Together with winter comes the cold and, therefore, the need to carry out certain special care that help our best friend to withstand the temperature change. Although a priori it may not seem that the dog needs extra care at this time of year, the truth is that it will require some adjustments in its diet or in the care of its coat, for example.
In this article on our site we will detail how to take care of a dog in winter, taking into account different aspects of their daily routine and the needs that this time of year requires. Don't miss out, find out everything you need to know about winter and dogs below!
Why is it important to take care of a dog when it's cold?
There are some dogs that, due to their physical condition or special needs, are much more vulnerable to cold, we refer, for example, to dogs puppies, the elderly, hairless dogs, sick animals… All of them will need extra care with the arrival of the cold. In addition, these dogs that we have mentioned could suffer from the aggravation of arthritis or be susceptible to various viral diseases, common at this time of year, like the flu or kennel cough. In any case, and regardless of your dog's age or condition, following these basic tips will help keep him much he althier and happier. Take note!
Feeding a dog in winter
It is common to observe that, in winter, people opt for the choice of more caloric dishes with the intention of "fighting the cold" and thus increasing their energy reserves. This belief has also spread to dogs and more and more people feel that they should be fed more during the winter.
Because there are no studies in dogs, we have analyzed some studies in people and while it is true that exposure to cold leads to increased calorie consumption[1] [2], it is also true that in winter less fat is burned[3] So, should a dog be fed more in winter?
The truth is that most dogs live indoors, therefore, as they are not exposed to the cold do not need higher calorie intakeNeither do those who exercise. In contrast, dogs that live outside and suffer from inclement weather and low temperatures, will need a contribution extra of nutrients. In the latter case, the advice of a veterinarian may be interesting, since depending on the ambient temperature, the animal may require one amount or another of extra calories.
Is it necessary to keep a dog warm in winter?
Not all dogs adapt in the same way to the different season changes. Nordic dogs and Swiss Cattle Dogs, such as the Alaskan Malamute or the Greater Swiss Cattle Dog, have no problem resisting low temperatures, while some primitive type dogs, such as the Peruvian Hairless Dog, or sighthounds, like the whippet, they can take a lot of toll when spending hours outside, as they get upset easily.
But how do you know if a dog is cold? We can usually tell if we watch the dog trembleIt is common in small breeds or in short-haired or hairless dogs. In these cases, yes it is recommended to keep a dog warm, either with the use of a sweater or a coat for dogs.
In addition, it may also be convenient to use a raincoat when it rains to prevent the dog from getting wet and catching cold. In the market we find a great variety of raincoats, increasingly comfortable and easy to use, but, if we cannot acquire one, it is always recommended dry the dog wellwhen you get home, either with the use of towels or a hair dryer. For the latter case, we recommend you consult this other article: "How to get a dog used to the dryer?"
Finally, to finish with the protection of the body, we recommend the use of boots for dogs when we go to thesnow This is because, in contact with intense and prolonged cold, the dog's pads can burn. In this other post, we also explain how to take a dog to the snow.
How to bathe a dog in winter?
The coat is the most important protection barrier against the cold that dogs have, for this reason it is very important to keep it in good condition. Ideally, we should carry out a regular brushing to remove dead hair and avoid creating knots and tangles. Brushing is also important when the dog visits the snow, since then frost can form which could end up damaging its dermis if it is not removed.
As for bathing, to prevent the dog from catching cold, you can opt for a dry-cleaning shampoo, although it is if you completely bathe the dog, it should be done with slightly warm water and ending the process with an exhaustive drying, which includes the legs and the use of a dryer.
The steps to follow will be the same as those applied to bathing your dog at home at any other time of the year. In winter, the only thing that should be changed is, as we have mentioned, the temperature of the water to prevent the dog from getting cold.
Veterinary checkups
Generally, it is recommended to make a visit to the veterinarian every 6 months(except in working dogs) to ensure that the he alth status of him is good and he does not show any possible pathology. Especially if you have an elderly or sick dog, it can be interesting to make a routine visit at this time of year.
Apart from the visits, you must continue with the vaccination schedule and with the internal and external deworming of the dog, to avoid the spread of any disease or parasite. Likewise, we recommend you check his body in a general way every day, paying special attention to the pads.
Other care for a dog in winter
If your dog lives indoors it will be essential to ensure a soft bedand provide him with some kind of blanket to help him retain heat more easily at night. If he is cold, he can cover himself to sleep. However, by staying in a temperate environment, he will not need excessive care.
On the other hand, if your dog lives outside, he will need a comfortable doghouse (never plastic, we'll bet better on robust wooden huts), insulated, not directly in contact with the ground and also have a mattress and blankets to keep warm. It is very important to properly inspect the shed to make sure it is fully insulated and that it does not have any leaks or holes. Finally, we recommend that you check the water frequently, since it sometimes freezes and, if it is very cold, let the dog pass inside the home.
To end this article we want to remind you that dogs that live outside, away from their family, are more likely to develop behavioral problems, are more susceptible to illness and, in general, have a worse quality of life. So, to the frequently asked question "can dogs sleep outside in winter?", what is the answer? It depends on the dog and its characteristics, as well as whether or not it has the aforementioned requirements to prevent it from getting cold. Nordic dogs are fully adapted to high temperatures, such as the Siberian husky, however, other dogs from more temperate and warm climates cannot live outdoors, such as chihuahuas. For this reason, we insist on taking into account the characteristics of each dog and, above all, correctly acclimatizing its space to guarantee that it is kept in perfect condition. In this other article we delve into this topic: "Can a dog die of cold?".
