on each of your dogs paws. Paws can be uncomfortable and become sore if ice or snow is caught in between their paws. Ensuring that the pads of their paws and in between are dried thoroughly will ensure their skin is maintained and kept healthy.
How To Keep Your Dog Happy In Between Walks
6. Groom With Caution
Over grooming your pooch will not do them any favours. It is very important to not over groom dogs with thick or long hair to the point that your dog cannot keep warm. Your dog needs to keep in their heat insulation. Keeping their coats brushed and tangle free of course is an absolute must to deter matts from developing. Their winter coat is there to keep them warm.
7. Treat Them To Grooming Products
Dogs like humans require grooming products to help keep their skin and coat in tip-top condition. Exposure to adverse weather and low temperatures can leave your dog with various dog health problems and these can be cracked skin and a dull coat. Stocking up on some nourishing grooming products like Fuzzyard’s 2-in-1 Express Shampoo & Conditioner can help keep their skin and coat feeling and looking good. Natural balms will also help to keep flaky skin at bay.
8. Let Your Dog Snuggle Up In Bed
Maintaining your dog’s health is of the upmost importance. Having more than one dog bed around the house with varying layers or textures so they can move around if they get too hot or too cold can only be a good thing. Check out our range of toasty blankets here.
9. Skip The Extra Treat
Keeping an eye on your dog’s diet and food intake is important, as less activity can easily lead to weight gain. If your dog is not going out as frequently or are having short walks due to the cold weather and is stuck in doors more, you may consider reducing your canine’s portion size.
10. Entertain Them With A Dog Toy
In the winter months there are frequent cold snaps and walking your dog is reduced. Your dog’s animal welfare is really important and therefore dogs interactive dog toys will help to keep their minds and bodies active. Pulling and tugging games are great fun for your dogs. Here at United Dogdom we’ve got plenty of indestructible and plush dog toys to keep them entertained in the house.
11. Be Careful with Toxic Products
Dog lovers, as you know your pooches will eat almost anything in sight. Their animal welfare is paramount. It seems obvious but ensure that any spills and poisonous products like antifreeze are not left around. It is essential you take care around your dogs. Products can be toxic to dogs and even cause death. Toxic products need to be locked away and out of reach.