Keep Your Dog Warm During the Winter Using This

Whether your neighborhood in winter is all covered in snow or slightly milder with wind chills, your pup needs extra to stay healthy and warm to enjoy the season to the fullest. While some dog breeds can maintain their body temperature to handle the cold weather better, your dog’s tolerance level decreases when the temperature drops below a certain level. Here’s what you need to know to ensure your dog’s safety while keeping them snug and safe.

DO DOGS GET COLD?

Just like their owners, canines also feel cold, especially breeds with short and thin coats, and need extra care from their owners to stay warm. Senior dogs also suffer adverse effects from the chilly weather than younger dogs, but you can help them feel better by covering their nose, ears, and head.

WHAT TEMPERATURES ARE TOO COLD FOR DOGS?

Your dog will generally feel uncomfortable when the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, but some cold-averse dogs can only withstand temperatures of above 45 degrees Fahrenheit. So, you shouldn’t allow your dogs to go outside for long periods when the temperature reaches this point.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR POOCH WARM IN THE WINTER?

Create a comfortable bed

A comfortable bed and a cozy blanket will keep your dog warm enough throughout winter. But, if your dog sleeps in a very chilly area of the home, think about investing in a warming pet mat or dog house heaters. These mats retain your dog’s body temperature to keep them warm when the temperature drops.

Buy a sweater or jacket

Of course, animals with thick coats are better able to resist the cold than others. If your dog has little fur, get it a dog sweater or jacket for outdoors. To guarantee a good fit, take a measurement of your dog from the shoulders to the back. Look for clothing that has no choking hazard and that fits easily but not too tightly. Some dogs won’t like having a sweater or jacket on, so you can simply restrict their outdoor time to keep them safe from chilly winds.

Protect your dog’s paws

When it’s cold outside, you should cover your dog’s paws with thicker gloves. Even though your dog’s paws are vulnerable to frostbite, you should check their paws for cuts or bruises and wipe the snow off when they come back home in the winter. If you notice that the cold weather is making your puppy’s paws crack, ask your veterinarian about a suitable lotion that’s safe for dogs.

Give appropriate shelter

Watch your dog while it’s really chilly outside. If your dog likes to be outside in a cold environment, its ears, tail, and paws can become extremely cold, making it more susceptible to hypothermia. You should get your dog a cozy kennel and a dog house heater to provide it with a dry and comfy place to sleep. The perfect shelter should have a sloping roof and be four inches above the ground. You can also put hay below the kennel for more insulation.

Dogs become lethargic and feeble in mild hypothermia and they won’t stop shivering. When dogs suffer from hypothermia, their breathing and heart rates slow down and they start to lose consciousness. You can use a hot water bottle to keep your dog warm.

WRAPPING UP!

If you live in a region with icy winters and your dog prefers to spend most of the time outside, you need to take extra steps to keep your loyal companion warm and cozy. Regardless of breed or age, you should keep your dog indoors during exceptionally cold weather, even if they have a dog house heater outside. Additionally, if it’s consistently chilly outside, think about bringing an outdoor dog inside until the temperature starts rising.