Just as it is for us, winter is the time of the year when your beloved dog needs a little extra care.

Yes, your dog is blessed with a cosy and beautiful fur coat. However, this protection is not enough when the mercury dips too low. Our fur-coated friend is habitual of living in a warm indoor shelter, and cold weather can be difficult for them. Therefore, make sure you and your puppy pet get ready before the cold months come.

Here are some smart ways to protect your dog in winter.

Tips to Protect Your Dog in Winters

1. Use Warm Coats

While some dog breeds have thick fur that keeps them warm in low temperatures, others have a thin coat and may need the extra warmth of a sweater or coat when going outside.

To provide complete protection from cold weather, make your dog wear a coat that covers their neck, belly, and lower body to the base of the tail. However, remember that even the coat does not protect ears, tail, and toes from frostbite. Therefore, avoid keeping your dog out in the cold for a long time.

2. Keep Their Skin Hydrated

Just like ours, dog skin also gets dry and flaky when exposed to cold air outside and the warm, dry air inside. Add moisture to the air using a humidifier - it keeps their skin hydrated.

You can also use fish oil or other essential fatty acids that help maintain healthy skin and coat. Moreover, brush their coat regularly as it helps with hydration by getting rid of dead hair and stimulate their skin to produce oils.

Do not forget to use natural shampoo to bathe your dog. It soothes their skin.

3. Cosy and Thick Bedding

Providing your dog with the right bedding is crucial in winters as it keeps them warm and snuggly. Blankets create a cosy environment, and thick bedding keeps your dog away from cold tiles or concrete. Keep this bedding at their favourite spot where they sleep every day.

4. Make the Indoors Enjoyable

The frostbite is real and painful. Therefore, don’t keep your dog outside for long hours. It can be deceiving to go outside during a sunny day, as the chilling wind can make the temperature colder than it is. So, try to make indoors more enjoyable and full of activities for them, so that they can enjoy winters also without being out and getting sick.

Must Read: Indoor games to play with your dog - Part I and Part II

5. Protect Paws With Bootie

In winters, ice, salt, and antifreeze can injure the paws of your pup. Sharp edges of salt and ice are potent to cause injury and burn your dog’s paw pads. Booties are the best way to protect against winter elements and provide grip on the ice. It also prevents your dog’s paws from picking up de-icers, antifreeze, or other toxic chemicals.

If your dog feels uncomfortable or does not like to wear booties, paw waxes can be a good alternative. Wash and dry their paws properly after reaching the house. Make sure you keep their paw hair trimmed (not too short). Otherwise, they get wet in the snow and freeze and take a longer time to get dried.

We hope these tips prove beneficial for your dog. To buy convenience for them, shop for the best dog accessories at Bully Billows.