How To Keep Your Dog Warm In Winter
Keeping your dog warm in winter is essential. Even though they might look cosy enough with their thick coat of hair, they can still become very cold when temperatures begin to dip. This doesn’t just make them uncomfortable but can also affect their health too. Read on to find out how to keep your dog warm in winter.
5 Great Tips For Keeping Your Dog Warm Enough
If your dog gets too cold, they could suffer a range of health problems, from stiff joints to hyperthermia and even frostbite. Fortunately, there are things you can do to protect your four-legged friend when the cold really starts to bite. Keep reading to learn how to keep your dog warm in winter.
Invest In A Self-warming Bed
Dogs need somewhere warm and cosy to keep when it’s freezing outside. Sleeping on a cold, hard floor simply won’t cut it when temperatures plummet in January and February. Many experts recommend investing in a self-warming bed for your pooch, especially if they have particularly thin fur or like to sleep in an area of the property which isn’t well-heated.
These beds work by reflecting your pet’s body heat back at them. The heat is retained in the material of the bed, stopping the cold from entering. A self-warming bed allows your dog to maintain their current body heat, keeping them warm and snug. Some of the beds have thermal reflectors which make them even more effective.
Consider A Dog Coat
Coats for dogs might seem like a fad, however, they can actually be very helpful in the winter. Whilst most dogs have a thick enough coat to keep them warm enough at this time of year, some dogs can really benefit from wearing protective clothing. Coats and sweaters can be particularly beneficial for smaller dogs since they can sometimes struggle to retain their body heat. Short-haired dogs may also require clothing to help keep them warm.
When deciding whether to put a coat or jumper on your pet, consider the temperature carefully. If it’s above 7°C, your dog is unlikely to need cold weather wear. They may also not require it if they will only be outdoors for a short period of time.
Protect Their Paws With Boots
Dog boots might look unusual, but they can actually be incredibly useful in winter. Their paws are sensitive to very cold temperatures, with their skin potentially becoming chapped and cracked. Ice and snow can stick to the fur between their pads, increasing their risk of frostbite.
Sharp particles such as ice shards can cause damage to their paws too. Boots can also protect your dog’s paws from all the salt and chemicals which have been laid on the roads and pavements at this time of the year. They can cause burns which can be very painful for your pooch.
Another reason to put boots on your pet’s feet in winter is to protect them from sharp objects that could be hidden in the snow. Whilst many dogs love to frolic around in the snow, there could be anything hiding in there to hurt their delicate paws.
Keep in mind that not all dogs are happy about wearing boots and usually take some time to adjust to them. We advise letting them wear them in the house first so they can get used to them in familiar surroundings. You could also try giving them their favourite treats as a reward for wearing them.
Opt For An Insulated Dog House
If your dog spends a lot of time outside in winter, an insulated dog house is a worthy investment. Even if you’re confident that your dog can tolerate cold temperatures well, providing them with a warm and cosy dog house can help to protect them from the elements, keeping them much more comfortable.
A good dog house should be fully insulated thoroughout, including the floor, ceiling and walls. It should be raised off the ground too since this will help it to remain warm and dry when the weather’s at its worst. When purchasing a dog house, it’s important to ensure that it’s constructed to a high standard from quality materials. A well-made dog house will be able to withstand even the most severe weather that a British winter has to throw at it.
Get Them Groomed Regularly
The winter weather can cause your dog’s coat to become muddy and matted, leaving them looking unkempt and feeling rather uncomfortable. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to get them groomed regularly. You might think that letting their hair grow longer will provide them with added protection against the cold temperatures, however, it can have the opposite effect. Long, wet, matted hair can result in a cold and wet dog that’s more susceptible to infections. Matted fur does nothing at all to insulate a dog, and can instead cause pain and discomfort.
A dog groomer can also cut your dog’s nails, something which is particularly useful during the winter months. They tend to wear down less at this time of year, becoming longer more quickly. This is because snow and ice can form a barrier between their feet and the ground, which means there’s less friction. Don’t leave it too long to cut your dog’s nails. If they are allowed to get too long, the tendons of the feet could become injured, potentially leading to deformity in some cases.
Now that you know how to keep your dog warm in winter, you may be looking for a local dog grooming salon near you. For dog grooming in Sheffield and Rotherham look no further than Jaycliffe Pets.
