With winter comes the cold and, therefore, the need to perform some special care to help our dog to resist the temperature changes. Although it doesn't seem that the dog needs extra care at this time of the year, the truth is that he will need some adjustments in his diet or in the care of his coat, for example.
In this article from The Pretty Pets, we will detail how to care for a dog in winter, taking into account the different aspects of his daily routine and the needs of this time of year. Don't miss this opportunity, find out everything you need to know about winter and dogs below! We will also give you tips on the types of dog coats for dogs in winter and the types of coats for large dogs in winter.
1-How to take care of a dog in winter
There are dogs that, because of their physical condition or special needs, are much more vulnerable to the cold, for example puppies, old dogs, hairless dogs, sick animals... All of them will need extra care with the arrival of the cold. In addition, these dogs mentioned above, could suffer from worsening arthritis or be susceptible to various viral diseases, common at this time of the year, such as colds in dogs or kennel coughs. In any case, and regardless of your dog's age or condition, following these basic tips will help your dog stay healthier and happier.
2-The dog's diet in winter
It is common to observe that in winter, people choose more caloric dishes, with the intention of "fighting the cold" and thus increasing their energy reserves. This belief has also become widespread among dogs and an increasing number of people believe that they should be fed more during the winter.
Because there are no studies in dogs, we have analyzed some studies in humans and while it is true that exposure to the cold results in more calories being consumed, it is also true that in winter less fat is burned. So should a dog be fed more in winter?
The truth is that most dogs live inside a house, so since they are not exposed to the cold, they don't need more calories. Neither do those who exercise. On the other hand, dogs that live outside and suffer from bad weather and low temperatures will need extra nutrients. In the latter case, the advice of a veterinarian may be of interest, because depending on the ambient temperature, the animal may require an additional amount of calories.
3-Dogs in winter: protecting them from the cold
Not all dogs adapt equally to the different seasons. Nordic dogs and Swiss Shepherds, such as the Alaskan Malamute or the Great Swiss Shepherd, have no problem with resisting low temperatures, while some primitive dogs, such as the hairless dog from Peru, or dogs like the Whippet, can suffer a lot when spending hours outdoors, as they are easily cold.
But how do you know if a dog is cold? In general, we can tell if we observe our dog shaking or shivering. It is common in small breeds of dogs or in short-haired or hairless dogs. In these cases, it is recommended to dress a dog, either with a sweater or a dog coat.
In addition, it may also be advisable to use a raincoat when it rains, to prevent the dog from getting wet and catching cold. There are a wide variety of raincoats on the market, which are becoming more and more comfortable and easy to use, but if it is not possible to buy one, it is always recommended to dry it well when it arrives at home, either with towels or a hairdryer.
4-Dogs in winter: coat care
The coat is the most important protective barrier against the cold that dogs have, for this reason it is very important to keep it in good condition. Ideally, we should brush it regularly, to remove dead hairs and avoid the formation of knots and tangles. Brushing is also important when the dog is walking in the snow, because snow can turn into frost.
As with bathing, to avoid the dog catching cold, you can take a dry cleaning shampoo, although if you bathe the dog completely, you should do so with slightly warm water and finish the process with a complete drying, including the paws.
5-Dog in winter: visit to the vet
It is generally recommended to consult the veterinarian every 6 months (except for working dogs) to make sure their health is good and that they do not present any possible pathology. Especially if you have an older or sick dog, it may be worthwhile to make a routine visit at this time of the year.
Apart from the visits, you should continue the vaccination program and the internal and external de-worming of the dog, to avoid the contagion of any disease or parasite. We also recommend that you check your dog's body in general every day, paying particular attention to the pads.
6-Dog in winter: choose a comfortable place
If your dog lives inside the house, it will be essential to ensure a comfortable bed and provide a blanket to retain heat more easily at night. However, by staying in a warm environment, you won't need excessive care.
On the other hand, if your dog lives outside, he will need a comfortable kennel (never plastic, we'll bet better on solid wooden houses), insulated, that is not in direct contact with the ground and that also has a mattress and blankets to keep him warm. It is very important to check the house to make sure it is completely insulated and that there are no leaks or holes. Finally, we recommend that you check the water frequently as it sometimes freezes and, if it is very cold, bring the dog inside the house.
To conclude this article, we would like to remind you that dogs who live outside, far from their family, are more likely to develop behavioural problems, are more vulnerable to diseases and, in general, have a poorer quality of life.
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