How to Keep Dogs Warm & Healthy in Winter

1. Only Go Outside When It’s Relatively Pleasant

Try not to take your dog outside before the sun comes up or after it goes down, and definitely limit the amount of time that you spend outdoors if it’s raining or snowing.

2. Bundle Your Dog Up

Small, delicate, and short-haired dogs should have the proper winter gear, including a robust coat and a fitted sweater, even if they are big dogs like Greyhounds.

3. Stay Indoors When Possible

New indoor games can keep indoor activities entertaining. Numerous indoor interactive dog games are also available to give your dog a fun method to engage in both mental and physical activity.

4. Limit Dog’s Time Outside

Never leave pets outside in the winter for extended periods of time. Instead, limit your dog's exposure to the cold with quick, 15- to 20-minute walks a few times a day.

5. Heated Dog Bed

 For dogs who feel cold easily, including older canines, a heated dog bed can be a terrific solution.

6. Consider Your Dog’s Age

Extremely young and very old dogs respond more strongly to changes in the weather because, like people, they have trouble controlling their body temperatures. Keep the puppies and senior dogs inside.

7. Protect Your Dog’s Paws

If you live in a very snowy area, think about giving your dog booties to wear when out on walks to keep their feet safe from salt and other chemicals that might irritate or burn their paws.

8. Clean Your Dog’s Feet

Dogs can get snow packed in between their toes after a walk. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it can also lead to frostbite if not taken care of. Always check their feet after taking them outdoors.

9. Trim Foot Fuzz

Long-haired dogs' feet might develop ice balls between their pads and toes. Keep them well-groomed, shaving the hair so that it is parallel to the foot's surface.

10. Don’t Let Them Walk on Ice

They might not be accurate assessors of the thickness of the ice, and they risk falling through it and dying in the frozen water below.