Winter is right around the corner, which means you need to make sure you understand how to take good care of your dog during the wintertime. Your dog has slightly different needs in the winter, which is why you need to be able to adapt to your care. Here are some ways you can take care of your dog this winter.
1. Be Aware of the Temperature
Some dog breeds are more equipped to deal with cold weather than other dog breeds. If your dog has thick fur, allow your dog to start growing their fur out during the fall. This will help keep your pet warm in the winter when they go outside.
If you have a dog breed that doesn't have a thick coat, you should get them a sweater to wear when taking them outside in the winter. If the weather is below freezing, limit the amount of time you spend outside, as your pet's feet, tail, and ears can all be subject to frostbite.
2. Go Outside When It Is Sunny
In the summer, you probably took your dog out early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the heat of the day. In the winter, you need to switch your routine and take them outside for play and exercise during the late morning to afternoon time, when it tends to be the warmest outside. Get your pet outside for some exercise each day, but when it is below freezing, limit the time you spend outside.
3. Provide Extra Supplements to Fight Dry Skin
Your dog can suffer from dry skin during the wintertime. You can help prevent dry skin by incorporating a skin and coat supplement into your pet's food. Check with your vet to find a supplement that will work for your dog. You can also apply a natural topical solution, such as coconut oil, to your pet if you notice they have dry or cracked paws or ears.
4. Try to Avoid Overfeeding
As you spend more time indoors with your dog in the wintertime, make sure you don't start to overfeed your dog. In the winter, if your dog is less active, they may need less food, not more. Make sure you keep fresh water that is always easy to access.
5. Get an Annual Check-Up
If your dog has not been to the vet yet this year, it is time to schedule a check-up. A check-up will allow you to make sure they are good health and will help you know if your pet needs any special care.
In the winter, take your dog outside for exercise when it is sunny outside, allow them to grow a long coat of fur, avoid overfeeding, and be sure to take your dog in for a check-up. For more information about wintertime dog care, contact a veterinarian or check out websites such as http://www.emergencypetclinics.com.
Share29 September 2020
When I moved into the town I'm living in now, there was a large population of stray cats. Unfortunately, that population kept growing in rapid numbers because none of the cats had been fixed. I knew that wasn't a healthy situation, so I reached out to a local shelter and a veterinarian to launch a trap-alter-release program. Within about a year, we had the entire population altered and released back to their environments. The logistics were significant, but not overwhelming. That's why I built this site. My goal is to teach others how to launch a similar program in their own neighborhood to help keep the stray cats healthier and safer.