5 Essential Tips for a Cozy Winter for Your Dog

Winter Care Essentials

Winter pet care should focus on "keeping warm, staying comfortable," and addressing this through five key areas: diet, physical warmth, coat care, gastrointestinal health, and immune system support.

Winter Diet Structure

Is your dog a bit plump this winter? It's a common phenomenon for dogs to have an increased appetite during the fall and winter as they regain energy lost during the hot season and prepare for the cold. However, it's important to control their food intake. If your dog's weight is rising sharply and you can feel excess fat, it's time to adjust their portions.

Specific feeding guidelines:

Consider increasing the amount of dog food, focusing on protein and fat intake to maintain a balanced diet.

Provide fresh, warm water to prevent it from freezing and sticking to your dog's tongue, or causing diarrhea after consumption.

For overweight dogs, mix some cabbage into highenergy dog food to reduce calorie intake.

Winter Coat Care

Winter's cold temperatures and strong winds can make a dog's fur dry and brittle. Many dogs grow a dense undercoat to withstand the cold, which requires careful grooming.

Regularly brush your dog's coat; shorthaired dogs should be brushed 23 times a week, while longhaired dogs need daily grooming.

Avoid frequent baths, as they can strip the natural oils from your dog's skin, leading to dryness and itching. However, too much oil can also create a breeding ground for bacteria. Bathing once or twice a month is ideal, depending on the length of your dog's fur. Always dry your dog's coat thoroughly after bathing to prevent skin issues.

Supplement with proteins and unsaturated fatty acids to keep new fur soft and shiny.

Regulating Gastrointestinal Sensitivity

The changing weather in autumn and winter can make the gastrointestinal systems of puppies and older dogs particularly sensitive and fragile. Neglect can lead to diarrhea or vomiting, so it's crucial to investigate the cause and seek medical attention promptly.

Common causes of gastrointestinal sensitivity:

Consuming calcium chloride salts: Dogs can ingest these salts from snow and ice, leading to vomiting and diarrhea if they lick their paws after coming in from the cold.

Drinking frozen water: This can cause gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea.

Carbon monoxide poisoning: In homes using coal fires for heating, ensure good air circulation.

Consuming antifreeze: Ethylene glycol in car antifreeze can be appealing to dogs, but even small amounts can be toxic.

Preventing Winter Colds

Generally, dogs recover from colds in 310 days. If you notice symptoms like a runny nose, it's best to take your dog to the vet for a checkup rather than selfmedicating, especially with human prescription drugs.

During a cold, here's what you should do:

Ensure your dog stays warm by adding more blankets to their sleeping area.

Encourage them to drink plenty of water to help with detoxification.

Supplement their diet with nutrients and vitamins to boost their immune system.

Prevent colds by:

Avoiding outdoor exposure immediately after a bath when the hair is still damp.

Increasing physical activity and sun exposure during sunny weather to boost resistance.

Keeping shorthaired dogs off cold floors and ensuring dog beds are clean and dry.

Winter Clothing Considerations

Longhaired dogs typically do not need clothing, as their natural fur is sufficient for warmth. Breeds like sheepdogs and sled dogs not only have insulating fur but also grow a thick undercoat in winter.

Shorthaired, pronetoweightgain dogs also do not require clothing, as they have a strong fat reserve. Breeds like Beagles, Bulldogs, Dachshunds, Labrador Retrievers, Great Danes, and Rottweilers fall into this category.

Shorthaired and thin dogs, as well as pets with weak constitutions or insufficient fur protection, should wear appropriate clothing to stay warm during the winter.

Winter clothing tips:

Avoid large temperature fluctuations and strive for a balanced temperature.

Be cautious with clothing that can cause hair knots or lack breathability; longhaired dogs should be brushed regularly to prevent skin issues.

Opt for natural fabrics and avoid synthetic materials.

Do not dress your dog too warmly, as it can hinder their normal activities.