How to Prepare Your Dog for the Winter Months

The Dog Blog – How to Prepare Your Dog for the Winter Months

The winter months seem to come around all too quickly, so it is important to make sure that your dog is well prepared for the change in temperature. You will need to consider things like a dog coat, dog boots, a warm winter bed, and some extra cozy blankets for your pet. It is worth remembering that some dogs will be able to withstand the cold weather better than others, so you should find out as much information as you can about your dog’s individual requirements beforehand.

Invest in a dog coat and boots

Unless you have a cold-tolerant dog breed, like a husky or Newfoundland, you should consider investing in a dog coat and boots for your pet. When you begin looking at winter dog clothes, you will find yourself spoilt for choice with so many colors and designs to choose from. It is important to make sure that any coat you purchase for your dog fits well and doesn’t restrict their movements in any way. It is, therefore, best to measure your dog before you start looking at protective clothing and, if possible, try the items on your pet before you buy them.

It may take your pet a little while to get used to wearing a coat and boots, but plenty of patience and understanding should eventually pay off. If your dog really dislikes wearing boots, you could try using paw wax instead to protect their paws.

Brush your dog well after walks

It is important to brush your dog regularly during the cold weather, especially after walks, to remove any dirt from the coat and prevent it from getting badly matted. Ungroomed coats can also harbor unwanted pests such as fleas, and lack the insulation required during the cold weather.

Look after the ears and paws

Always dry your dog off well after a walk, paying particular attention to the ears and paws. Keeping the fur short between your pet’s toes can help to prevent sore, cracked pads and ice balls from forming, and trimming the hair inside their ears will help to prevent ear infections.

When walking your dog in cold conditions, especially if you live in a city, try to avoid walking on too much rough terrain. You should also be aware that there may be salt, grit, and pools of antifreeze underfoot, and these can all irritate your pet’s paws.

Limit your dog’s time outdoors

If the temperature plummets, it is important to limit your dog’s time outdoors to avoid the possibility of frostbite or hypothermia. Cold air can also have an adverse effect on a dog’s muscles and joints, so it is necessary to make sure that outdoor kennels or any other outdoor dog accommodation is well insulated.

Keep your pet hydrated

You should always remember to keep your pet well hydrated, even during cold weather conditions, as daily exercise, outdoor clothing, and an extra warm dog bed with additional blankets can have an impact on your pet’s hydration levels. Remember also to use plastic water bowls outdoors for your dog during cold weather, as metal bowls can freeze.

Provide a warm and cozy bed

All dogs should have a bed of their own that they can snuggle down in whenever they need a nap. Your home may be warm inside when the heating is on in the winter, but the temperature will drop quite quickly once it is turned off. It is therefore important to provide your pet with a bed that is insulated enough to keep it warm during the colder parts of the day. You may need to purchase a winter dog bed for your dog, or you could simply invest in some extra blankets. You could even consider buying a heated dog bed or a heating pad to place inside the bed.

Keep an eye on the calories

During the cold weather, your dog will burn up more calories than normal and will probably demand more food. Don’t be afraid to provide a few extra treats to keep your pet’s energy levels up. However, remember not to let your pet overindulge, and ensure that any extra food you provide is healthy.

Stay safe

When the winter arrives, the nights and early mornings start to get darker. It is, therefore, crucial to ensure that both you and your dog are visible in the dark. It is a good idea to avoid wearing dark clothing on walks and to invest in some reflective gear for you and your dog. You should also avoid slippery paths as much as possible and stay away from frozen ponds and lakes.

Conclusion

Remember to keep old dogs with health issues and small puppies indoors if the outside temperature dips to extreme levels. Make sure that you have stocked up your cupboards with plenty of dog food and any required medications before the winter sets in. Keeping your canine friend warm and safe during the colder months of the year will ensure that they stay fit and well.

Should You Buy Wet or Dry Dog Food for Your Dog?

Most dogs will eat whatever food they are given when they are hungry, but how do you know whether wet or dry dog food is best? Choosing food for your dog is generally down to personal preference, as both wet and dry dog food products offer plenty of variety and nutrition. It may also be the case that certain dog food products are more suitable for some dogs than others.

The benefits of wet dog food

The main benefit of wet dog food is that it has a high water content (around 60 – 84%) which can help to ensure that your dog is kept well hydrated – especially if it doesn’t drink as much water as it should. Wet dog food has a stronger taste and smell than dry dog food, so it may be a better choice if you have a dog that is a picky eater or is losing its sense of taste and smell. Wet dog food can also help your dog to eat more slowly and maintain a lower weight.

The benefits of dry dog food

Dry dog food, or kibble, has quite a low water content (around 3 – 12%) and doesn’t deteriorate when left out in your pet’s bowl for long periods of time – therefore leading to less waste. Kibble has a high calorific value that enables you to feed your dog comparatively less food and, due to less packaging, is more environmentally friendly. Kibble is a more cost-effective option, too, because you can buy it in large quantities and adjust portion sizes more easily.

When you are training your dog, dry dog food can make the perfect treat to reward good behavior. Using dry dog food as treats can prevent you from overfeeding your dog, as you can use the treats as part of your dog’s daily food intake. Dry pet food is also lightweight and easy to clean up, making it a great choice for trips out and holidays.

Can you combine the two?

Both wet and dry dog food offers your dog different benefits, and therefore shouldn’t generally be served at the same time. Mixing two different types of dog food also makes it more difficult to keep track of your dog’s daily food intake. It is worth noting that some dogs may be sensitive to certain ingredients, so mixing two different types of food could lead to stomach upsets. Overall, it is best to find a food that suits your dog and stick with it.

Age can matter

Older dogs may struggle to eat dry dog food, due to dental issues and difficulty in chewing, so it is important to consider this situation when choosing food for an aging pet. When it comes to feeding puppies, it is important to buy dog food that is suitable for the age of the dog. Puppies may also benefit from having dry dog food moistened up with a little warm water at first until they get used to the hard consistency.

Consider the content

There are so many dog food products available to buy these days that it is difficult to know which ones are best for your dog. You should always read the back of the dog food packaging carefully before buying to ensure that you are getting the purest ingredients and all the nutrients your dog requires. Dog food products are essentially made up of around 70% meat and 30% vegetables, along with permitted fats and oils. Avoid any dog foods that list high levels of artificial flavors, preservatives, or sweeteners.

Conclusion

There is no such thing as a perfect dog food product that suits all dogs, as every dog has different requirements and preferences. If you decide to move your dog over to a new dog food product, remember to change it over slowly in case any adverse reactions are experienced. Whether you decide to give your dog wet or dry dog food, remember that the most important thing is that your dog remains in good health and enjoys its food.

 Should You Buy Wet or Dry Dog Food for Your Dog?
Should You Buy Wet or Dry Dog Food for Your Dog?

5 Signs You’ll Be an Incredible Dog Owner

Are you on the fence about adopting a dog? Dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities, and there are many dogs searching for the right owner.

But would you be a good dog owner? If you can’t decide whether introducing a dog into your life is right for you, here are some signs that you’re the perfect person to adopt and love a dog.

You Don’t Mind Having a Constant Companion

A dog’s brain is wired in a way that makes them perfect helpers to humans, unlike cats who prefer to do things on their own time, not yours. They are extremely loyal, but this isn’t the only reason people enjoy the company of dogs.

Dogs like to be with you every minute. In fact, they might follow you into the bathroom! If you don’t mind wet noses pushed into your lap, a wagging tail when you return to a room after only being gone for a minute, and sheer exuberance much of the time, a dog might be for you. But ost dog owners wouldn’t have it any other way. And for a dog, it’s like Christmas every time their owner arrives home.

You Enjoy a Little Sloppy Affection

They cover your face with sloppy kisses when they’re delighted to see you. Germ phobes need not apply. On the plus side, science says dog mouths are cleaner than a human’s. However, the American Kennel Association says the mouths of dogs aren’t necessarily cleaner, but they have a bacterial population that’s incompatible with a human’s and less likely to cause illness. So, be prepared for wet kisses and a cold nose pressed against your face. If you find that comforting, it’s further confirmation that dog ownership is for you!

You Could Use More Activity

Dogs love to stay physically active, and the extra steps you take and hikes you go on because of your dogs are good for you and your four-legged friend. If you’re not getting enough activity, a dog offers just the push you need. Unlike humans, dogs don’t make excuses about taking a walk or a run, they’re ready to go! If you have a thousand excuses why you don’t want to take that 6:00 a.m. walk, one look at your dog will shoot them all down. For dogs, every morning is a new adventure, and that enthusiasm is contagious. Studies show that people who own dogs are four times more likely to meet the suggested physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week. Your dog can be your motivation to move more and be more active.

You Don’t Mind Being a Leader

Dogs depend on you to be a leader and set boundaries. In turn, they’ll give you love and affection. Setting boundaries and being a strong leader makes a dog feel more secure. In turn, that makes the more well-adjusted. Although it’s tempting to give in to your dog’s every demand, dogs like knowing you’re in charge, and they can feel safe and secure. It’s one less thing for them to worry about. Establish boundaries, but use kindness and positive reinforcement to enforce them.

You’d Like to Improve Your Health

Dogs aren’t merely cute or cuddly pets that are loyal friends and protectors. They even have health benefits. Studies show dogs can lower blood pressure, reduce stress levels, and improve cardiovascular health. Some even show that people who own dogs live longer than those who don’t. There’s no doubt you feel happier after spending time with your beloved pet. So, their companionship is a boost for mental health too. No wonder dogs are often referred to as man’s best friend, because they bring us joy and better health.

The Bottom Line

Would you be an incredible dog owner? If so, do your research and adopt a loyal canine companion. You’ll be rewarded with unconditional love and companionship. Best of all, they never criticize and don’t care what you look like in the morning. Shouldn’t more humans be like that?

3 Tips for Keeping Your Dog Calm at the Groomer

Tips for Keeping Your Dog Calm at the Groomer
Having your pup groomed can be a nerve-wracking experience for both dog and owner alike. Pets may react unpredictably in a new environment with strangers and loud noises. By using the power of positive reinforcement, you can ease your dog’s anxiety and teach them to associate the groomer with a pleasant trip to visit a new friend.

Go for a Walk

Nervous dogs have a lot of pent-up energy. Before your trip to the groomer, make sure to bring Fido for a long stroll. In addition to distracting him from the upcoming visit, he will be more relaxed, as he’s channeled his physical energy into marking his territory on every mailbox in your neighborhood.

Take a Test Run

In the days leading up to your big visit, ask the groomer if you can bring your dog into the salon to get a feel for the space. By desensitizing him to the unusual sounds, smells, and staff members, he’ll be less anxious about the real deal.

Keep Treats Handy

Have a pocketful of treats on standby during your trial run and grooming visit. Give your pup a treat at the beginning of any stressful situation, such as the car ride over and meeting the groomer, to associate these experiences with something he loves (who doesn’t love a good treat?). Be sure to reward them afterwards for doing such a great job handling their fear.

Ready to Get Fido a New ‘Do

With these useful tips in mind, you and your pup will be better prepared to conquer the stressful task of visiting the groomer. As frustrating as your dog’s anxious behavior can be, never resort to punishment, as this can be even more traumatic and lead to additional avoidance tendencies. Positive reinforcement-based techniques are the key to soothing their fear and will turn any trip into an exciting adventure!