Winter Care Tips for Your Dog

Although dogs have a coat of fur, cold weather can still have an effect on them. Therefore, when the cold weather arrives, pet owners must make sure their furry friends are comfortable and safe.

The following are some things you can do to care for your dog during the colder season. 

Keep Your Dog Active

A walk outside can be less appealing when it's snowing than when it's warm outside. Nevertheless, you must ensure that your dog gets enough exercise throughout the year, even in the winter. So try to go out for short walks.

Nonetheless, if you live in an area that is difficult to explore during the winter or if your dog seems reluctant to go outside, bring the activity indoors. You can practice new fun tricks, play tug-of-war, or race up and down the stairs.

A daily enrichment activity for your pup can also help prevent boredom and cabin fever.

Take Care of Your Dog's Paws

Just like the summer sun can burn your pup's paws, the cold weather can make going outside dangerous for your pup too. Cold temperatures can cause frostbitten blisters on your pup's feet. So, before your dog heads out, slip on dog booties to keep their paws safe from the cold so they can run in the snow without getting hurt.

If your dog refuses to wear booties, ensure you rinse their paws with water after a walk and towel dry them. Also, trim the hair between the pads of your dog's feet if they have furry feet to prevent ice balls, salt crystals, and ice-melting chemicals from sticking to them. You can also opt for shorter walks to avoid exposing your pet to frigid temperatures for long periods.

Also, dry winter air can cause cracks on your pup's paws. If you notice any flakiness or cracks on your dog's paw pads, massage a moisturizing paw balm on their skin for extra pampering and relief.

Keep Your Dog Hydrated

Dogs can dehydrate in winter just as easily as in summer. The reason is that the humidity in the air drops dramatically during colder weather. During low humidity conditions, the atmosphere absorbs moisture, including your pet's body moisture. As a result, dehydration can easily occur in your dog.

As another benefit, enough hydration will give your pet energy to stay warm. And although many dogs enjoy eating snow, fresh water has no substitute.

So when the weather gets colder, always make sure your pup has access to enough water to drink.

Feed Appropriately

To thrive, dogs need a diet with all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and calories. In the winter, however, a dog's activity level can drastically change, requiring adjustments to ensure adequate nutrition.

You may need to feed your canine companion extra calories during the winter months if they spend a lot of time outdoors. Your dog needs the extra calories to maintain its energy level while trying to stay warm. However, your dog may need fewer calories in winter if they are less active. Your vet can help you determine what's best for your dog when in doubt.

Taking care of your dog during the winter months requires a little extra effort and attention. With the proper care, your happy and healthy dog can enjoy all the fun and excitement of the winter season. Remember to also keep an eye on your dog's behavior, watch for any signs of discomfort or distress, and consult a veterinarian if you have any concerns.

For more information on your dog's health, contact us at South San Diego Veterinary Hospital today. Our team will provide you with all the information you need to protect your dog throughout the winter.