Breaking the Ice on Winter Care: 5 Tips to Keep Your Dog Cozy and Comfy

Another year, another winter is just around the corner. Any season, winter included, can hold promise for dog-friendly activities. 

However, precautions need to be followed throughout the year. Are you excited and prepared to expend your energy in playing with your pooch and venturing on a winter stroll? If yes, then buckle up with your dog’s safety in mind. 

In this article, we will discuss crucial winter care tips for your dog. The following five tips will help your fur baby stay cozy through the season. 

 

Keep an Eye on Them 

We understand that pet parents must monitor their pooches all year round. However, winters are an especially critical season since dogs also fall ill like humans. It is not uncommon for dogs to suffer from frostbite, hypothermia, or pneumonia. The colder the temperatures, the greater the risk of your dog getting sick. 

According to PetMD, most young healthy dogs can do well until temperatures fall below 45° F. Temperatures below this can make it difficult for them to regulate their body heat. 

This also depends on other factors like the dog’s breed, coat thickness, size, and age. Suppose a pooch parent in Austin, Texas decides to leave their dog unsupervised outside to play. 

Texas generally has a reputation for being a ‘hot state.’ It does experience super hot summers and mild winters. Speaking specifically of Austin, a dog-obsessed city, temperatures rarely fall below 30°F during winters. 

Now, this city does experience snowfall. Though rare, what if temperatures do fall below 45°F on that unfortunate day? Moreover, senior dogs or those with conditions like heart disease and hormonal imbalance have a harder time regulating their body temperatures. 

Such dogs may find even mild snowfall intolerable and fall sick. Additionally, suppose the same pet parent has spilled some antifreeze while coating the plumbing systems. The unmonitored dog sniffs at the puddle and licks it. 

That can be a disastrous situation because antifreeze poisoning is extremely dangerous for dogs. Even small amounts of the tinted liquid can make them sick. It would certainly become a crisis that only an emergency veterinarian in Austin can handle. 

If left neglected for too long, antifreeze poisoning can even lead to coma or death. Is all of this worth it? It is best to keep an eye on your pooch and quickly wipe off antifreeze spills. 

 

Protect Their Paws 

Most pet parents get out their fur buddy’s winter garments too once the weather starts cooling. A dog’s coat or jacket needs will depend on their breed, fur, and age. 

As per the American Kennel Club, breeds like Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes have thick fur designed to withstand the cold. Their thick coat provides enough insulation to stay warm even under freezing temperatures. 

The same cannot be said of other breeds like the Beagle and Chihuahua. These dogs have thinner coats and are not naturally ready to face colder temperatures. As you bundle up your pet, don’t forget to take care of their paws. 

A dog loses much of its body heat through paw pads. Plus, this part of their body takes immense beating due to snow, ice, and overall cold weather. Failing to snuggle their paws increases the risk of frostbite. You can keep them snug using dog socks, shoes, and wax.

 

Adjust Your Pooch’s Diet 

Have you been feeding or planning to feed the same diet to your dog during the winter? It’s time to switch things up just like the seasons are changing. Winter is a time when your dog requires a lot more nutrients and energy to keep themselves warm. 

So, let’s see the different ways in which you can change your pet’s diet to help overcome the cold – 

• Your pooch may need three times their normal calorie intake during winter. This is because they will burn more calories to stay warm. Check with a vet and increase their feeding, especially if they still play outside during the day. 
• Dogs tend to consume a greater quantity of protein in winter to match their energy needs. Two good sources of protein are poultry and lean meats. 
• If you feed your dog a variant of dog food, make sure the winter version has more fats. This is because their body will use up more fat instead of glucose to generate energy. 

A change in diet should be made based on the dog’s breed. Long-haired breeds like the Bernese Mountain Dog burn fewer calories. Short-haired and smaller breeds lose energy faster. The latter will undoubtedly need a significant change in their winter diet. 

 

Limit Their Time Outside 

This is a point that perhaps you and your pooch may be the least excited about. Many dogs love running about and playing in the snow. 

Some breeds are naturally averse because of thinner coats and prefer staying indoors. Limiting their time outside should not be a problem. Now, if your pooch is one to love the snow, keep in mind that they’re not entirely immune to winter illness. 

You can take them out for brief walks or simply bathroom breaks. As for extended time to engage in play, do it sparingly and only when your fur baby is well bundled up. Now, what if you take them out for a quick drive? 

This may be possible in places that do not experience super cold winters. For instance, the vibrant city of Lakeway located 45 miles northwest of Austin experiences even milder winters. Snowfall is extremely rare in this city, which means a pet parent can take their pooch for a drive. 

However, Lakeway does experience windy and chilly winters. Even if one drives their pet around for errands or otherwise, leaving them unattended inside the car can be dangerous. That holds even in the case of a five-minute grocery run. 

Just like the interior of a car warms at a faster rate compared to the outdoors, the temperature falls equally fast during winter. A rapid drop in temperature increases the risk of hypothermia. This is also an emergency for which an ER vet in Lakeway would have to be called immediately. 

Symptoms often include shivering, shallow breathing, dilated pupils, and a loss of consciousness in severe cases. According to Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists, a loss of consciousness demands emergency care. If left untreated, the pooch is at risk of coma or death. 

This is another unfortunate example that showcases why prevention is always better. Keep all emergency vet contacts handy but take precautionary measures to ensure pet safety. In this case, limit the time they spend outside. 

 

Invest in a Heated Dog Bed 

A heated dog bed is a pet-friendly bed that runs on electricity. Its internal heating element heats the bed to a temperature your dog can be comfortable with. 

Many pet parents wonder if such a bed is safe to use. The truth is that heated dog beds work on low voltage, so there’s nothing to worry about. If you live in a place where winter temperatures drop below 32°F or your dog feels cold easily, a heated dog bed is a worthwhile investment. 

This type of bed is also suitable for senior dogs and those with joint pain or arthritis. A warm and cozy sleeping area that essentially acts as a heating pad will lead to better sleep quality. 

Before you buy a heated dog bed, there are some factors to remember. Choose a size that is suitable for your dog. They should have enough space to sleep comfortably. Also, look for beds with safety features like automatic turn-off to prevent overheating. 

 

For 2024, the winter forecast for the US hinges on the Looming La Nina. This means the East Coast and southern US will experience winters that are warmer than usual. 

The typically snowy regions of the Great Lakes and Northwest will be covered with snow, having wetter-than-normal conditions. No matter where you reside, your pooch will need some extra care and love to have a cozy and comfy winter.