How to look after my dog in winter?

Winter is a tougher time for us all, largely because of the colder weather. If you want to know how to look after your dog in Winter we have a few tips for you

1. WRAP UP ON WALKS

Although the weather indoors is nice and warm them outdoors is another story. When you and your dog go for a walk try to wrap up warm. There are brilliant accessories for this but the basic should always be a dog coat

2. CHECK FOR BETWEEN THEIR TOES

If you are out walking in snowy or icey conditions always remember to check between your dogs toes when you return home. It is common in longer haired dogs for snow and ice to compact between their toes. This can be very painful and uncomfortable. It may be worth trimming the hair between their toes if possible

The same applies for salt and grit, this can often deposit within the gaps of their toes, particularly in colder weather

4. KEEP THEM WARM AND DRY

Grooming is essential during Winter months, Please make sure you clean and dry your dog as soon as possible, removing and mud. Should your dog get wet, dry them immediately and make sure they have a nice warm bed

5. KEEP THEM ACTIVE INDOORS

As with most humans, the arrival of colder weather makes us reluctant to go outside when it is not essential, your dog may be the same .

Maybe consider a change of approach to exercising and playing indoors, only using the outdoors for toilet routines

6. ADJUST THEIR FOOD IF NECESSARY

If you do find that your dog is less active in the winter months, make sure you adjust the amount of food you give them accordingly to avoid weight gain.

If you are exercising on a less regular basis, it may be worth reducing the amount of food they consume throughout the Winter months in order to keep their weight healthy

7. MAKE SURE THEY HAVE GOOD RECALL

Reduced visibility caused by the weather conditions can certainly be a problem during Winter. With this in mind it is important that you are confident in your dogs recall skills should they be off the lead.

It is also a good idea to make sure your dod is microchipped and up to date with the correct contact information

8. MAKE THEM VISIBLE

They are some brilliant gadgets that can be fitted to your dog to increase their visibiltit such as reflective strips and lights. This will alert other dog owners to your presence.

9. NEVER LEAVE YOUR DOG IN THE CAR UNATTENDED

As with the Summer months and the dangers of leaving a dog in a car unattended, the same applies for Winter. Low temperatures can be deadly to dogs so please never leave your dog unattended

10. STAY AWAY FROM FROZEN LAKES AND RIVERS

Please avoid giving your dog the slightest temptation of jumping in or onto a frozen body of water. Keep them dafe on a lead and at a distance from lakes and rivers

 

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