10 THINGS TO HELP YOUR DOG IN WINTER

He will thank you for it!

KEEPING YOUR DOGS HEALTHY IN WINTER

Making sure our dogs stay fit and well is a year-round job, however the winter months can be a challenge for some dogs particularly if they are in their senior years, or are not keen on the weather winter can bring. Here are 10 things to keep your four-legged family member safe and well.

WALKS

Cold weather, wind and rain can make walks unappealing to us – same can go for some dogs! Exercise is important to keep the body and mind healthy so wrapping up and venturing out has its benefits for us as well as our dogs.

Some senior, short coated and sensitive dogs really appreciate a coat to keep them warm and dry on those wet, cold and windy days. Some dogs can be sensitive to things on their bodies so paying attention to their body language when having any equipment fitted is key.

Coats come in all shapes and sizes padded, waterproof, light or heavy weight, fluorescent or funky colours.

The over-riding factor should be it is comfortable for your dog to be fitted and to wear. Consider wrap around ones rather than step in ones for our senior dogs as lifting legs may be uncomfortable, they may also appreciate a coat with a chest or belly guard to keep the wind from whistling around those sensitive areas too.

Measure your dog and follow fitting guides. A coat which is too small may restrict movement and cause distress whilst if too large may flap and frighten or overwhelm your dog. Do your research and ask other dog owners what they use.

2. FEET

Keep the hair on your dog’s feet short. Ice and snow can build up on hairy feet which can cause pressure sores or frost bite even on a short walk, it will also prevent slipping and sliding. Keeping nails trimmed will help with slipping too.

You can purchase special ‘balms’ to rub on your dog’s feet prior to a walk, if you are going to use these please make sure they are suitable if your dog should lick his feet. Avoid petroleum-based products and Vaseline as these can cause irritation and be could dangerous if ingested. There are organic, plant-based products especially made for dogs.

When returning from winter walks without fail wash and dry your dog’s feet, legs, belly and neck to remove any possible traces of road salt, anti freeze and grit.

If left your dog will naturally try to remove these by licking which can cause all sorts of problems from mouth ulcers to kidney failure – don’t run the risk.

Washing the underside of your dog is also thought to help prevent Alabama rot which happens more often in the autumn and winter months - more info here

3. BE SEEN

Visibility during the winter months is important, be safe, be seen. Nowadays you can get reflective material incorporated in almost all of our dogs walking attire, collars, leads, bandanas, reflective strips and fluorescent coats.

If you can manage to take walks in the daylight your dog would probably appreciate it – car headlights can be dazzling and for dogs with poor eye sight walking in the dark can be scary.

4. YOU DON’T HAVE TO WALK

Yes, you read it right! If the weather is particularly wet and cold you don’t have to walk every day. Providing enrichment at home through safe, not too exciting games can really benefit. You can easily make fun activities with safe items from your recycling bin and a few old towels, click here to message me if you would like some ideas.

5. FROZEN OR STANDING WATER

I think we have probably all read about the dangers of frozen water so really, it goes without saying, that dogs should not be allowed to play on or around frozen water. At best they will get wet and cold and at worst they could lose their life. If your walk is by water then be safe and pop them back on their lead for that portion of the walk.

I would also add that advice to standing or flood water. Water which has been standing or has come up via drains or sewers will be stagnant and contaminated you therefore run the risk of your dog being ill from playing in or around it.

6. FEEDING AND DRINKING

Our pet dogs tend to be naturally less active during the winter and like us can gain a pound or two. It is important to weigh your dog regularly to keep a check on their weight anyway, but during the winter if you notice a gain, be prepared to adjust the amount you feed down a little.

If you are playing food seeking games at home then look for lower calorie options like safe fruit and veg – message me if you are stuck for ideas.

Keeping your dog hydrated during the winter is important, heating our homes can provide a dry atmosphere so drinking is important. It is virtually impossible to get your dog to drink more so adding a little to their food or making dog safe herbal teas and serving slightly warmed can all help. I have some great ideas for herbal teas let me know if you would like to know more.

7. GROOMING

Living in a nice warm home can be quite drying to the skin. Groom and check your dog’s coat regularly. Are their signs of dry skin or dandruff? If so, making sure your dog is well hydrated is important. Have a chat with your Vet or dog professional to discuss adding some omega oils to his diet which may also help.

8. CAR TRAVEL

If you travel with your dog in winter make sure you take provisions in case you get stuck. We all think of water, snacks and blankets for us but pack an emergency kit for your dog too. Cars can get really cold when you turn off the engine so never leave your dog in the car even for a short time.

9. A NICE WARM BED

I always make sure my dogs have extra bedding during the winter.

Heating is often reduced or goes off during the night and with less activity dogs can get really cold. (Think going to bed with no blankets)! Some short coated or sensitive dogs may even appreciate a light coat for the colder nights. Waking up and lack of sleep because they are cold has the potential for you to have a tired, grumpy dog and people often find that dogs who struggle with behavioural issues get worse if they do not get enough sleep.

10. SENIOR DOGS OR DOGS IN ILL HEALTH

As our dogs age the likelihood is they may suffer from a degree of body pain. Whether it is from sore muscles, arthritis or just not being quite as mobile as they were before. Making sure they keep warm and dry is really important.

If they are happy to wear a coat, well fitted, that does not require legs to be lifted to be put on then I’m sure they would appreciate it. If they enjoy off lead exercise make sure they have had several minutes of walking first to ‘warm up’. Cold muscles, tendons, joints and ligaments are much more likely to be damaged if not properly moved before exertion. If they do run around check their temperature – dog’s can easily become over heated if they are wearing a coat and are doing a lot of running.

When they get home wash them off and make sure they are dry before retiring to bed, a warm hair or dog dryer can help with this, providing your dog is comfortable with the noise.

Regular exercise is good for older dogs, it keeps them moving and actually, there is scientific evidence saying that movement can help with arthritic pain control.

Providing botanical self selection is also a big part of my dog’s routine during the winter months. They have the opportunity to select nutrients, hydrosols and essential oils which help to support them keep in tip top condition.

Let me know how you keep your dogs healthy during the winter and if you want any more information about the subjects above – click here to contact me.

Herbal Pet Products they make a terrific range of natural, safe, herbal dog products including shampoo for washing after walks and paw balm.