Being a pet parent in winter takes more time, care, and planning. These cold weather tips for dogs will make it a breeze to keep your dog safe and healthy.
Canadians know that winter in the Great White North means business. As pet parents, we sometimes have to modify our routines to keep our pups safe, warm, and happy through the coldest months of the year. Check out these winter care tips for dogs to get your pup safely through to the spring.
1. Don’t Force Outdoor Time if It’s Too Cold
What temperature is too cold for dogs? Anything above 7 C is generally safe for any dog. When you get to 0 C, you’ll have to be mindful of small dogs, seniors, puppies, sick pups, and thin- or single-coated breeds. Around -7 C, any dog can be vulnerable to hypothermia and frostbite.
Here are a few winter dog safety tips for when your pup is outside: monitor them at all times, don’t let them spend too long outside, and consider boots and jackets if they’re susceptible to the cold.
2. Protect Their Paws
Winter can wreak havoc on paws. Ice can cut their pads, salt can cause dryness, cracks, and burns, and the cold can lead to frostbite. Winter paw care for dogs can include:
- Wearing boots
- Rubbing balm on the paws before going outside
- Washing salt off their paws after walks
- Trimming paw fur to prevent ice balls
3. Stay Active Even When You Can’t Get Outside
Your dog still needs plenty of exercise year-round. Every dog is different, but pups need between 30 minutes and two hours of activity each day. When it’s too cold for outdoor activities, you can sneak in exercise by playing fetch or chase (especially up and down the stairs), running an indoor obstacle course, teaching them new tricks, and playing with puzzle toys.
4. Keep an Eye on Calories
You may have to adjust your dog’s calorie intake in winter. For couch potatoes who hate the cold, you might want to reduce their food intake if they’re getting less exercise. However, dogs that are built for winter might need more calories if they spend a lot of time playing in the snow.
Always talk to your veterinarian before adjusting your dog’s diet.
5. Up Your Skin and Coat Game
Winter’s harsh conditions can make your dog’s skin dry, flaky, and itchy. Skin and coat health is crucial in winter because that’s what keeps your pup safe and warm. Brush their fur regularly and don’t bathe them too often to prevent their skin from drying out. If your dog needs extra support, you might want to consider a supplement.
However, a balanced, nutrient-rich diet is the best way to support skin and coat health. Nutram’s I20 Ideal Skin, Coat & Stomach recipe is specially formulated to support skin and coat health. It contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatories like salmon oil and rosemary that support immunity and promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.
Visit Nutram today to learn more about foods that promote skin and coat health.
AUTHOR PROFILE
Canadian Dogs is the definitive resource for helping people find and care for their new best friend. Featuring all the breed information you expect but with a fresh new approach. Published by one of Canada’s foremost pet publishers and distributed across Canada, this exciting publication is supported by leading breed experts, veterinarians, trainers, nutritionists and groomers.
