How to care for a dog in winter?

Winter - is it a good time for longer walks? Or can a dog sleep outside, even though it's always with us in the house? Every season has its pros and cons. Of course, you can go for a walk, and if your dog has a lot of fur and is more comfortable there, let it go to its kennel for a while! Everything is allowed, but in moderation and, above all - with common sense.

What dangers does winter pose to dogs?

Many things threaten dogs in winter - hypothermia is the most severe of the complications that can occur this time of year. Also, many people don't realize that more attention should be paid to the dog's paws. After every walk, snow and ice should be removed from between the dog's paw pads, where excess moisture can cause inflammation. Salt at such times is the worst bane of winter walks. This can be remedied - winter footwear for dogs is a savior in such weather and temperatures. To protect dogs from hypothermia, it is important to ensure their warmth, especially for those who are outdoors or are older or infirm. Here, various clothes are needed to help maintain the correct body temperature. Winter jackets for dogs are now widely available and increasingly numerous, offering plenty of choice.

These insulated Christmas dog boots are a great choice for the winter season.

What temperature can a dog be outside in?

Every dog tolerates temperature differently. Certainly, when we have a dog outdoors, we should observe the animal more closely. A properly insulated kennel, ensuring constant access to fresh water and making sure it doesn't freeze, and providing at least one warm meal a day are essential. Heated water bowls are available - a brilliant gadget in places where winter can be truly harsh. Short-haired breeds will not cope in such conditions, while long-haired breeds with an undercoat are more adapted to lower temperatures. However, it should be remembered that if the thermometer shows around -10°C, the dog should be immediately moved to a heated room. Hypothermia must be prevented. Read also: Dog shoes for different seasons

How to help your dog in winter?

A properly constructed kennel, a high-calorie diet, fresh water, dog clothing, footwear, and our observations – that's how we can help our dog. The diet should provide more "fuel" which, by accumulating in fat tissue, allows the dog not to feel the external temperature as much. The water must not freeze! It should be checked frequently to pour fresh water if necessary. Any dog clothing for winter is not a whim – it's worth looking for a jacket, jumpsuit, sweater, or hoodie to help during winter. We also need to closely observe dogs that spend most of their time outdoors. Let's not risk our pet's life. Most often, our observations are the most crucial and help the dog avoid many dangerous situations. Also remember that dogs should not be bathed in winter! Rebuilding the protective layer does not take an hour, and during this time, the dog is exposed to infection. It works the same way as if we went out with freshly washed hair.

Winter clothing for dogs

Dog clothing should primarily be insulated - with fleece or another form, but an extra layer of material is always useful. Jackets or overalls are durable and, most importantly, waterproof and windproof, which prevents the dog from getting cold. Cuffs also help significantly, so check if the garment has such an addition. Any clothing for winter should not restrict movement or interfere with daily activity - it should be comfortable and functional, which is what owners are most interested in. A hood is not essential - some dogs hate it when something falls over their eyes, and we shouldn't be surprised. The fastening method is also important - most dogs prefer zippers or snaps on the back rather than on the belly. When choosing clothing, it's worth asking the seller about the product rather than buying something you're unsure about.

The insulated, waterproof Adidog hoodie is a great solution for the winter months. We recommend it!

Read also: How to dress your dog fashionably and elegantly for Christmas?

Insulating the dog bed and kennel

Insulating a dog kennel has several rules that must be followed. The kennel cannot be too small - the dog should be able to turn around freely inside, but also not too large, so as not to create empty space that will bring more cold than warmth. The base of the kennel itself must not touch the ground! We insulate the walls and floor - styrofoam is the most common choice among owners, but there are other methods as well. Ideally, the kennel should have a kind of vestibule, and if this is not possible, the entrance to the kennel should be covered, for example, with a thicker piece of material. The inside of the kennel should be filled with straw - it doesn't absorb moisture, and there must be enough of it for the dog to burrow into. Check that the dog is dry inside - this is a very important issue when our pet is sleeping outdoors.

Dog nutrition in winter

If we have a dog that loves to spend time outdoors, regardless of whether it's summer, spring, or even winter, during this cold time of year, the dog should be fed appropriately. A food that provides more energy is needed then, and we can most often find higher caloric content in most "active" foods. It is also worth seeking information directly from a veterinarian, who will certainly provide professional advice and indicate which food will be best for our dog. They will also suggest various winter supplements for the dog's diet - supplements, etc. As you can see, a dog outdoors is not a bad thing; it is not a result of neglect, but of what the dog needs. Some dog breeds prefer to be outdoors, and with a responsible owner who understands the needs of their pet, there will be no problem. Let them be as they want, and if we have such an opportunity, but plan everything with common sense and moderation.