5 Ways to Prepare Your Pooch for Winter
As we say goodbye to summer and the cold weather approaches, it is important to prepare our dogs for the changes to their environment. The choices you make will have a huge impact on how they cope during the colder months. Cold weather often aggravates a number of issues for your dog, including dry, itchy skin, sore eyes and respiratory tracts, chapped paws and changes in behaviour. The cold weather can also worsen a number of health issues, which can make your pup feel uncomfortable. To help your dog enjoy this winter, here are 5 things you can do to prepare them.
Winter Coats
If your pet has particularly short fur, is lean or old, then you should consider purchasing a suitable winter coat for them. This will protect them from the cold and harsh weather conditions, and will make senior dogs feel more comfortable, as it will keep their joints warm. There are a variety of coats available. Padding is great for warmth, and the material will play a huge part in weather resistance.
Central Heating
Central heating gives off dry heat, which creates a low-humidity environment. In return, this can take away the natural moisture of your dog’s skin, which will lead to it becoming dry, irritated and sensitive. If you are leaving the house for the day, then you should not leave the central heating on for your pet. Instead, keep the cold out and try heated dog beds and extra blankets for warmth.
Owners often see their dogs struggle to get up or walk as the air gets colder. This stiffness is a common reaction to the drop in temperature and humidity. You might want to look into the best dog arthritis treatment if your pet seems to be in constant discomfort. There are several ways to manage these symptoms, ranging from lifestyle changes to medical injections. Early intervention is helpful for maintaining your dog’s quality of life throughout the winter. It is a good idea to monitor their mobility every day.
Joint Support
Large and senior dogs will usually struggle in the winter because of their joints. The cold weather will cause their joints to become stiff and sore. To improve their joint mobility and reduce pain, you should consider making YuMove a part of their diet. This is a dog joint support that contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which maintains cartilage structure, slows joint deterioration and reduces joint pain.
Adjust Meals
When your dog goes outside during the winter, they will burn a lot of energy trying to keep themselves warm. Increasing the size of their meals will provide them with the calories they need to stay warm, especially if they have to spend a lot of time outdoors. If your pet only goes outside for walks, then their activity levels may decrease over winter, so you may need to feed them a little less than normal.
Grooming Changes
During the winter, you should try your best to bathe your dog less frequently, as this will remove protective oils from their skin, which will increase the risk of them developing dry, itchy or sore skin. Moisturising shampoos and creams can be a good alternative if your pet smells bad. You should also make an effort to keep your pet’s paws dry and consider applying coconut oil to them before walks.
The age, breed, weight, size and health status of your pooch will play a big part in how you can prepare them for winter. If you are unsure about anything, then speak to your vet for the best advice.
