A Cold Weather Guide For Dog Owners

Even with a big fluffy coat of fur, our pets can suffer from the cold too. 

There are certain breeds of dogs that need more warmth than others, along with puppies, older pets, dogs with joint problems or other medical conditions. We’ve compiled a list of how to keep your dog warm and well over the coming winter months.

Warm clothing

Don’t underestimate the power of layering up! Like us, our pets sometimes need a warm coat, to stay snug and comfortable no matter the weather! Not only are you kitting them out in style with a cute jumper or jacket, but you’re also ensuring they stay at a safe temperature while out and about. In reality, they provide important insulation and protection against the elements. Here are some of our top picks!

• Extreme Blizzard Coat
• Mackey Buster Dog Rug
• Doodlebone Ultraviolet Fleece 

 

 

A Warm Place To Rest

 

Keeping your cat or dog indoors over Winter is ideal, especially if they are small or short-haired pets. However, it’s understandable that if they enjoy sleeping or playing outside, that changing their routine isn’t easy. Having an insulated kennel or safe enclosed area that they can stay out of the elements in, is vital if they are to continue to be outside. Keeping their beds off the cold ground will also help them retain heat, you could even add some extra cosy blankets or a heatable pad or bedding. Heres are some of our favourites:

• K&H Pet Canopy
• Be Nordic Cuddly Cave
• Bendson Vital Comfort Mattress

 

Winter grooming 

Your pet’s coat is their main source of heat, and keeping this regularly groomed is important as the temperature drops. You might think that letting their fur grow out will help them stay warm, but in fact, keeping their grooming routine maintained will help them avoid tangles, skin problems and wet, cold fur. When washing them, make sure to do so inside with warm water and fully dry them off. You can consider trying out waterless shampoos to keep them clean without bathing or regularly brush them to avoid knots. We like these easy fixes;

• Tropiclean Waterless Shampoo
• Wahl Battery Pet Trimmer 
• Trixie Double Sided Brush

 

Watch Out For The Chills

You’ll know if your best buddy is cold as they’ll be shivering or trembling. They’ll try to be near warmth as much as possible and will avoid lying on hard, cold surfaces. Make sure they keep a safe distance away from heaters and keep them warm with lots of cosy blankets and bedding in a warm room. Why not try these:

• Trixie Tammy Blanket
• Thermo Bed
• Trixie Star Blanket

 

Food Is Energy

Like us, animals need more energy in the winter months and tend to take this in with food, watch their exercise routine and adjust feeding as necessary to keep them at a healthy weight. Some breeds have extra nutritional needs over the winter months and will need extra calories to maintain energy levels throughout. You could try them on a higher protein diet or supplement with essential oils and supplements to make sure their joints aren’t suffering as it gets cooler. We recommend the following:

• Pharmaquin Joint Supplement
• Vetiq Senior Care
• Acana Dog Food