With plenty of snow still on the ground and temperatures only just hovering over 0°C this weekend, we’ll all be wrapping up warm to keep the cold out, but what about our four legged friends? Here are some handy hints on keeping your dog snug and safe in the winter weather:
Keep a cosy home
Why not create a soft bed for your dog in a heated room so that they can curl up in the warm? If you own more than one dog, make sure there is space for them to lie together for added warmth.
Feeding
Most dogs will not need any extra food in cold months and care should be taken not to overfeed. Working dogs, or those who are very energetic, may benefit from some increased rations, but for a limited time only.
Coats and clothing
Dogs with particularly thin or fine coats, or those who are elderly or ill, may enjoy a snug, extra layer of clothing to keep them warm on their wintry walks. To get your dog used to wearing a coat and to ensure that it fits, introduce it for short periods at a time. Soggy doggies also lose more heat, so it is always worth towel drying your dog after they have been swimming in the cold or playing in the snow.
Frozen water
No matter how much they love their favourite swimming spot, dogs should not be allowed to walk on frozen lakes, ponds or canals as the ice can easily break with tragic results.
Paw health
There’s usually no need for footwear, but snow and ice covered paths and grass can hide hazardous objects such as broken glass, sharp pieces of metal or wire. Walking on salted or gritted roads can irritate your dog’s paws, so be sure to check them after walks: rinse their paws in lukewarm water and dry thoroughly.
We hope you've found our tips helpful and will have lots of fun on your wintry walks this weekend!
A big thank you to Jilly Burton Sanigar for the lovely photo of Stardust.