7 Cold Weather Tips To Keep Your Dog Warm These Winters

Updated on January 17, 2020

Winters are here! Are you ready with your cozy blankets, jackets, gloves, and everything else to protect yourself from the winter season? And are you prepared to keep your pooch warm too? If not, you should get on with it asap. 

Dogs are like any other family member, and we should care for them in the same way. “Dogs are man’s best-friends”. Everything dogs do, justifies this statement. They provide companionship, love, loyalty, security, and emotional support. There are many people that suffer from mental and emotional health conditions. And an emotional support animal can help people suffering from such mental disorders. From my experience I can tell, dogs will do everything for their owner till their last breath.

So, it becomes your duty to take care of your pooch in every possible way. Whether they like cuddling up in a cozy blanket or running around because of their love for winters. If you think that your dog’s natural coat is enough to keep him warm during the winters, then you are wrong. Cold weather can be as harmful as it is for you. Especially if they love it outdoors. That doesn’t mean that you don’t let them enjoy the winter season, but just care a little extra for them. If you are confused about how and where to start from, follow these tips and enjoy the cuddling season while keeping your fur-pal in good health.

1. Does Your Dog Sleep Outside?

When it comes to sleeping, my lab needs my bed more than I do. He would never sleep alone outside, not even in summers. But, not all dog owners like their dogs sleeping on the bed. Also, many dogs are comfortable sleeping outside. However, every dog is different, and every dog is not built for cold nights. Most dogs cannot handle the freezing temperatures of the winter nights. So, if your pooch’s breed is not from a colder background, keep them in the house. Prepare nice bedding, provide a blanket, and adore them while they sleep. They kind of look very cute when asleep.

2. Kennels For Your Warm Pooch

Even if your dog is capable of handling the cold nights, you should always provide a kennel when they are sleeping outside. It’s their choice whether they want to use it or not. But it’s always good to have a warm space incase it gets too chilly out there. Make sure the kennel you are providing him is watertight to save him from the rain at the front. It should also be large enough for him to lie down comfortably.

3. Everyone Loves Thick Blankets

You have prepared the bed for your dog, now what? Throw in a large cozy blanket for them, and this keeps them warm when you are not around. The blanket should be big enough to cover them well and provide warmth. If you don’t have a new blanket, use the old sacks or hay. You can use these for bedding too, and then put a blanket over. Blankets made of wool works the best in keeping a dog warm. If you have an old sweater, rather than throwing it away, you can use it as a blanket for your dog.

4. Avoid Direct Contact With The Ground 

The floor is cold during the winters, so try to keep your dog off the ground. Make a bed or a wooden pallet and add a thick cover to that. It is ideal to leave your pet in rooms that have carpeting, but that isn’t always the case. Keep rugs or blankets handy. If you don’t allow your pet to get on the couch or the bed, take their blankets whenever you are spending time together. They will identify their rug and sit when you lay it on the ground. 

5. Doughnuts Are Happy Pills

Make a doughnut, a doughnut ring, with the blankets. Yes, you don’t have to cook anything, just place the blankets in the shape of a doughnut ring. This will give your dog some space to spiral up in the center. This doughnut with protecting your pooch from cold all sides and with the warm bedding, he will be protected from the bottom too. This much warmth from all sides will keep your dog warm and cozy.

6. Warm Jackets 

No, I’m not asking you to dress your dog for a “fancy dress competition”. Just get some warm doggy jackets. But your doggo should be comfortable with it. My lab loves it but my cousin’s dog hates it. And your dog might not like it at first, but give them some time to get used to it. Try for a second time, and they might just fall in love with their jacket.

7. Keep Him Hydrated

Dogs run around all the time, you can’t just control him. It doesn’t matter to them whether it’s summer or winter. So, it’s obvious that dogs get dehydrated very quickly. Also, snow is not a substitute for freshwater. Keep them hydrated, ensure access to fresh water at all times. His water bowl should be full, so keep a check on their bowl.

Conclusion

Dogs can’t speak for themselves. So, you have to take care of your pooch by yourself. And winters can be harsh for a few pets. It is very necessary for pet owners to learn when it’s time to take extra care of their pets. These tips can help prepare you for the harsh winter season and eventually keep your furballs warm and healthy the entire season.

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