7 TIPS FOR ENSURING A COMFY TIME FOR YOUR DOG THIS WINTER

It’s that time of the year when the days are becoming chillier and there is  just a  hint of fog in the mornings and late nights. Indeed, your woolens have started coming out! However, are your things in place so that your pooch has a comfy time this winter? Here are seven tips that will help you take care of your dog this winter.

1.         Preliminary Check up

Schedule an appointment with your vet especially if you have an old dog at home. He will examine the dog for arthritis and other ailments and suggest what needs to be done. Remember that dogs with long hair and furry coats fare better in winters as compared to their small haired cousins.

2.         Sort out the Sleeping arrangements

Ensure that there is a rug, a small dog – bed, suitable bedding available for your dog especially during the night when the temperature dips sharply. The extent of sleeping arrangements made for the dog should be in consonance with the severity of the winter.  In no case, the dog should be allowed to sleep on the floor as it will not only be uncomfortable for the dog but may also predispose it to other ailments.  The dog’s bed should be carefully placed so that it is not exposed to wind / draft.

3.         Watch the calories intake  

In winters, a dog spends more energy in keeping itself warm. It is therefore a good idea to increase the quantity of feed just a little during the winters to enable it to compensate for the energy loss. However, take care that your dog doesn’t become overweight. 

4.         Walking the dog

After walking the dog, wipe the paws clean and ensure that there is no moisture or dirt in between the toes as these predispose the dog to pododermatitis – a painful skin infection. Remember, that the grass is wet in winters and the moisture and the dirt rapidly lead to pododermatitis. Applying a bit of Vaseline on the paws before commencing the walk and after cleaning the paws subsequent to the walk is a good idea to keep the paws healthy. 

5.         Invest in a Dog Coat

Buy a dog coat of the correct size and a nice color. Gradually, make your dog acquainted with it by making it wear for small periods of time. Slowly, it will get accustomed to it and actually start enjoying wearing it. Besides, a  dog with a smart coat at heels walking with its dashing owner is a wonderful sight on wintry mornings and can bring a smile on the most reticent souls in your block.  

6.         Beware of the heating arrangements  

Take adequate precautions that the dog doesn’t come to any harm due to the fireplace, electric / kerosene heaters and the quaint little bukharis still very much in vogue in the quaint little hilly towns of India.

7.         Monitor the water intake  

Often indoor heating arrangements make our premises extremely dry and lower the humidity to such a level that the dog may become dehydrated. Ensure that your pooch has easy access to clean drinking water at all times.

Implement these tips and be assured of a great time this winter with your healthy and happy dog!