Dog in winter healthy through the cold season the best tips
The days are getting shorter. Nights longer. The first snow falls. On the puddles nature is reflected in the ice. As beautiful as winter is, it can be cold. It's not just us dog owners who need to adjust to winter; many dogs also need more care and attention during the weather change. Many dogs actually like winter, are well padded by their fur and play in the snow. Still others can hardly wait to lie down at home in front of the warm stove and would prefer not to go for a walk at all. Dogs still have to go out. Walk your dog. If it is very cold and snowy outside, you should take some precautions for your dog. How you bring your beloved four-legged friend fit, healthy and cheerful through the winter months, we show you now.
Can I leave my dog in the car in winter?? Shortly before the holidays you are on the road with your dog in the car. Want to do some quick shopping. But can you leave your dog alone in the car in winter? If it can not be avoided and your dog can not wait at home for you, he can for a short time stay in the car. Most dogs cope much better with cold than with heat. It would be ideal if the car is already preheated. Leave the car. Because the heat will quickly give way. In the car it is then colder than in a refrigerator. Because the heat will quickly give way. In the car it is then colder than in a refrigerator. Without exercise, a dog can quickly cool down in cold temperatures. Hypothermia is when the body temperature drops to 36° C and below. Especially smaller dog breeds freeze faster than large ones. May be additionally protected with a sweater or coat.
When do dogs start to freeze?
When it is really too cold for your dog depends on various factors such as cold sensation, coat texture, body fat, subcutaneous fat, activity level, age and the general health of your dog.
How long your dog can romp in the snow, Depends on his sensitivity to the cold and his activity level. Especially small dog breeds freeze faster. Should rather go smaller walks to protect their health. Dogs with thick undercoats who have fun romping through the snow don't have to restrain themselves in winter and can continue to enjoy their big walks.
Can dogs eat snow?
Be careful when eating in the snow: Snow should not be part of your dog's winter diet! Neither simply so in between on the meadow nor with playing dogs should swallow large quantities of snow. This can lead to an unpleasant gastritis (inflammation of the gastric mucosa), which must be treated by a veterinarian and with a light diet. If your dog has eaten a lot of snow. Now you fear a gastritis? If he shows significant abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea in the next few days, you should contact your veterinarian.
Pro tip for snow kings
Your doggo eats snow incessantly and you just don't know how to stop him from doing so. Here's our pro tip: On longer walks in winter, it's worth offering your dog some lukewarm water. Some dogs have less desire for snow.
Animal frostbite: Can my dog catch a cold??
In a nutshell: Yes, your dog can catch a cold. A particularly high risk is when he is wet. Wet dogs should be dried off quickly, especially in winter. Be allowed to warm up in a cozy place. Drafts or cold surfaces like concrete, tile or stone can cause him to catch a chill and his health to suffer. With a weakened immune system, pathogens have an easy time of it. If you don't like bladder and lung infections followed by fever, you can leave your dog on the warm carpet near a heater.
Emmi and Steffi
“Emmy and I like to be out in nature at any time of the year – this of course also applies to winter. Our morning and evening round we turn then still in the darkness. Thanks to reflectors, a luminous collar and a headlamp, Emmy and I remain clearly visible in the dark. Emmy does not freeze thanks to her undercoat, so no coat is necessary with her. Especially in wet and muddy weather, however, a thorough drying is mandatory to prevent a cold. Emmy has quite sensitive paw pads, so I additionally clean her paws with warm water, especially when there is road salt, check for dry and cracked areas and keep them supple with some Vaseline or milking grease. How to get through the winter well. You wanted Emmys. Follow Steffi's adventures? Then look at her Instagram account or on her BlogBy.
Is a dog coat really necessary in winter?
This question cannot be answered in a general way. Most dogs do not need a coat in the cold season, if they are healthy and adequately fed and protected by a thick coat with undercoat. However, short-haired dogs that are used to warm temperatures or have little undercoat can use a coat to help them get used to the cold in winter. More important than the appearance is that the coat protects from wetness and cold. Also for old and ill quadrupeds a dog coat can be useful. By the way, you can find a DIY-instruction for a simple dog coat – perfect also for sewing noviceshere.
Walking in the early dark
Since it gets dark earlier in the winter, you can't help but go for walks in the dark to give your four-legged friend some exercise. Your dog belongs to the "runaway" variety? In order not to lose him or hinder other road users, you should make him well visible with a luminous collar, a high-visibility vest or reflectors on the coat.
Do I have to feed my dog differently in winter?
When you ask whether your dog needs more or less dog food in winter, only one answer is correct: it depends. The body of a dog needs more energy in winter to maintain its temperature. This phenomenon takes hold in all mammals of the same temperature. When the outside temperature differs greatly from the inside temperature, the compensation costs the body energy. This only results in a higher calorie requirement for your dog if he moves a lot or is permanently exposed to the cold. Weight should be checked regularly for athletic pups like draft dogs, sled dogs, yard dogs or avid snow junkies. If there are changes, you can adjust the amount of food.
