Posted by Emma Oldroyd, on
Top Tips for Preparing Your Dog for Winter
Now winter is drawing in, it’s important to keep your dog comfortable in the colder weather. Even with their fur coats and plenty of snuggles, some dogs need an extra hand staying warm. We’ve put together our top product selections and tips which can help your dog cope with the change in temperature and elements.
It’s important to have the right type of bed for each season; for example, if your dog sleeps on a mattress with no sides, it may help to pop it into a larger hard-sided bed for extra protection from the ground and sides.
If your dog sleeps in a room with a hard floor which could get cold; elevated beds are a great option for those who can get in and out of one with ease. This puts a good distance between your dog and the floor- especially if they don’t enjoy sleeping with a blanket.
Top tip: draft excluders across doors and extra blankets on top of crates can also help keep your dog warm in their sleeping room.
Not all dogs need a coat when it’s colder but may just need a waterproof jacket for rainy walks!
Dogs who may benefit from a dog coat could be:
- Dogs with fine or thin hair
- Younger dogs and puppies
- Underweight dogs
- Older dogs
- Dogs who are unwell, but still need a short walk
Investing in a raincoat with legs can help keep dogs both warmer and dry on wintery walks, as most of their body is protected. If it’s dry, down jackets and quilted jackets are perfect for keeping them snug whilst allowing them to walk comfortably.
Dog boots are a sound investment for winter if your walks take you across uneven terrain in the dark, and for snowy days; roads which may have been gritted. Recently gritted surfaces can be harmful to dogs. Grit can get stuck in the paws, causing soreness, redness or cracking and may contain salt or other chemicals that can cause further irritation. If licked in large enough amounts, the salt found in road grit can be harmful to your dog*. Dog boots can help prevent the grit from getting stuck in their paws, whilst keeping their pads warm.
If your dog has walked on a gritted road without boots- always wipe their paws thoroughly when you get home.
It’s important to keep an eye on your dog when walking in cold and wet weather, if they show signs of shivering always take them home immediately to help them get warm.
If you’re unsure of what type or size of coat would suit your dog, visit our in-store experts who offer a free fitting service for coats and harnesses.
*If you suspect your dog has ingested rock salt, consult your vet immediately.
