Winter Weather Dog Care ❄️
Winter can be a beautiful season, but it brings specific challenges for our dogs. From icy paths to chilly winds, the colder months can impact their comfort, health, and daily routine. Preparing your dog for winter doesn’t just keep them safe - it helps them enjoy the season to the fullest. This time round, we are looking at some simple tips which can make winter better for your dog and for you!
Understanding the Impact
Cold weather affects dogs in various ways, depending on their coat type, size, and health. Short-haired dogs, for example, feel the cold more than their thicker-coated friends, while smaller breeds lose body heat faster. And it’s not just about the chill - icy paths, reduced daylight, and the potential for frozen ponds all bring their own set of hazards. And, believe it or not, some dogs can even experience winter blues, just like us! With a few proactive steps, you can ensure your dog enjoys and adapts to the winter months as much as any other season.
My Top 10 Tips for Winter-Proofing Your Dog’s Routine
1) Protect their paws
In cold, icy conditions, dogs may walk on gritted pavements and salted roads, which can get lodged between their pads and irritate their skin. The salt and grit can even cause small cuts, leading to soreness or bleeding. Here are a few tips to help prevent this:
Rinse paws after walks: After each walk, rinse or wipe your dog’s paws to remove any salt, grit, or chemicals. This prevents licking, which can cause irritation or digestive issues
Use paw balm: Applying a dog-safe paw balm before walks can add a protective layer, shielding their paws from the elements and help prevent cracks or dryness
Snow boots: Not in the way you think! When the snow arrives, be mindful of your long-haired dogs and the risk of them getting snow compacted around their feet. The risk is this can turn into ice balls, so please don’t try and pull them off. A few seconds in lukewarm water will melt them in a much kinder way
2) Staying visible on dark walks
Whilst I know in firework season, we can try and bring forward our dog walks, in winter, the darkness seems to be unavoidable, so visibility is key for safe walks:
Reflective gear: Invest in reflective collars, harnesses, or leashes that catch light from passing cars, keeping your dog visible (and consider your own clothing too so the cars spot you and your dog!)
LED collar or lead attachments: Attach a small LED light to your dog’s collar for additional visibility. Many of these are rechargeable and work well in low-light conditions
3) Avoid seasonal hazards
Winter introduces a few specific hazards for dogs that are important to be aware of:
Antifreeze/de-icer: This common winter product can be deadly to dogs if ingested. This liquid tastes sweet to dogs, so they won’t know to stop licking. Keep it out of reach, and clean up any spills immediately
Christmas decorations and plants: Poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly can be toxic if ingested, and decorations can pose a choking hazard. Be mindful of what’s within reach when you are out on your walk and use pet-safe options wherever possible
4) Winter weight management
With fewer outdoor walks, some dogs might become less active and gain weight over winter:
Monitor diet and treats: Try to maintain a balanced diet for your dog and avoid over-treating. Reducing treat intake or adjusting meal sizes can help if they’re less active
Keep them moving indoors: Use indoor games, short training sessions, or even stairs (if it’s safe) to help them stay fit. Movement and mental stimulation are key to keeping off any winter weight
5) Safe play and exercise indoors
Icy paths can make the number of walks on certain days tricky, but indoor activities can still keep your dog engaged:
Interactive toys: Puzzle toys, treat dispensers, and interactive games can mentally stimulate your dog and tire them out without a walk
Indoor training sessions: Winter is a great time to reinforce training skills. Practising commands or teaching new tricks can help keep your dog’s mind busy and engaged indoors
6) Extra skin care for dry winter skin
Dry winter air from heating can affect your dog’s skin and coat more than we realise. A couple of things to consider:
Hydration is key: Encourage your dog to drink more water, which will help maintain healthy skin.
Regular brushing: Brushing helps to distribute natural oils in the coat, preventing dryness and promoting healthy skin. Use a humidifier in the house to help keep moisture in the air
7) Keep them warm and cosy
It might sound as if this contradicts the point above, but some dogs really feel the cold. And let’s be honest, some dogs just love the chance to snuggle, get cosy and be closer to you. Remember these:
Comfy spaces: A few extra comfy spots around the house where your dog can curl up and relax, especially in areas where they can stay away from draughts. Adding extra blankets to their bed or creating a soft nest with cushions can also help keep them cosy and warm during the chillier months
Raised beds: If your dog sleeps in a raised bed, check it's not sitting directly on a cold floor. Raising their bed a little higher can help keep them off a draughty surface and provide an extra layer of warmth
8) Check recall skills
Good recall is crucial in those foggy, misty, limited visibility conditions we are bound to encounter in the coming months. So keep your dog safe:
Practice regularly: Brush up on recall training (ideally throughout the year), as it’s essential for both their safety and your peace of mind
Use a long line if needed: For dogs with less reliable recall, using a long line can allow them to explore while keeping them within safe range
9) Stay away from frozen ponds, rivers, lakes
Winter walks near bodies of water can be risky for curious dogs, so it's important to take precautions to keep them safe:
Lead near water: Try and keep your dog on a lead when near ponds, rivers or lakes in winter. The ice on these bodies of water may look solid (and exciting for your dog), but it can be extremely unpredictable and break with little warning
Train ‘leave it’ or ‘recall’ commands: Make sure your dog is well-trained in commands like 'leave it', especially when you're walking near frozen bodies of water. This is one of those occasions where you can never be too cautious
10) Check under your car
And my 10th Tip is more aimed at another of our favourite pets!
Check for shelter seekers: Cats often shelter under cars or climb inside the bonnet to hunker down and escape the cold, so always take a quick peek under the car before getting in
Give the bonnet a knock: Give your car’s bonnet a good knock before starting the engine - just to make sure no cats have tucked themselves away for warmth
Some additional tips:
Shorter frequent walks: The cold gets to us all, so instead of long, potentially hazardous walks, take shorter, more frequent versions
Avoid high traffic areas: If you can, stick to quieter areas where paths may be less icy, and avoid busy roads where there might be less salt and grit
Harness check: Check your dogs harness is secure so you can hold them more steady and keep them supported on slippery pavements
Final thoughts:
As we head into the colder months, it's important to remember that winter can present a range of challenges for our dogs, from chilly walks to indoor comfort. As a dog behaviourist, I know how essential it is to understand and respond to your dog's needs, not just in terms of physical care but also in ensuring their mental and emotional wellbeing. During these colder months, a little extra attention to their environment and routines can make all the difference in helping them feel secure and happy.
By preparing for these winter challenges and incorporating these tips into your dog’s daily life, you’re giving them the best chance to thrive during this season. Every dog is different, so if you have concerns or need further guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always here to help you understand and support your dog in the best way possible - after all, winter walks are about enjoying the season together!
Stay safe and cosy out there!