As December rolls around, the temperature is dropping and fireplaces laced with stockings are heating up. Depending on where you live, snow may be falling or it may just be way too cold in the morning for you at 40 degrees. Whatever your situation may be, we all know one thing: It’s getting cold. Just because your dog has a fur coat, doesn’t mean he can’t feel it too. We may not be able to tell you how to keep yourself warm, but here are some outdoor pet safety tips for the upcoming winter months.
Image courtesy of Jon Wick
Let Your Dog Keep His Coat
If you’ve been shaving your dog’s coat down to the skin during the summer, it’s a good idea to let it grow out for the winter months. The best thing to do is keep it trimmed so snowballs and ice don’t get caught up in the fur. However, letting your dog keep his coat is one of the most important outdoor pet safety tips for winter we can pass on to you.
Tip: If you’ve just shaved your dog, or if he has a short coat, buy a sweater for them to wear when it’s coldest out! It’s a good excuse for a fun and festive Instagram photo as well.
Image courtesy of Michael Gil
Preventing Itchy and Flaking Skin
During the winter months, the air tends to get drier and going to and from the cold of the outside and the heat of the house can cause damage to your dog’s skin. In order to prevent itchy and flaking skin, it’s a good idea to be waiting by the door with a towel to dry off your dog in wet weather as soon as he comes in. This will also protect your floors and furniture from becoming wet and ruined! Additionally, getting a humidifier will not only help keep your dog’s skin soft, but yours as well!
Image courtesy of David Nagy
Adjusting Your Dog’s Walking Time
Different dogs have varied limits based on their size, the thickness of their coat, and activity level. You should know your dog’s limits so you can adjust accordingly, especially when it comes to taking them for a walk. Your dog may get cold easily and may not want to be outside for longer than a few minutes at a time. Instead of fewer longer walks, it may be a good idea to take your dog on more shorter walks. This way, your dog still gets the exercise he needs without freezing his paws off.
Image courtesy of Martin Pettitt
Cold Cars Are Not Much Better Than Hot Ones
You know how in the summer social media is filled with warnings of keeping your dogs in hot cars? Well, same goes for cold cars. Just don’t do it.
Image courtesy of Camera Eye Photography
Playing Inside
Finally, your dog may get a bit restless from being inside more often in the winter. It might be a good idea to have a set aside, dog-proof (no sharp coffee table corners, for example) area to play with your dog. Whether it’s a game of tug-of-war or a ball that drops treats, give your dog something mentally and physically stimulating so he doesn’t take out his extra energy on your or your furniture.
Have any additional outdoor pet safety tips to share with us? Find us on Facebook and leave us a post with what YOU do to keep your pets safe in the cold months!
Another good way to keep your dog warm outside is to get him an insulated wooden dog house. Check out our selection of dog houses here, and keep your eye out for new ones coming out soon!