Much like humans, dogs can be cautious and require extra care in the winter—our advice to help your puppy get through this winter without affecting his health. At Pet essentials, you can read helpful tips & Information for dog parents, and see more ideas about dogs.
Dangers to avoid during winter
One of the primary mistakes we make in winter is exposing our dog to sudden changes in temperature. The latter causes a weakening of their immune system and thus represents a gateway to viruses. If your dog has been exposed to the heat overnight, first let him stay a few minutes in a cool place before taking him out.
In winter, the risk of hypothermia is high in dogs. The dog’s body temperature is 38 ° C. If it drops even 0.5 ° C, he is hypothermic. It is why it is essential to prevent and act quickly:
- Wipe it off if it is wet.
- Warm it.
- I prefer to leave its hair long in winter.
- Dress it in suitable clothing for walking.
- Cover with a blanket, in particular.
If his temperature continues to drop, the dog is at risk of heart failure, coma, or worse, death, so urgently take him to the vet.
Another danger to dogs in winter is the de-icing salt used on roads and sidewalks, as well as the antifreeze in public pools. Not only will it irritate your dog’s paws but also, if swallowed, it can be toxic to him.
One of the significant challenges dog owners face is their pet’s joint pain. Indeed, the older the dog, the more he is exposed to the risk of joint pain such as osteoarthritis.
Dog protections in winter
It is strongly advised to cover short-haired dogs or those who usually live indoors (at room temperature or heated) before taking them out. To do this, opt for a dog coat or sweater going from the neck to about 1cm from the tail. Choose a coat with a space of about 1.5 cm so that your dog does not feel cramped while being well protected from the cold.
The de-icing salt is harmful to the pads of dogs; it is recommended to rinse them. Likewise, it is essential to ensure that dogs do not lick their places before flushing to avoid poisoning. If your dog has sensitive pads, you can ask your veterinarian for advice on choosing protective creams.
Special care for dogs in winter
In winter, dogs are much more hungry than usual because their body produces more energy to warm them. Therefore, slightly increase his daily ratio so that his diet is adapted to his needs. Of course, a dog who spends all his days warm indoors will not need to eat more, at the risk of gaining weight. Also, the dietary change should be made gradually over several days not to shock your dog’s body. The same goes for water rations.
Although it is winter, your dog must continue to go outside and exercise to stay happy and healthy. To keep your dog active during your absence, call on the pet-sitters of the YoupiJob platform. Choose from profiles close to you with the best customer ratings.
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