Extra Blankets To Winter Grooming Sessions – Try It All To Keep Your Fur Companion Warm This Winter

When the blizzards and freezing temperature set in, you layer up with extra blankets and close the windows – well, do not forget to keep your pets warm too. Some dogs are more vulnerable to specific conditions like hypothermia and frostbites. Now, this can be an alarming situation. Your fur friend may become seriously ill.

The cold weather and dropping temperature bring adverse conditions. So, it will be a smart move to take precautions to protect your pet. Your quadruped companion cannot speak but have very cool ways to express – read those signs and act instantly.

Here is a list of symptoms to look for, and get the answer to How to Keep Dogs Warm, Healthy & Happy During Winter?

Alarming signs to watch for – symptoms of hypothermia in dogs

• Shivering
• Struggle in walking
• Muscle stiffness
• State of confusion
• Dull and lethargy
• Scalp too cold
• Dilated pupils
• Shortness of breath
• Irregular heartbeat
• Floppy
• Snotty or runny nose
• Lower body temperature
• Sneezing
• Whining

All dog breeds are different. Hence, it is significant to comprehend that every dog has certain bodily features that help it survive the climate. A slight temperature change is easy to sustain by making indoor changes. However, any extreme weather variations will adversely affect your furry friend.

Check for behavioral changes and physical discomfort to take immediate action. You do not want to lose your dog to a severe cold and end up having an unwell pet at home.

Here is the list of dog breeds with long, shaggy coats of hair that keep them insulated during the harsh climate.

• Labrador Retriever
• Siberian Husky
• Bernese Mountain dog
• Newfoundland
• Saint Bernard
• Alaskan Malamute

On the contrary, dogs with shorter hair or tighter fur may not sustain extreme cold temperatures. Here is the list to look for:

• Bulldog
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Boxer
• Great Dane
• Shih Tzu
• Boston Terrier
• Chihuahua

Well, this is not an exhaustive list of all the dog breeds. You must check with your vet before preparing for the winter chills and make the dog space comfortable.

Tips and ways to keep your dog warm

Read the temperature:

You must keep an eye on the dropping mercury on the temperature apparatus. When the temperature drops below 32-degree Fahrenheit, it is a straight indicator of freezing for non-furry dogs. And, when the temperature drops below 20-degree, it means the furriest dogs will feel the change.

However, if your dog is outside and sleeps outside the house, keep watch on them. 

Protect the paws:

You must remember that paws are the most sensitive parts of any animal. When taking walks, chemicals spread on the pavements (to prevent icing) can enter through the dog’s paws. These chemicals can, unfortunately, cause severe to mild skin irritation. And, if your dog licks their paws to soothe itself, the chemicals can turn fatal.

Either use paw shoes or covers for your pet while taking them outdoors. You can also check for cracks or bleeding in the paws after walking. Never ignore any small injury and treat it properly.

Avoid outdoor sleep:

Do not make your pet sleep outdoors, even if it is a closed space. Ensure that there is enough heating and that your dog is not experiencing frosty conditions during the night. Sleeping on a patio or the porch is a strict No-No. Also, ensure that you keep the dog’s bed away from draught areas.

Beds closer to windows, doors, balconies, and open spaces can have potential cold air blowing in the daytime and night.

Add extra bedding and blankets:

Just like you take those extra sheets during harsh weather, even your fur friend will require them. Add more insulation to the existing bed of the pet. You can do this by adding some straws, heavily padded comforters, old quilts, and blankets to retain the coziness of the dog.

Use carpets and rugs:

you can add some rugs to the resting areas of your dog. The carpets will not only increase the temperature of the living spaces but make it easier for the pet to play around without getting frostbites.

Invest in heaters:

Your house may have heating systems, but you can always get some extra heaters and heat lamps for your furry companion. Ensure that you keep the doghouse warm and safe so, place the heating devices at safe distance. One of the safest alternatives is to get heat pads so, the heating is close by.

This is ideal if your dog sleeps in a zero-insulation area.

Ample food supply:

When the sub-zero temperature kick-in, make sure you have a sufficient supply of food for your pets. Dogs stay warm by digesting food. You can either increase the quantity of every serving or increase the frequency of food.

Winter grooming:

If you think of avoiding dog grooming during winters as they will mostly stay indoors – you are wrong. Before the winter starts, get a winter grooming session for your pet like a clean coat. Give regular baths to your dog, followed by an extensive fur drying routine.

Trim the shaggy long hairs so that it stays away from getting tangled, wet, damp, and matted.

Invest in dog jackets:

For smaller and petite breeds of dogs, you can get some beautiful warm wear. Winter wear comes in handy during colder seasons. You can get one dog jacket for your puppy this winter.

You must shower lots of love, care, and affection to your four-legged friends during the tougher climatic conditions and make them feel cozy at home. Get timely vaccinations and ensure that you do not miss one of the vet visits.