Prevention of health risks in winter
Let's first talk about two serious cold weather illnesses that you should avoid at all costs.
Frostbite
Frostbite occurs when the dog's body gets cold. The body automatically draws blood from the extremities to the centre of the body to stay warm. The dog's ears, paws or tail can get so cold that ice crystals form in the tissue and damage it. The difficult thing about frostbite is that it is not immediately obvious. Look for signs of pale or grey skin; the skin may also become hard and cold. When frostbitten areas warm up, they can be very painful. Severely frostbitten skin will eventually turn black and flake off.
Hypothermia
A second serious problem in winter weather is hypothermia. It occurs when a dog spends too much time in the cold, gets wet in cold temperatures or when dogs with poor health or circulation are exposed to the cold. In mild cases, the dog will shiver and its ears and feet may become cold. As hypothermia progresses, the dog may show signs of depression, lethargy and weakness. As the condition worsens, muscles become stiff, heart and respiratory rates slow, and the dog becomes unresponsive to stimuli. Severe hypothermia is life-threatening.
Protecting your dog from frostbite and hypothermia is crucial. So learn to recognise the signs that your dog needs to go indoors to warm up.
Is your dog cold?
If it's too cold for you to stand outside without a coat, it's probably too cold for your dog too, so pay attention to his behaviour when he's outside.
If you notice that your dog is whining, shaking or seems anxious, or if he stops playing and seems to cower, then it is time to bring him inside.
15 ways to protect your dog in winter
1. Let's talk about temperature!
Some dog breeds are blessed with a thick coat that keeps them warm even in very cold temperatures. However, dogs with thin coats may need to wear a jumper or coat during winter walks. A good coat should reach from the neck to the base of the tail and also protect the belly. Remember, however, that a coat will not prevent frostbite on the ears, paws or tail ... so even with a cosy coat, don't leave your short-haired dog outside for too long in freezing temperatures.
2. go outside when the sunis shining
If your dog feels the cold, take him for a walk in the late morning or early afternoon when the temperatures are a little warmer and avoid early morning or late evening walks. Play outside when the sun is shining. The sun has the added benefit of providing vitamin D for you and your pet. Play fetch with toys and not sticks, which your dog can choke on or hurt himself. So if your dog likes to chew and chase, pack a Frisbee, ball or other safe toy and play together in the sun.
3. limit time outdoors in winter
Your pet may love spending time outdoors, but in winter even the furriest dog can get cold. Ears, paws and tails are prone to frostbite. Walk, exercise and play with your dog often ... but when the temperatures drop, don't leave him outside for long periods. A good rule is to take him out and when you are ready to come back in, he probably will be. If he is alone in the garden, check frequently to make sure he is not showing signs of cold.
4. cosy bedding
Not only should you limit your dog's time outdoors on cold days, but you should also not let your dog sleep on the cold floor in winter. Choosing the right bedding is crucial to keeping your dog warm. Warm blankets can create a cosy environment; raised beds can protect your dog from cold tiles or concrete, and heated pet beds can help prevent ageing joints from becoming stiff. Place your dog's bed in a warm place, away from draughts, cold tiles or carpeting, preferably in a favourite spot where your dog sleeps every day, so the environment doesn't feel alien.
5 Protect your dog from heaters
Dogs often seek warmth in cold winter weather by snuggling too close to heat sources. Avoid space heaters and install radiator covers to prevent your pet from getting burned. Fireplaces also pose a great danger. So make sure you have a pet-safe system to keep your heat-seeking friend out of harm's way!
Moisturise
Dry and cold weather can be hard on your pet's skin. Prevent dry, flaky skin by adding a skin and coat conditioner to their food. Coconut oil is a good natural moisturiser that will keep your pet's skin and coat healthy. If you notice that your pet's paws, ears or tail are dry or cracked, you can also apply coconut oil topically if needed.
7. please do not overfeed!
Even though dogs need an extra layer in winter, make sure it is a coat and not a layer of fat. Cold temperatures can actually lead to sluggish behaviour and a lower calorie requirement. Pay attention to your dog's activity level and
