How To Look After Your dog This Winter

Introduction

The winter months can be tough on us humans, and they're no picnic for our furry friends either. So whether you've got a new puppy or an old friend with arthritis, here are some tips to help make sure your dog is happy and healthy through the cold and snow of winter.

Exercising in the cold

Exercise is a crucial part of your dog's health and fitness. It keeps them fit, active and healthy.

It also has a number of other benefits:

  • It can help keep your dog warm in the cold winter months by burning off excess energy so they need to sleep less and burn more calories to stay warm

  • If you have an older dog who needs to exercise more as they get older, then this will help encourage them to move around more without putting too much strain on their joints or muscles

  • Exercise also helps keep your dog mentally stimulated which means that they won't get bored easily (as boredom can be detrimental for both humans and animals)

Winter walks

  • If your dog is a particularly sensitive breed, such as a Shih Tzu, you may wish to consider taking it to the vet and getting its hair cut. The shorter the fur, the better.

  • Make sure that your dog has plenty of dry bedding in its kennel or crate at night so that it stays warm and doesn’t slip on any wet floors. If possible, keep them indoors during extreme weather conditions or if there is snow on the ground – their paws can get very sore. Dog boots are also useful in this regard if they tend to go out on their own without you (which they shouldn’t!)

Keep your dog warm

In the winter, it's important that your dog has a coat. But since they look so dorky wearing them, you should probably let them pick out what kind of coat they want! And don't forget: you should never feed your dog bones or rawhides because they can break their teeth on those.

Your dog needs a good bed too. A soft, fluffy one is best, but if he's not feeling comfortable with those types yet then there are plenty of other options available to him as well! If you choose the right bed for him, then he'll be sleeping soundly through all of his naps and even his nighttime sleep sessions too! You might even find some cool beds online that have little compartments inside where dogs can store things like toys or treats when they're not using them (like at night).

Can dogs get colds?

Can dogs get a cold?

Yes. Dogs can catch the same virus that we do, and they have the same symptoms. If your dog is sneezing, coughing and has runny eyes, he or she may have caught a cold. Can humans get a cold from dogs? No! However, it might be possible to pass on respiratory infections (such as kennel cough) between animals of different species as they share similar viruses in their droplets or saliva.

Can dogs eat snow?

Dogs can't eat snow, and they shouldn't. Snow is not a food source, and it can cause problems for your dog's health. Most of the time, dogs don't need to eat snow or have water sources in the winter. Instead of eating snow, give them some fresh water instead! You should also make sure that they have plenty of food and water during colder months so they won't get dehydrated or constipated!

Dogs and ice

  • Dogs and ice:

Dogs should not be allowed to walk on or near ice. If your dog's paws get wet, the fur will freeze, causing frostbite. Not only does this damage their paws but it can be painful for them too.

  • Falling on ice:

If you have a really big dog, they might slip and fall if they run fast enough (especially on slippery surfaces). This could hurt them quite badly so make sure they're always supervised when running around outdoors in wintertime!

Dogs and antifreeze

One of the most common ways that dogs are poisoned is through antifreeze. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, which is toxic to dogs and other animals. If your dog ingests antifreeze, there's a good chance it will become severely ill or die.

If you suspect that your dog may have ingested antifreeze, contact your vet immediately and bring along any remaining samples of the substance so they can be tested. The sooner treatment begins, the better chance your dog has of making a full recovery.

Why do dogs lick their paws?

When a dog licks its paws, it can mean several different things:

  • A dog may lick its paws due to irritation or inflammation of the paw pads. This may be caused by allergies or other skin problems.

  • If your dog is licking its paws frequently, you should be aware that this could be a sign of an underlying health problem such as arthritis, diabetes or hypothyroidism.

  • Dogs will also lick their feet in order to clean them after going outside in mud or snow - this behaviour is known as "dew-licking".

Winter hazards for dogs

Winter is a fun time for people, but it can pose some hazards for your dog. It’s important to be prepared and know what you should do if your dog gets lost in the snow or ice.

  • Snow blindness is another common winter injury in dogs that have light coloured eyes such as blue or yellow. The sun reflects off of snow at high altitudes and causes damage to the surface of the eye which may eventually lead to permanent blindness if not treated immediately. If you’re going on an adventure with your pup this winter make sure they have goggles that protect their eyes from UV radiation exposure so they don’t get hurt!

Some practical tips to help you keep your dog happy and healthy this winter.

  • Keep your dog warm

  • Keep them active

  • Keep them safe

  • Keep them healthy

Conclusion

It's important to remember that dogs are living beings, and no matter how much you love them, they still need care. If you take the time to make sure your dog is happy and healthy this winter, then he or she can be a great companion for years to come!