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Winter is coming, and you know what that means: It’s time for you to prepare your pawed platoon for the cold.
The winter cold brings numerous challenges to your furry fighters, so to get your canine comrades as Arctic-ready as the 11th Airborne, there are certain measures you must take.
What are they? We’ll answer this question and more below! Here’s your mission briefing on the do’s and don’ts of winter dog care.
Let’s start with what you should prioritize when arming your pawed pals for the coming cold.
Regardless of breed, your pal’s fur is its first line of defense against the cold, but with low temperatures comes dry skin, which is bad news for your pal.
To maintain your furry friend’s coat and skin moisture, use moisturizing balms. These are non-negotiable for keeping your canine comrade’s skin in peak condition. For the fur, bust out the moisturizing shampoo for that extra coat protection and conditioning.
You need to dial in your coat and skin care game with regular grooming. If you’re DIY-ing your dog’s coat and skin care, start with regular brushing. Doing this is critical for maintaining your canine companion’s insulation. Don’t forget to trim fur to prevent frost buildup.
Some extra chow in the mess hall may be necessary for your furry frolickers to keep up with the cold.
How much, exactly? According to sources, dogs need two to three times the amount of calories to maintain their temperature. So, increase your canine companion’s serving sizes, and don’t skimp on the water either as hydration is equally crucial in the fall and winter.
Temperatures may be lower, but that’s no excuse for you and your furry friend to stay inside the wire for months. When taking your canine companion out for a daily walk or even training exercises, ensure that your dog has the right gear from your winter-readiness armory. Right off the bat, this includes jackets for cold protection and booties to keep feet frost-free.
For shorter daylight hours, reflective clothing may be necessary for added visibility.
Meanwhile, here’s what you should not do in preparation for the coming cooler months.
Buzz cuts may be great for Marine Corps recruits, but they’re bad news for your dogs, especially with winter drawing near. Your dogs need all of the insulation they can acquire, and much of it will be from their lush coats.
Steer clear of any outdoor activities that can unnecessarily expose your furry friend to the cold, like grooming. Outdoor bathing is especially a no-no because being wet can cause your canine comrade’s temperature to drop faster than cluster bombs from a C-130.
Ticks and fleas aren’t common in the winter, right?
Wrong!
Even during the colder months, there’s a place for tick and flea prevention. Continue to check your furry friend for signs of fleas like scratching and biting and address these accordingly.
Your neighbors will be salting their driveways. You should be aware of this when you take your dog out for a walk.
Salt exposure during colder months can irritate your canine companion’s feet and even lead to added frost build-up. For any outdoor activities, booties are an excellent way to keep your dog’s feet dry, healthy, and salt-free.
Being outdoors during the winter may seem like fun but don’t overdo it as your dog may develop hypothermia from being out too long.
To determine if you’re pal’s temperature is compromised, look out for the following signs:
These are signs of hypothermia. When you see them in your pup, bring your trooper inside or to your vet immediately.
We’ve covered some of the most critical objectives and tasks for keeping your canine comrade winter-ready. To make your winter extra special and cozy, here are some additional tips and tricks.
Does your furry fighter love huddles and cuddles? Create a cozy space with bedding and blankets for extra warmth. A fort made of sheets and pillows is also a fun way to weather out the winter with your furry friend.
Staying inside the wire doesn’t have to be boring. Try some fun games like rounds of indoor fetch to give your dog some added physical and mental exercise.
Being indoors won’t always protect your dog from the cold. So, be on the lookout for signs of hypothermia and amp up the warmth when you notice any of them. If your dog is lethargic, a trip to the vet may be necessary.
Proactive winter dog care ensures that your furry friend and yourself enjoy the colder months.
If you need a team that can take over other operations like pet waste removal, call in the big guns and contact us at Scoop Soldiers.
