Protect your furry friends this Winter by reading our handy guide on winter safety for dogs.
Keeping your pet safe and warm is important for their well-being. Most people think immediately of keeping them warm outdoors, but they forget about indoor warmth too.
How to keep dogs warm at night inside is just as important as keeping them protected on their walks. Things like thick blankets, raised dog beds and even dog pyjamas could help you keep your puppies warm.
Top tips on how to protect dogs from cold weather
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Go for walks in the daytime – stay seen and safe.
It’s not only the cold you need to be careful of. It gets dark much earlier during Winter, so make sure that you go for earlier walks where possible. If you have to go for a walk in the dark, make sure you and your pet have something reflective on.
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Stay Active
Even if you can’t go outdoors, it’s important to keep your puppies active to make sure they’re still getting the physical stimulation they need.
On your outdoor walks, staying active will help keep your pooch warmer in the cold.
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Dog winter coats
Getting warm dog coats can help make all the difference when exposing dogs to low temperatures. Most dogs won’t need a winter coat, but it can make all the difference. This is especially true for breeds that are averse to low temperatures or smaller puppies.
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Protect your dog’s feet in Winter
You can find doggy boots online (very similar to human Winter boots) which will help protect your pet’s feet. Alternatively, if your pet doesn’t like wearing them you could look at trying ‘Paw Balm’ or petroleum basked products to keep them safe and moisturised.
How cold is too cold for dogs? A dog walking temperature chart
Check out this easy-to-read weather safety scale produced by Tufts University (Massachusetts) to show the temperatures that dogs can safely withstand (Image: Amanda Hudson/Tufts Animal Care and Conditions (TACC) Scales).
Normally, your pet has the fur coats to keep them safe when it gets a little chilly. However, you should always look for safe dog walking temperatures when planning outdoor exercise.
If you have a small or medium sized dog, then you need to be extra careful when you go for walks in Winter. Larger breeds can usually handle lower temperatures due to their size. Generally, anything below 4°C can be potentially unsafe for your puppy.
What to do if your dog is cold?
If you think your pet could be suffering from Hypothermia, then call your vet immediately and follow their instructions.
How to warm puppies up
- Get your pet out of the cold. A drastic change in the temperature might be a shock to them so you may need to introduce warmth slowly.
- Place a thick blanket over them to help warm them up slowly.
- Encourage them to drink lukewarm water.
Keeping your pets safe this winter is important.
If you’re looking for more cold weather tips for dogs then try checking this article by PDSA out.