Keeping your dog comfortable during winter isn’t complicated, but it is necessary. Remember: dogs get cold, too!
The winter brings with it some special struggles for pet owners. The inclement weather makes it difficult to take your dog outside, and the dry atmosphere brings with it a lot of dry and cracked skin for both the pup and the owner. Consider the needs of your dog and follow these tips for keeping them comfortable during the winter months.
Paws
Winter is well-known for being hard on the skin, and our dogs are not invulnerable to this effect. Paws are especially prone to becoming dried out and cracking, which isn’t comfortable for your furry friend. There are a couple of products you can use to help protect your pet’s paws during the winter season.
Paw balm has grown in popularity in recent years. It works in a similar way to how humans use lip balm, but it’s meant to be rubbed on your dog’s paw pads to keep them soft and moisturized. These can often be used for your dog’s nose as well, which is also susceptible to becoming dry and cracked.
Dog boots are a great way to provide yourself some entertainment while your dog learns to walk in them. While these require more patience and training, they can be an invaluable resource for protecting your dog’s paws. Boots keep your pet’s paws from having to deal with the freezing snow or walking on ice salt, which can be toxic and cause severe drying of your pup’s paw pads.
Pet-safe ice-melting salt exists, and it’s very useful for anyone with pets at home. If you need to salt your walkways, driveway, and sidewalk during the winter season—choose a pet-safe ice salt that is non-toxic and effective at keeping ice at bay.
Warmth
It is commonly believed that dogs do not need winter clothing—after all, they have a fur coat! While this is true for some dogs (looking at you, huskies!), it is not true for all dogs. Dogs with a long, dense coat of fur are often outfitted to handle the cold temperatures of winter. Dogs with short hair or thin coats of fur, however, should be trained to wear sweaters during the cold winter months to keep them warm and comfortable. Understanding the needs of your dog will help you decide whether they need warm winter clothing or not.
Exercise
When the bad winter weather hits, it becomes a lot harder to find ways to exercise your dog to keep their body moving and their mind occupied. Thankfully, there are several great indoor exercises you can do with your dog to keep them engaged and having fun all winter long.
You can also have some fun outside, though this should be done in short bursts when the weather is especially cold. Dig a maze in the snow in your backyard or play a quick game of fetch with a brightly colored ball.
Trust Maryland Veterinary Surgical Services With Your Companion’s Health
Your companion’s health is important, and the team at MVSS is ready to provide the best care possible for your furry family. We are dedicated to combining comprehensive exams and assessments with informative and honest discussions of your companion’s care. Once we have worked with you to decide on the best course of action for your dog, our professionals will use their surgical expertise to work towards the goal of giving your companion an active and pain-free life. We are proud to serve loyal companions in Catonsville and Baltimore. To learn more about our services, give us a call at 410-788-4088 or visit us online. For more information and tips for pet health, follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.