It's essential to keep your dog warm on walks during winter. Here are five ways to make sure your furry friend stays comfortable while enjoying the outdoors.
From coats and sweaters to snow boots, there are plenty of options to keep dogs warm during the colder months. With some planning and preparation, you can ensure that your dog enjoys walks all year round - no matter the weather!
Is Cold Weather Dangerous for Dogs?
Cold weather can be harmful to your dog’s health. Prolonged exposure may cause frostbite and hypothermia, but other less serious reasons prolonged periods in the cold makes life uncomfortable for dogs.
Of course, some breeds like Huskies positively thrive in freezing temperatures, but the same can’t be said for all dogs.
Brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs have difficulty regulating their body temperature. Just as in the summer months, this can cause them to overheat; it can mean they really feel the chill.
Arthritis pain caused by joint stiffness may make winter walks unpleasant for an elderly pet and puppies will also feel the cold more.
Toy breeds, short-coated dogs and thin breeds like Whippets also struggle when the temperature drops as they have very little fat for insulation. So what can you do to help?
Use a dog drying coat
The UK may not see the freezing temperatures of some countries during the winter, but it can still get pretty cold and one thing you are guaranteed is rain.
Having damp or waterlogged fur for prolonged periods can result in your pooch being cold and uncomfortable, so investing in top dog drying jackets is a great idea, especially for breeds like Labs and Spaniels, who love to swim.
A drying coat is usually made of thin microfibre. It has a surface area of around four times its size, meaning it can absorb much more water than regular towels and, as they are so lightweight, can be carried along on winter walks.
Not only do they dry Fido off after a dip or unexpected shower, but they also keep your car seats and soft furnishings at home protected from that “Eau de Damp Dog” we all love and muddy pawprints.
Adjust their diet
Dogs burn more calories when the weather is colder, so it’s a good idea to adjust their diet slightly; shivering burns a lot of calories.
While indoor dogs will not need a significant increase as their metabolism slows down during the winter months, dogs that are kept outside need 2-3 times their usual food intake.
This will build a layer of fat as insulation and compensate for the extra calories burned to keep warm. Very few dogs in the UK are permanently kept outside, but if they are, they need adequate protection from the elements and a diet high in fat during the winter.
Keep their fur longer
It can be a good idea to reduce trips to the groomers and let your pup’s fur grow a bit longer in the cold months. This extra length will help them stay comfortable in colder environments and help to protect them from harmful elements like wind or rain while they're out on walks!
Many breeds have double coats with an outer layer of protective hairs to protect from the elements and a thicker undercoat to retain heat.
Of course, if your pooch spends long periods outside in the snow no amount of fur will help but it will definitely make your pet more comfortable on short daily strolls.
Invest in a jacket or sweater
One of the easiest ways to keep your pet warm in winter is by buying a cosy fleece sweater or dog coat. However, there is a mind-boggling choice, so do your research and invest in a quality product that fits well and is easy to clean.
Fleece and wool jumpers are ideal on a cold, dry day, but it’s good to have a waterproof option in the UK with its frequent showers, as a damp or wet sweater can do more harm than good.
Pay special attention to paws?
Your dog’s paws are much tougher than our feet but they can still get frostbite and need protection from ice, snow and gritting products like rock salt which can cause soreness, burns and irritation to the skin when repeatedly stepped on.
Doggy bootees are relatively cheap but can take some getting used to (we’ve all seen the funny videos). However, with a lot of patience and some positive reinforcement, most dogs will eventually be happy to wear them.
If boots are not for you, there are some other things you can do to protect your pup’s paws.
1. Check your dog’s feet for injuries when returning from a walk and it's a good idea to wash and dry their feet carefully, especially if you have been walking on ice. This will eliminate any harmful chemicals and prevent damp fur from causing infections.
2. Keep their nails short, long nails not only make it more difficult for your dog to walk on slippery surfaces they cause the toes to splay which exposes the more sensitive area in between to injury from sharp ice particles.
3. Trim fur between the paw pads; otherwise, this will collect ice and form hard clumps between the toes making walking uncomfortable.
4. Use paw wax to create a barrier between the paw and the elements; this will also prevent snow and ice build-up keeping Fido’s feet frost-free.
Conclusion
Dogs need exercise no matter the weather, but it’s essential to take some precautions when exercising them in cold temperatures.
Make sure your dog has a warm coat or sweater to wear, give them plenty of food if they spend extended periods outside, use a drying coat after walks to help them stay warm, and keep their coats longer during the winter months.
Remember that even dogs who seem impervious to the cold can still suffer from hypothermia or frostbite, so keep an eye on them during outdoor activities and keep walks short, especially for thin coated or tiny breeds.
Keep your furry friend safe this winter by following the tips above. There are plenty of ways to exercise your dog indoors during chillier weather, so introduce some extra games and playtime to keep them active.
