How To Care For Your Dog During The Winter Months

When the temperatures begin to dip and the frost begins to settle – it is time to change the way you care for your dog. Although your dog has a nice thick fur coat on to protect him, this simply isn’t enough when the temperature drops significantly.

There are some general tips that you should consider when caring for your animals during the winter time. It is worth bearing in mind the smaller your dog is, the harsher winter will be on him, this is because smaller dogs have less body fat – this means smaller animals will find it difficult to keep their body and organs warm in cold conditions. If you have a small dog, you will have to spend extra time looking at ways you can care for him during the winter.

Cold Weather

The cold wintery weather can be tough on the best of us so never mind for your dog. To ensure your dog survives the winter weather – here are some tips:

Walks & Outdoor Activities

Although it may be cold outside, it is important that your dog continues to get his much needed exercise. Walking your dog on a regular basis is essential for his health – lack of walking can cause obesity and other health issues.

Dogs feel the heat differently to humans, when they are being active they are less likely to feel the effects of the cold weather. Take your dog for short brisk walks – this way he is likely not to feel the coldness too much.

Avoid taking your dog out on extended walks as this may cause health issues and problems. The longer your dog is outside, the more likely he is going to get ill from the weather.

Indoor Care

Caring for your dog indoors is equally as important as caring for your dog outdoors. In the winter time, it is absolutely essential that your dog has his own bed/sleeping space – this will ensure he is as warm as possible. If your dog does not have his own bed, you will find that he has no place to generate heat or curl up except in open spaces.

Aim to keep your dogs bed near a radiator or fire, this will give your dog a little more heat – but remember not to place the bed too close as your dog is unlikely to know when the heat is harming him.

Observation

Whilst you can do everything you think is right to care for your dog during the winter, the best thing you can do is to observe his health.

If you notice anything unusual in his behaviour, take him to the vets for a check-up. Things to observe include:

• Changes in toilet habits.
• Changing in indoor behaviour.
• Changing in outdoor behaviour.
• Lack of interest in toys/socialising.
• Lack of interest in food.
• Sleeping more than usual.

Whilst you may notice some general change in attitude from your pet during the winter, if the change becomes worrying or extremely unusual – take your dog straight to the vets.

Featured images:

•  Image credit Cheap photos

The Stylish Dog Company knows how important it is to care for your dog all year round, especially during the winter months. They have a range of beautiful and comfortable dog beds for your dog this winter.