On cold days cuddling with your furry is extra rewarding. More than that, there are unique challenges that your dog will face in the winter months. Therefore, be wary of the cold months ahead and start gearing up for your dog. There are several tips for keeping your dog ready for irregular weathers ahead and some are:
- Limitation of exposure: The duration of outdoor adventures drops as the temperature reduces, pay close attention to the comfort level of the dog with the external temperature. This is important if you are used to long bouts of play outside the home. Frostbite and hypothermia become a threat to dogs that are highly exposed to cold weather. As soon as the weather dips below freezing point, dogs shouldn’t be in the open. Shorter jaunts are important for dogs that are losing their familiar perks of energy. In several cases, dog owners bundle up for the cold weather whereas the dog is with sparse wardrobe. While burning several calories to keep warm, it is necessary to clad the dog as well. After all, the health and safety of your dog are as important as yours.
- Bundle up: During cold weather, your dog will require a coat for extra insulation. Smaller dogs with smaller body masses do not generate as much heat. A Peruvian Inca Orchid or a Chinese Crested are dogs without coats and will require great insulation to withstand the cold weather. Select a warm dog cloth that hugs close to the body. Also, make sure there is an extra for a change of clothes – and keep them dry. To avoid the risk of hypothermia and a counter-productive effort, keep the damp coats away!
- Protect the paws: Cold surfaces such as snow and ice are definitely unpalatable for the dog. In fact, sensitive dogs with sensitive paws may be in danger when they tread salty sidewalks or roads. For instance, Miniature Pinschers and Yorkshire Terriers are toy breeds that are generally susceptible to the cold. Consider purchasing paw balms and winter booties to protect the dog against imminent danger. In days where they somewhat tread such paths, rinse the paws of the pup in warm water while removing the specks of salt and snow. Other parts such as ears, tails, and bellies may be hideouts for these elements as well.
- Stave off diseases: A kennel cough is very similar to human flu. Prevalent in colder months, the cough is also contagious and infectious. Popularly known as tracheobronchitis, the cough spreads in areas such as doggy daycare and dog parks where a lot of dogs converge. Bordetella is a popular vaccination that is preventive against a kennel cough. Most times, you will find them in boarding facilities. While vaccinated pups aren’t totally immune, the symptom is honk-like in nature. Low-grade fever, fatigue, and runny nose are early signs and symptoms. However, contact the vet to treat your dog with antibiotics.
- Know the history of your dog: Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds, and St Bernards are dog breeds that are pros in weather because of their double-layered coats and cold-resistant coats. On the contrary, breeds that require necessary care during cold weather include Chihuahuas, Whippets, and Greyhounds. This is why it is necessary to know the history of the dog so that you can prepare for the onset of climate changes.
Finally, it is vital to conduct a DNA test on your dog to get more insight into the background of the dog with the breakdown of its breed. In addition, a number of traits with over 150 diseases are properties the test will show you.