Winter Weather Tips for Your Pup

It's 2019, you guys! The future is here, and it's gonna be a darn good year. So, Happy New Year to you all, and I'm sure this new and shiny year has exciting and wonderful things in store for everyone! My new year's resolution is to get outside more and appreciate all the seasons, even the colder and wetter ones. So that got me thinking on how to make sure our canine companions could safely and happily enjoy the chillier time of year too.

The coldness of winter weather can be rough on our furry friends, but there are ways to make it safer and more comfortable. Here in Seattle it isn't usually below freezing, but colder weather can still pose dangers for dogs. I put together a little list of some things to be aware of during this cold time of year.

Know your dog's cold-weather limits. Not all dogs have the same tolerance for colder weather. Some are more suited to the cold because of the thickness of their coat, body fat percentage and how active they are. Long-haired and thick-coated dogs tend to stay warmer in cold weather, but they still can be affected by the cold. Dogs with short coats chill down quickly. Also, dogs with short legs feel the cold quickly because of their closeness to the cold ground. Older dogs that suffer from arthritis can slip and fall on ice and injure themselves. Also, dogs with health issues such as diabetes or heart problems tend to have difficulty regulating body temperature.

Your winter walks with your beloved pooch will probably need to be a bit shorter than they are during warmer months. 

Heated Dog Mat

Keep your dog indoors. There are many ways to make sure your pet stays warm during the winter months. Dogs need to stay indoors when they are not out and about on walks with you. Dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia if left outdoors in near-freezing temperatures for too long. When your pet is indoors, be sure they have a cozy place to sleep that stays warm and isn't too drafty. Many dogs love to burrow under blankets and pillows, so adding a blanket to their dog bed is often a good idea.

Dog Fleece Vest

Wrap up in a sweater. Dogs who have shorter coats, are smaller or just get cold easily benefit from wearing a sweater or jacket. Not only are they adorable, but they can help a dog be more comfortable on long walks. Here in Seattle, a dog raincoat is a good idea as well. Keeping dogs dry helps considerably in keeping them warm and happy. I recommend having several jackets or sweaters on hand so that every time you go outside your dog can wear a cozy and dry sweater.

Dog Hoodie

Watch out for puddles. Puddles are dangerous for a couple reasons. In the city they often contain chemicals from vehicles that can be deadly if ingested. Antifreeze is the biggest threat that can be looming in puddles. So keep your dog from drinking out of winter puddles! Water can also chill a pup down quickly. If they walk through puddles and get wet paws, they will get cold much faster.

Booties

Pay attention to cold paws. Cold paws can be very painful for dogs. It can also cause injuries like cracked and bleeding paw pads. If you're walking around on snow or ice it may accumulate between their toes and become painful. Clipping toenails can help to reduce this. Check their paws frequently to be sure they're in good shape. Some owners choose to use booties to protect their dog's paws. They can be very helpful for many dogs. Just be sure they fit correctly.

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How to Ensure That a Senior Dog Is As Comfortable As Possible

Elderly dogs, just like elderly people have changing needs. Everyone seems to flip when they see a puppy or a young dog leaping around but an older dog which has been well cared for and loved is equally appealing for a true dog lover.

Although you may not be able to have absolute control over the health of your dog as he gets older, there are a few things which you can do to make sure that he is as comfortable as possible and that all of his needs are well met. It's all about making his life a little bit easier as he gets on in years and making your life together as enjoyable as ever.

Here are a few things you may need to consider.

Exercise - as your dog gets on in years it may be necessary to increase the frequency of his walks, playtime or other exercise while diminishing the intensity of the exercise. Instead of taking him to the park once a week on a Sunday and throwing the ball for hours until he can barely walk take him for a gentle walk every day. Make the walk as short or as long as is comfortable for him. If he finds it difficult to move then speak to your vet, he may be able to prescribe anti-inflammatory medications which can help him.

Orthopedic Dog Bed

Bedding - spoil your elderly dog with a bed which is as soft and cozy as you can find. You know he's worth it and he would do the same for you.

Dog Sweater

Clothing - just like older humans can find it difficult to maintain body heat, older dogs can too. Check out some of those colorful sweaters at your local pet store, particularly if your dog is of the short-haired variety.

Ramps - can be a great help for any dogs which start to have difficulty getting up and down the steps into the yard or into the car. This can make everyone's life much easier. It's a much better idea than having to help him up and down the back steps every time he needs to take a toilet break and it can be a great help for getting him in and out of the car if he is to accompany you on a journey.

Just these few simple measures really can make a huge difference to the comfort of an elderly dog. A dog's life really can be a good life.

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