Now that the cold weather is around the corner and we are digging out our winter coats, we have our top tips for keeping your four-legged friends cosy, happy and healthy over the winter months.
With the nights getting shorter, it’s likely that your routine walks are now in the dark. Make sure you and your dog are visible to others with reflective clothing for you and reflective leads collars or coats for your pup. Flashing collars are another great idea, along with lights that can be attached to harnesses or leads too!
Winter Care For Dogs – Keeping Your Car In Tip Top Shape
As with summer heat, it is important not to leave dogs in cars for long periods of time during cold spells too! It sounds like an obvious thing to consider, but it’s important to keep your car in shape too during the winter, including topping up your anti-freeze, but beware as this fluid is extremely toxic to dogs, so be sure to mop up any spillages and store in a safe place out of your dog’s reach.
Winter Care For Dogs – Keeping Warm Whilst Walking
Shorter dogs or those that are short haired may feel the cold alot more than long haired pups, and may want to end their walkies alot earlier than usual especially if the temperature falls below 7°c. A quality dog coat sized correctly for your dog can help to keep them warm and dry. You may even consider letting the hair grow a little longer on their legs (breed dependent) to give them that little more coverage in the colder months.
Once home be sure to wash and dry paws, legs and tummies, as grit and rock salt can cause irritation to skin and rock salt can be toxic to dogs if digested.
For furry friends with long hair around their paws, ice balls may form in the hair from walking out in the cold. Help your pup by getting the fur trimmed around their paws and if the paw pads start to look chapped, try a balm especially formulated for paws.
Lastly, remember to pop their favourite Pointer treats in your pocket to reward good behaviour on winter walks, why not try our grain free stars with turkey for a true festive feeling.
For more indepth advice about Winter care for dogs, why not visit Battersea.org.uk
