How To Keep Dogs Warm in Winter

There are several myths and truths about the cold and dogs. Some say that “large dogs do not need a coat in winter”. Others affirm that “since they spend a lot of time outside, they are already used to the weather”. However, none of this is true.

Both large and small dogs require more care on cold days. Although, some breeds are indeed more prepared for this type of weather than others.

Of course, when we think about how to keep our doggy friends warm, we come up with the idea of dressing them, but not all of them are used to wearing it and, for them, there are other options.

Just as they often defend and protect us from strangers, we must also protect them from the cold. It is part of their well-being since under these conditions they are more exposed to illness and pain.

Therefore, during the winter months, some changes will have to be made in their routine. This way, we can help them get through the cold weather in the best way possible.

How to Take Care of My Dog From the Cold in Winter

Shorter Walks

When temperatures are very low, no one feels like spending a lot of time outdoors. Neither do our dogs. Therefore, in the winter, walks should not be as long as on hot days.

A short walk will be enough for your dog to exercise, socialize with others and do his basic needs, without getting too cold.

However, in winter it will be necessary to complement the outing with activities and games inside the house. Such as: throwing a ball, throwing a rope, or hiding toys for him to look for them. It will be the moment to use creativity.

Avoid Frequent Bathing

Bathing can wait a few more days since in winter, our doggy friends won’t be outside as much and therefore they will get less dirty. Washing them once every three to four weeks will be fine.

Regardless of the day, you decide to bathe them, if it is cold, it should be indoors. If possible, it will be better to do it during the day and in a small place, away from the windows, so that the warmth of the environment is maintained.

Do Not Overfeed Them 

There is another myth about this and it is completely false. Because it is winter, dogs should not eat more than usual, as it could cause overweight or obesity.

Humans usually consume more caloric food on cold days, but in the case of your dog, this is not necessary. As in any season of the year, it is always advisable to keep their diet as balanced as possible.

Their plate should not lack the right amount of proteins, carbohydrates, and gasses that fill them with nutrients to increase their defenses. Even in cold temperatures, do not focus on increasing the quantity, but on maintaining the nutritional quality.

Prepare Warm Environments

This is probably one of the times of the year when your dog wants to spend more time indoors. In case you can’t do it, you should have shelter from the cold and wind in the backyard.

To withstand low-temperature nights, he should have a bed or blanket that insulates him from the cold floor. Too much time in contact with the ground could cause joint pain and, in the long term, lead to illnesses such as arthritis or the flu.

An easy way to identify if your dog is feeling cold is to touch the tips of his ears or tail. If they are very cold, dry, or hard, you will have to wrap them urgently, covering them with blankets that reach all the extremities of their body.

Do Not Trim Their Fur

Some breeds withstand the cold better than others because of their abundant fur, which acts as a sweater for their body. That is why it is not recommended to trim it in winter, as it would be counterproductive.

In any case, it will be necessary to continue brushing the coat during this season, because when it is tangled it is not as efficient, and grooming them is beneficial to avoid dandruff if it is a dry winter.

Much less shaving is required for short-haired breeds, such as French bulldogs, beagles, or boxers that must be kept warm during winter.

Wrap Them in Clothing

It doesn’t matter if it is bought or handmade, the most important thing is that the clothes we put on them must be warm but not heavy, another common mistake is to choose clothes made of very thick materials that cause itching and discomfort when walking.

If that happens, the dog will end up taking off their clothes and all the effort to keep them warm will have been in vain. For this reason, it is necessary to get them used to wearing these garments from an early age. Especially if they are short-haired breeds.

In case they are not able to dress them anyway, this time of the year is ideal to cuddle them and pamper them more than usual.

Dogs and Snow: How to Keep Them Warm?

Any temperature below 10°F (-12°C) is risky for many breeds, with some exceptions. Northern dogs are the only ones capable of being outdoors when the temperature is so low.

In case it is not risky for your dog, it is important to find some time during the day for a short walk, otherwise, so many days of confinement can affect him psychologically. 

When you return to the house, you will have to dry him and prepare a warm place for him with blankets and a stove. Although not too close to him because it is possible that his skin dries out and he may even suffer burns.

One way to replace the stove is to surround the dog with hot water bottles that will keep him warm without burning him. 

Conclusion

All breeds withstand the cold in different ways depending on their coat and size. For this reason, there are some dogs that will need more care, and their routine should be adapted to this climate to prevent them from getting sick.

However, the moderate cold should not be an impediment to going for a short walk, doing physical activity or socializing. Just like us, dogs should keep warm and keep moving to maintain good overall health all year round.