How To Keep Your Dog Safe And Healthy During Winter Months


Photo via Pixabay 

Most pet owners view their dogs as important as children, yet, as The Natural Pet Doctor points out, many people underestimate their animal’s ability to withstand the elements outside and fail to keep them completely safe from temperature extremes and the things that can come with them, such as skin irritation and exposure to dangerous chemicals. 

It’s important to know what the dangers are when cold weather comes around because many dogs enjoy running around in the snow and spending time outside and may not show signs of frostbite or hypothermia until it is too late. It’s also important to understand the possible dangers that can come with the holidays. Sunset Hill Farm outlines a few here.

Skincare

Vetnique Labs notes that your dog can suffer from dry skin just like we can, so it’s important to know how to take care of his coat as well as what’s underneath. It’s not advisable to shave a dog down to the skin, but if it’s necessary due to surgery or other health issue, keep a humidifier going in the room he spends the most time in and invest in a doggie coat or sweater to help him stay warm and protected outside. Keep baths to a minimum during cold months and brush his coat regularly to help the fur stay healthy and untangled. You might also ask your vet about giving him fatty-acid supplements

Examine those paws

Dogs can pick up all sorts of things on the sensitive little pads on their feet, so after a walk, use a gentle wipe or washcloth to clean them off. In wintertime, your pet could walk through de-icer, antifreeze, or salt and pick up those chemicals on his feet, where he might lick it off. 

It’s also important to keep your dog from walking through icy areas; not only could he slip and fall, but sharp shards of ice can prove very dangerous for small, unprotected feet.

Move things around

As your pet ages, the weather will affect him differently than it used to. Ask your vet about the best ways to keep him safe and healthy when cold temperatures set in, and remember that you may need to change some things around the house. This can include moving space heaters that could easily be knocked over or putting his bedding in a warmer spot in the house.

Make Home Repairs If Needed

There’s nothing quite as uncomfortable during wintertime than a drafty house, and that goes for humans and pups alike. Take time to put down weatherstripping around your doors and windows, and check on the condition of your roof. A roof allowing air to blow in also allows heat to escape, and, even worse, the structure is prone to further serious damage like a cave-in after a winter storm. You can’t go wrong using Angi roofers, so if your roof needs repaired or replaced, start your search for experienced roof repair pros in your area before it gets frigid outside. 

While roof work isn’t cheap, it is a worthy investment, and not just in lower energy bills. You’re likely to recoup your costs as an update to your property, so be sure to save all the invoices, and take before and after photos of the work that’s done so you can have proof of the upgrade. 

Check food and water

If your dog likes to spend time outside during winter months, check his food and water bowl frequently to make sure they’re not frozen and that bugs haven’t burrowed down into the food for warmth.


Sunset Hill Farm specializes in the breeding and raising of Goldendoodles.

Reach out to us today for more info! 270-776-0292

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