Even if your furry friend prefers to kick back on the living room sofa, spending time in the great outdoors is essential for their health and happiness. Whether you live in sun-soaked LA or the foothills of Tennessee, your canine companion deserves to stay warm regardless of how chilly the weather gets!
At A Glance
- Know Your Dog’s Breed
- Dress For The Elements
- Bring Your Pup Inside
- Create A Warming Station Indoors
- Keep Your Dog On A Leash When Walking
- Protect Your Dog’s Paws
- Get An Elevated Dog Bed
- Keep Your Pup Dry
Though shaggy sheepdogs and Alaskan Malamutes might be naturally insulated to withstand inclement weather, most domestic dogs might need to get bundled up before stepping outside.
Keep reading, and we’ll let you know exactly how you can keep your dog warm during the cold winter months.
See Related: How Often Should A Dog Poop?
#1. Know Your Dog’s Breed
If you’re a pet parent, you probably agree that your dog is one-of-a-kind. And in a way, that’s true! The World Canine Organization lists 360 officially recognized dog breeds, and that doesn’t even include mixed-breed dogs or crossbreeds like the Goldendoodle or puggle.
Some dog breeds are way more apt at dealing with cold temperatures and snow or ice. Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes, for example, have thick fur that allows them to spend long periods of time in freezing temperatures. It’s just what they’re born to do.
However, small dogs or pups with thin fur are likely to lose body heat much faster. In this case, you’ll need to take some extra precautions to make sure you can keep your dogs warm in the colder weather.
#2. Dress For The Elements
You probably wouldn’t venture out into a snowy Winter Wonderland unless you were covered head-to-toe in something warm and fuzzy. And the same should go for your dogs! How else will they stay warm?
If you have a small pup like a Pomeranian or Dachshund, it’s more important than ever to keep your furry friends warm. Even big dogs with thinning fur might also need an extra layer or two.
Dog clothing like a sweater or coat can work well in the colder months. Plus, it’ll keep your canine companion looking fashionable!
#3. Bring Your Pup Inside
If it starts to get pretty darned cold, don’t leave your furry friend outside for too long. Unless you have a suitable outdoor shelter, your pup should spend their days and nights indoors when the temperature drops.
Outdoor dogs are more at risk for things like frostbite or hypothermia, even if they sleep under a covered patio or in a dog house. Bring your dog inside for some cuddles!
#4. Create A Warming Station Indoors
Regardless of the cold weather, it’s important to go for regular walks. This is essential for both you and your pup’s health! And when you come home, a warming station can help your furry friends heat up.
Though a dog bed adorned with fuzzy, warm bedding might do just the trick, space heaters or a heating pad can be much more comforting on cold dog paws. Just be sure to maintain a moderate heat, as something too hot can burn your dog’s skin.
#5. Keep Your Dog On A Leash When Walking
Your furry best friend should always be on a leash when you go for walks – this is just good dog etiquette. But during the cold weather, this is more than essential.
If your pooch runs away into the snow, it can freeze your pup’s paws. Sharp ice and snow can also irritate your dog’s feet. And if they race off and you can’t find them, it can spell disaster if the outside temperature continues to drop.
#6. Protect Your Dog’s Paws
One of the biggest challenges your pup will face on cold days is the snow and ice. And as the pet parent, it might be a good idea to invest in some insulated doggie booties. This will protect their precious paws from cold snow and water, antifreeze chemicals, and sharp ice.
If your pup stays in one place for too long, it can also make their paw pads particularly cold. So once they’re done relieving themselves, just keep it movin’ and groovin’ – your professional pooper scoopers can get it cleaned up for you!
Whether you live in the sun-soaked land of Thousand Oaks or the snowy mountains of Colorado, it’s important to pick up after your dog. And though that can get hard when winter rolls around, it’s necessary nonetheless.
Luckily, our team of professionals are really good at scooping dog poo. Just reach out, and we’ll give you a quote. You’ll never need to pick up a dog poo bag again!
#7. Get An Elevated Dog Bed
It can be hard for your pup to find a warm place to hang out in the winter, even indoors. Hardwood floors are notoriously cold, but an elevated dog bed can help to keep your dog warm in winter all day long.
#8. Keep Your Pup Dry
If you want to keep your dogs warm in winter, you need to start with the basics. And if your pup gets wet, they’re likely going to feel cold pretty quickly.
Keeping dogs warm in winter is about more than trudging through the snow and balancing on slick ice. Even rain can be hard on your furry friends. If they decide to splash in some puddles or there’s some frost lingering on the grass, your dog can get wet fast. And a wet dog is a cold dog!
Final Thoughts
Keeping your dog warm is an essential part of pet care. Regardless of what Mother Nature throws your way, you need to be prepared!
Keep Reading: How To Train Your Dog To Walk On A Leash
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Scoop Masters offers professional dog waste removal services in California, Texas, Florida, and Tennessee. Since 1988, we’ve saved dog owners across the country from the overly unpleasant task of picking up after their pets. Each poopy project we complete gives them the freedom, convenience, and sanitation they deserve! Contact us for a free quote, or simply stock up on enough dog poop bags to keep your pet’s number twos at bay. To stay in the loop, follow up on Facebook and Twitter/X. If your dog can poop it, we can scoop it!
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