The winter period is almost approaching, and it presents a series of health issues to man and animals. Over the years, the relationship between man and dogs is more than being a household pet. As a result, it is essential to take care of your dog, especially when the winter comes knocking. Pets, especially dogs, are susceptible to some health issues in extreme cold.
As a result, do not expect their fur to prevent them from getting hypothermia, frostbite, etc. Unfortunately, these are issues common in pets and humans when the temperature reaches shallow levels.
Photo by Mikhail Nilov from Pexels
With this, you need to take the extra step to keep your dog healthy in winter. Dogs love playing in the snow, but their body system reacts to shallow temperatures like humans. This makes it essential to keep them warm to avoid the hazards of cold weather.
Here are five helpful tips to keep your dog safe from winter:
1. Protect their Paws with Balms and Boots
Your dog has a high probability of getting dry, sore, and cracked paws when it is soaked and wet. As a result, you need to protect their paws with dog boots. This reduces their contact with snow, ice, and chemicals used to defrost snow. Make sure to buy dog boots that will give them a good fit, and train her to get used to the new extension on her feet.
For dogs that refuse to get used to boots, we recommend using paw balm. You can also use any petroleum-based jelly on the paws. With this balm, your dog will have a protective barrier on their feet, preventing them from getting ice, salt, snow in between the toes and paw hair. Besides, the balm will also ensure that the feet are not dehydrated, which will prevent cracks.
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2. Reduce Exposure to Winter
If you are uncomfortable outdoors due to the cold temperature, chances are it will be uncomfortable for your dog as well. As a result, get them off any harsh environment that is not conducive. Make sure you designate a comfortable place for them where the temperature seems fair.
You can create a warm and cozy shelter for your dog if you do not want them in the same room with you. Also, the (AVMA) American Veterinary Medical Association recommends that one should raise their shelter to prevent losing heat to the floor. Ensure to change their bedding regularly and don’t allow them to sleep on the tiled surface as it is a poor conductor of heat.
Photo by Sam Lion from Pexels
3. Moisturize and Groom their Feet
Your dog will need extra care, especially during the dry and cold winter. As a result, give your dog a spa treatment frequently. The abundance of snow or ice outdoor makes her paw prone to cracking due to constant exposure. With this, it might be difficult and painful for your dog to walk. Even if you use paw pads, they might dry because of excessive exposure, leading to cracks and frostbite.
Constant grooming and moisturizing of your dog’s paw can remove any discomfort. In addition, your dog’s nails should be constantly trimmed because long nails can break easily if she runs through the snow, causing injury. Also, keep paw hairs located between their toes trimmed. This will reduce the tendency for ice balls to latch between their feet.
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4. Reduce their Exposure to Water
If your residence is close to a water body, lake, pond, or whatever that freezes during wintertime, you need extra care if you want to walk your dog. Falling through ice is expected, in which rescuing might be tedious.
Make sure not to allow her to run around freely when walking her. Hold her tightly and be selective with your route. You also want to reduce the frequency with which you wash her. Excessive exposure to water can get rid of some of the essential oils on their skin. This makes their skin dry and flaky. Invest in the right shampoo or air conditioner for general body cleaning.
5. Reduce the time they spend Outdoors
Humans and animals are incredibly vulnerable to frostbite at dangerously low temperatures. It occurs when the weather gets so low that the blood gets pulled to the body’s core to maintain warmth. Like the nose, tail, toes, and ears, many parts of your dog are susceptible to this.
The main remedy to preventing frostbite is reducing time spent outdoors. Even if you go for a walk, make it short and quick with all the essential protective gear. Besides, keep old animals, seniors, young and sick ones indoors, prone to hypothermia.
When indoors, make sure to engage your dog with stimulating activities. Play various games with her. Stimulate her mind to keep her in good spirits as well. Get toys and play hide and seek to keep her spirit high and expend some of her energy. A tired dog is a well-behaved dog.
Photo by Sam Lion from Pexels
Conclusion
Make sure to play it safe as the winter season approaches and keep your dog safe. While it might require extra commitment from you, it will go a long way to keep your dog healthy and reduce unnecessary visits to the vet.
Here are six tested tips that can help protect your dog as the harsh winter season approaches.
- https://www.sagecenters.com/blog/winter-tips-protect-dog-rain-snow/
- https://www.petinsurancereview.com/blog/5-tips-protect-your-dogs-paws-winter
- https://www.spca.com/en/7-tips-for-protecting-your-animals-from-the-cold-this-winter/
- https://www.petbutler.com/blog-winter-tips-protect-dogs-cold-season/
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