Now we’re looking ahead to the colder days, it’s important to remember that we’re not the only ones that can get chilly. Many dogs, particularly breeds that aren’t built for the cooler months, can struggle with the change in weather. There are some simple things you can do to make sure your canine companion stays warm over the next few months:
- Avoid trimming or shaving your dog’s coat during the winter months as this is your dog’s way of keeping warm – it’s the equivalent of a woolly hat and scarf for us! A longer coat means that a good grooming regime must also be maintained, so take the extra time to comb your dog’s coat. If your dog has a short coat, purchasing a winter coat is a good idea.
- If possible, minimise the number of times you bathe your dog as it takes them longer to dry during the cooler weather and this can lead to chills. If you do bathe your dog, make sure you do it indoors with warm water and dry them off as quickly as possible.
- Dogs require regular meals during the winter months in order to keep up energy levels but it’s vital that you don’t over feed your dog. They tend to spend less time outdoors and overfeeding could lead to unnecessary weight gain.
- If the weather is particularly cold, take your dog on a shorter walk to avoid your dog becoming too cold. Increasing exercise within the home is a good idea. Try playing fetch, tug-of-war and running up and down the stairs to keep your pet active.
- Canines are more prone to illnesses such as respiratory infections and frostbite so keep a closer eye on any potential illnesses over winter and if you suspect your dog may be falling ill, make an appointment with your local vet.
What tips do you have for keeping warm during winter? Let us know over on the Harringtons Facebook page.