Winter brings its share of challenges and potential dangers for your four-legged friend. It's up to you, their owner, to know how to ensure your furry companion's comfort and safety during this time. In this article, you'll find all the necessary advice to make the winter season as pleasant and safe as possible for your canine companion.
Do our dogs suffer from the cold?
The drop in temperatures can indeed affect our four-legged companions in many ways. Intense cold doesn't spare dogs, especially short-haired breeds, small dogs, and of course, hairless dogs. These dogs can feel the winter cold more intensely, increasing the risk of hypothermia.
But the cold isn't the only problem, especially during walks. The frost and snow that accompany it increase the risk of falls and injuries, both for your dog and for you!
In addition, salt and other products used to melt ice on sidewalks can irritate the paws of our four-legged friends and even lead to poisoning if these substances are ingested.
Finally, winter also means shorter days. You'll almost certainly be walking your furry friend at night. Therefore, it's essential to ensure you're visible at all times. For example, you could choose a collar or harness equipped with a light.
Tip #1: A suitable diet
Your dog's diet in winter may require adjustments, but this depends on several factors.
If your dog spends most of its day outdoors, and if you engage in activities like running or sledding with it, its energy needs increase. The drop in temperature forces its body to burn more calories to maintain its temperature. In this case (and only in this case), a diet slightly higher in calories and protein may be necessary to ensure effective thermoregulation.
For most dogs that spend most of their time indoors and are less active in winter, their diet should remain unchanged. Increasing their calorie intake could lead to undesirable weight gain. In some cases, a slight reduction in their kibble portion might even be considered.
Your dog's diet in winter may require adjustments, but this depends on several factors.
If your dog spends most of its day outdoors, and if you engage in activities like running or sledding with it, its energy needs increase. The drop in temperature forces its body to burn more calories to maintain its temperature. In this case (and only in this case), a diet slightly higher in calories and protein may be necessary to ensure effective thermoregulation.
For most dogs that spend most of their time indoors and are less active in winter, their diet should remain unchanged. Increasing their calorie intake could lead to undesirable weight gain. In some cases, a slight reduction in their kibble portion might even be considered.
Tip #2: How to tell if your dog is cold?
We might think that a dog's fur protects them from the cold, but it isn't always enough. It's therefore important to know how to recognize the symptoms that indicate a dog is cold, and how to prevent hypothermia or chills in dogs .
A dog that is cold will exhibit the following symptoms :
- Trembling: This is a natural response of the body to generate heat.
- Seeking warmth: If your dog is constantly looking for heat sources or sheltered places, it's definitely a sign that he's cold.
- Slowing down or refusing to move: A dog that slows down considerably or refuses to move may be suffering from the cold.
- Hunched posture: Dogs tend to curl up completely with their tail around their body to conserve heat.
- If you notice that your dog is cold and bothers him, you can opt for a coat specifically designed for dogs.
- This type of accessory is particularly recommended for breeds with very short coats (such as greyhounds), puppies, or senior dogs. Choose a waterproof one to protect your dog from the cold and rain.
- When it's very cold, limit the time your dog spends outside. Shorten walks but take your dog out more often. After the walk, dry your dog if it's wet or covered in snow to help it warm up faster.
- Make sure your pet has a warm and comfortable place to rest inside the house. A cozy basket
- allows you to insulate your pet from the cold ground and to more easily retain their body heat.
Recognizing Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when a dog's body temperature drops dangerously low. In addition to shivering, symptoms of hypothermia in dogs include weakness, lethargy, a slowed heart rate, and difficulty breathing. If you suspect hypothermia, it is crucial to act quickly.
- Warm your dog up gradually: use warm blankets and place hot water bottles wrapped in towels around him.
- Consult a veterinarian: hypothermia is a medical emergency. Take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
Tip #3: Keep your dog safely active
Even in winter, your dog needs to maintain a certain level of physical activity. However, some adjustments are necessary to ensure both the safety and enjoyment of your four-legged friend.
In very cold weather, it's best to shorten walks, but you shouldn't avoid them completely. You can compensate by going out more frequently.
Take advantage of the warmest parts of the day to go outside, preferably around midday when the sun is at its strongest. If possible, avoid slippery areas and places where salt and de-icing chemicals are used, as these can irritate your dog's paws. When you get back, don't forget to dry your furry friend's paws, and their coat if it got wet.
Indoors, you can also offer your dog some physical exercise. Training and play sessions are ideal for this, so don't hesitate to bring out the treats to teach your furry friend new things.
Tip #4: Ensure its safety
As we have already mentioned, in winter there are many potential dangers, so it is important to know them in order to better avoid them.
Protecting paws: there are protective balms to strengthen the pads, which are put under considerable strain in cold weather. If your dog spends a lot of time with its paws in the snow, the use of dog booties is recommended.
If you have been walking in an area that has been treated with salt, rinse and dry your dog's paws when you get home because salt can irritate the skin and pads.
Vigilance: Always monitor your dog for any signs of cold or discomfort.
Hydration: Your dog will be tempted to eat snow, but it's best not to let him. Remember to bring fresh water with you on outings so he can drink.
Tip #5: Avoid baths
Washing your dog can be useful, but you shouldn't shampoo him too frequently. This is especially true in winter.
Indeed, baths can increase the risk of hypothermia and cause dry skin. Fortunately, there are alternatives to keep your dog clean without exposing them to the cold, such as dry shampoo , which allows you to clean your furry friend without water!
Additional advice: for children suffering from arthritis
In winter, dampness and cold can worsen the symptoms of arthritis in dogs, making this period particularly difficult for them. In addition to the advice we've just given, which obviously applies to your furry friend suffering from arthritis, a few extra measures can make life easier for them during the winter.
When taking walks, try to choose stable and non-slip paths to reduce the risk of falls that could worsen your furry friend's pain.
You can also give him a dietary supplement to help maintain mobility, such as Flexibility Herbs . This supplement also helps strengthen the immune system to fight off illness.
Finally, don't hesitate to add a blanket to his basket to keep him warm.
Now you know all the tips for taking care of your dog in winter and helping them combat the cold. Remember that walks should still be taken, but be careful that your dog doesn't suffer too much from the cold. Depending on their health and age, they will tolerate the cold more or less well. Therefore, pay attention to the slightest sign of discomfort. Finally, be aware that, like us, dogs can catch a cold in winter.
What are your tips for helping your dogs have a good winter? Share them in the comments.
