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Unless you live in some sunny, warm southern climate, harsh winter weather is hard on both humans and dogs. You may have to change up your winter dog care routine to keep them warm and protect them from the effects of freezing temperatures, harsh winds, ice, snow, and dry air.
However, with some care and preparation, winter doesn鈥檛 have to be bleak. You can easily offer your dog the protection they need to enjoy outdoor time, and keep them warm and occupied indoors.
Protecting Your Dog鈥檚 Paws
Snow, ice, and road salt wreak havoc on a dog鈥檚 paws. The cold surface can dry out paw pads, causing them to flake and crack. Road salt, which is sharp and often combined with harsh chemicals, is a real canine hazard. Not only is it an irritant, but it鈥檚 also potentially toxic if ingested. The goal of balms or is to protect your dog鈥檚 paws from conditions like frostbite, as well as healing any damage that does occur.
When applied to your dog鈥檚 pads and between toes, this cream creates a semi-permeable barrier against ice and snow. Dog owners praise Musher鈥檚 Secret for its effectiveness against snow, ice, and salt, as well as blistering pavement and hot surfaces in summer.
Organic ingredients in this balm soothe cracked, sore pads and help heal cuts and wounds. Made of food-grade ingredients and completely safe if ingested, this product is a perennial hit with owners whose dogs suffer from rough or cracked paw pads.
Prevent weather damage altogether by putting your dog in booties. Well-constructed boots protect dogs鈥� paws and keep them warm in freezing temperatures. The weatherproof boots have a non-skid, vinyl sole for good traction. Plus, they don鈥檛 impede movement.
Substitute a safe, non-toxic ice melt for harsh road salts to clear your walk and steps. This biodegradable product has a time-release formula that melts ice and keeps surfaces ice-free for up to three days. It鈥檚 also proven effective at extremely low temperatures.
Care for Your Dog鈥檚 Nose, Coat, and Skin
Just as humans feel the effects of dry air and cold temperatures with chapped lips and flaky, dried-out skin, so do our dogs. Dogs鈥� noses can become chapped, cracked, and flaky. Regardless of coat type, your dog鈥檚 skin can become itchy and dry in winter. This can lead to infection or hot spots. To keep your dog鈥檚 skin and coat healthy, a little less frequently and brush your dog often. Also, consider adding some of these products to your winter dog care routine.
This non-oily conditioner hydrates your dog鈥檚 skin and coat, helps fight itchy skin, and detangles fur. It鈥檚 useful for all breeds and any type of coat. Customers say that it absorbs easily, moisturizes itchy skin, and leaves coats smooth and soft.
This nontoxic pet balm is made with 12 natural oils and butters, plus pet-safe essential oils. It鈥檚 safe for all dogs, including puppies and those with sensitive skin. Because of the natural ingredients, even if your dog licks the moisturizer, the product will be absorbed; noses will also stay soft and healthy.
Outdoor Gear to Help Your Dog Bundle Up
Besides thick-coated Northern breeds meant for winter weather, many dogs feel the effects of cold like we do. If you鈥檙e bundling up for an especially cold outdoor excursion, so should your dog. Some dogs will be fine with a ; others may need .
This acrylic cable knit sweater is designed to cover your dog鈥檚 neck, shoulders, and body. It鈥檚 stretchy, soft, and features a higher cut at the belly for a comfortable fit. Buyers rave about the quality construction, soft material, and stylish look.
Don鈥檛 let cold weather stop you and your dog from outdoor adventures or training. This waterproof, thermal-insulated jacket keeps dogs warm, while 3M reflectors add a safety feature. Whether your dog is working or playing, the jacket will keep them warm without restricting movement.
Keep Your Dog Warm Indoors
If you keep the thermostat set low in winter, your dog may need something to take the chill off. Humans have down quilts and . Why not give your dog a little bit of extra warmth, too?
The aptly named donut bed has a raised rim and is well-padded, so even arthritic and senior dogs can get comfortable. The plush faux fur is ultra-warm while still being breathable. Satisfied buyers praised the bed鈥檚 ability to stay soft and supportive without being too stiff.
This versatile pad can be used without a , too, as a floor mat or, as one customer noted, on top of the printer where her dog loves to nap. It captures dogs鈥� body heat and radiates back warmth, so it鈥檚 self-warming without cords or batteries. The notched corners fit snugly in a crate and the bottom is a non-slip fabric.
Indoor Winter Fun With Your Dog
Winter dog care isn鈥檛 just about combatting the elements. Even though nasty weather may keep you indoors, dogs still need year-round physical and mental exercise. While not all owners have enough room for a game of fetch or hide and seek, you can buy a few to stimulate your dog indoors. Winter is also a great time to work on training and new tricks.
You can make this as challenging as you want by the way you stuff the squirrels into the tree trunk. Dogs love to 鈥渉unt鈥� for the squirrels, pull them out of the holes, and even fling them around the room. It鈥檚 plush, so won鈥檛 stand up to constant vigorous chewing, but it鈥檚 surprisingly durable and a real boredom breaker.
Embark on a winter project with the Canine Good Citizen program. The book will guide you and your dog through the training curriculum and exercises and, by spring, you鈥檒l both be ready to pass your CGC test.
Winter Dog Care Cheat Sheet
Here are some tips to help you and your dog make the most of any wintry weather:
- Protect your dog鈥檚 paws from outdoor surfaces. Wipe them off (even between toes) when you go back inside.
- Consider your dog鈥檚 breed and coat type, and whether they may need a sweater or
- Brush your dog鈥檚 coat frequently to get rid of dead skin. Also, consider using a for their coat, if necessary.
- If your dog鈥檚 nose becomes dry or chapped, use a healing balm or cream
- Make sure your dog has a warm place to sleep inside, especially if you keep the house cool
- Provide mental and physical stimulation and play while indoors