Winter Care for Dogs

Winter is here and so are the festivities. Cuddling your pet and spending misty mornings in the quilt, or spending lazy afternoons soaking up the warm sunshine, winter vibes be on point!  

Delhi winters and Sunday and Romeo in be - best feeling! 

But winters also mean that your beloved requires a lot more care, especially if he/she is a puppy or a senior dog. Though most of the dogs enjoy this season but in some cases it can be seen that the bitter cold wave can lead to a lot of health issues for our furry babies.

Follow these simple and useful tips to take care of your pet and make the winters more enjoyable.

1.   Keep your pet indoors as much as possible. Don’t let them out for long duration especially in early morning and late evening. Take them for a walk during the day so that there is ample sunshine.

2.  Cover them up properly. Get them a jacket/coat/sweater to keep them warm and protected. It is amazing to see how fashionable their accessories and coats have become.

Christmasy with Romeo :)

3.    Some dogs protest while wearing them so find a way by which you can treat or reward your pet. Make sure that even if the pet protests try and cover him up at least in the morning and the night when it is excessively cold.

4.   Since your pet would be covered up, that doesn’t mean you ignore the grooming sessions. These are equally important even in winters. Their coat is a natural insulation for them so don’t shave off the hair. A tangle free and well groomed coat would help them warm. Comb and brush regularly to keep the coat shiny, dirt free and healthy. 

Romeo and his bestie, Buddy enjoying winter afternoons. This was last year when Buddy was with us. I am sure you are in a better place now devoid of pain and sorrow. We miss you! 

5.  Using room heaters, blowers, electric blankets and the traditional fireplace or a bonfire in this weather is inevitable. You just have to be extra cautious when your naughty ones are around. Sniffing around is okay, but make sure they don’t get too close to the appliance.

6.  Don’t use these appliances for a long period of time when your pet is in the room, it can suffocate them. Also after using them, keep them out of reach of the pets so that in no case they come in contact with the hot metal or the electric cords.

7.   Let the winter snuggles be strong with some extra bedding, blankets, rugs and cushions to keep them warm and cozy. You could also pamper them with the super cute quilted beds.

He must be dreaming about Papa...

8.    Just like summers your lovely can also get dehydrated in winters as well. Make sure they always have fresh and clean drinking water.

9.   Oldies need a tad bit of extra care and warmth. A lot of senior dogs get affected by some or the other health issue, which makes them more susceptible to catching infections.

10.  If your pet has arthritis, then winters surely would be a little tough. But hang on and it’ll all be fine!

11.  The cold conditions can lead to severe pain which can lead to stiff joints. Keep them indoors as much as possible.

12.  It is highly important to take care of your pet’s paws in winters. Since the ground is cold and some areas also have snow, paws might get bruised, cracked or rough.

13.  The best way to handle this is by applying a little petroleum jelly or cold cream. You could also get paw care lotions.

14.  Like you have a bath in winters, so can your pet.  Ask your vet on the frequency of giving your pet a bath. Use lukewarm water to give them a bath and make sure the coat is fully dry before you take them outdoor. Also it is advisable that you bathe them during late morning so that the pet can dry himself by soaking some sun.

Soaking up some winter sun is always a good idea! 

15.  Food and nutrition –

·         In this weather your pet requires some extra calories to keep themselves warm and the give them the strength to fight the cold weather

·         Give them healthy options like carrots, broccoli, meat, chicken stew, spinach, fruits

·         To take care of their immunity and immune system. Give them adequate quantity of Vitamin C. You can consult your vet about vitamin C supplements also

16.  Health issues –

·         Exposure to cold wind can lower the body temperature which can lead to fever

·         As discussed above, dehydration is also a major concern even in winters

·         Injury from ice/snow

·         Frost bite which most commonly occurs in the tail, feet and the tip of the ears

·         Various infections

Healthy is the new happy! Follow these tips and make sure that this festive season your pet also enjoys with you…

Happy petting J