How to prepare our dog for the cold
During the winter, we pay special attention and care to ensure our faithful companion isn't affected by the drop in temperature. In addition to considering general factors such as where we live —northern or southern— or our dog's breed , we can help him combat the cold as much as possible , ensuring his well-being and, also, our peace of mind, by following a few simple steps .
Dogs have a number of characteristics that protect them from the cold. The layer of fat in their skin acts as the first barrier against low temperatures. If we add their fur to this, we have a truly natural coat. This is why dogs don't feel the cold the way we do. However, we shouldn't be careless and assume that our dog doesn't need anything else to combat the cold, rain, or snow. Nothing could be further from the truth!
We know how important your dog's health is to you, so we've prepared this article with everything you need to know to prepare and protect your furry friend from the cold winter .
Let's get started!
Visit your veterinarian
To start the list of tips, a visit to the vet to check that our dog is in optimal condition is an ideal way to start winter.
Visiting the vet at least once a year to ensure our pet is in perfect health should be part of our routine. If we only go to the vet when we notice something is wrong with our dog, we recommend a visit to the vet before winter, regardless of whether we have a reason to or not, to ensure our dog's good health.
Strong health is your best bet for facing low temperatures .
Feeding
Proper nutrition will not only ensure your pet's good health, but will also help maintain a healthy coat that protects them from the cold . Thus, during the winter, you can include foods or supplements rich in oil that care for their coat.
Be careful with Christmas leftovers ! During the holidays, like Christmas, we tend to give our dogs a little "gift." The truth is that many foods we think will be good for them and they'll love can actually be harmful to their body . If you want your dog to also enjoy Christmas gifts, it's best to use food and treats specifically designed for them. They love them, and they're also good for their body. But remember to always use them in moderation and without overdoing it .
Fur
As we mentioned in the previous section, the coat is one of a dog's natural barriers against inclement weather. Whether it's to withstand high or low temperatures, the coat acts as a thermoregulator , forming an air chamber beneath the fur that keeps them at an ideal temperature. Therefore, it's vitally important to ensure its care and optimal maintenance.
Regular brushing will help remove dead skin cells, stimulate circulation, and distribute oil. In addition, including brushing in your pet's routine will help prevent the appearance of fleas and ticks.
Coat accessories
Over time, coats have become one of the most popular dog accessories . And for good reason! Coats are excellent protection for our dogs when temperatures drop. Not only does it protect them from the cold, but it also protects them from the rain.
If your dog doesn't yet have a coat to protect him from the cold, be sure to visit the canine fashion section brought to you by Arquivet , where you'll find a wide variety of waterproof coats, vests, and sweaters for dogs, in a wide variety of designs—even Christmas ones!—and colors.
Protect your paws
Protecting your dog's paws and pads is especially important if you live in an area where snow or ice is common. These weather factors, along with rain, can cause cracked pads, as well as irritation and infection . We must take special care with puppies, since they will not yet have developed the necessary protection on their pads.
There are adhesive creams that create a protective film on your dog's pads. If you're traveling in the snow, this is one of the best remedies to prevent damage to your pet's paws. You can also find special booties that will insulate them from the coldest ground. As for ground, avoid stone floors as much as possible , as they tend to retain cold. Dirt walks are better.
Warm shelter
If our dog doesn't spend the night indoors, we must ensure we provide appropriate shelter and not neglect aspects such as water, plenty of food, a bed, and a blanket. We must also ensure that its kennel is always dry and warm , otherwise, our dog could catch a cold or suffer from other illnesses.
It's very important to consider your dog's breed and age at this point. Large breed dogs tend to retain heat better than other sizes, although this will also largely depend on their coat. On the other hand, if your dog is already very old, you need to be aware that they won't tolerate low temperatures well, just like puppies, whose immune systems aren't 100% prepared and are very susceptible to colds.