As temperatures drop, many pet owners notice changes in their pets’ behavior, energy levels, and physical health and wonder what changes they need to make to provide the best cold-weather dog care.
Dogs react to seasonal changes like humans, and colder conditions can affect their health.
Knowing how cold weather affects your dog’s overall health and energy levels will help you make the necessary adjustments to ensure you provide the best cold-weather dog care and that your pet is content and happy year-round.
Why do dogs need more calories in cold weather?
When temperatures drop, dogs need more energy to maintain their body temperature.
When outdoors in cold temperatures, their bodies work harder to stay warm, increasing their energy needs.
Dogs that live in colder climates or spend long periods outdoors need to eat more calories.
Cold weather also causes pets to use more energy. For example, they might move more to stay warm or burn off more energy during play. Consult your vet to alter your pet’s diet to meet these caloric needs.
Although the number of calories you need to add will depend on the dog’s size, age, and breed, a common rule of thumb is to increase calorie consumption slightly during winter.
Ensuring your dog eats enough can help prevent weight loss, keep energy levels up, and ensure that your dog can regulate its body temperature in cold weather.
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Cold weather physical health changes
Cold weather not only changes your dog’s caloric needs. Chilly temperatures also affect their coat, skin, and joints.
Here are some typical ways that dogs’ health is affected by winter weather and what you can do to provide cold-weather dog care:
- Dry paws and skin: Cold air can suck moisture from your dog’s paws and skin, which can cause itching and cracking. Applying pet-safe moisturizers or paw balms will help to keep irritation at bay.
- Thicker coat growth: Most breeds develop thicker coats in winter to increase their insulation. Although this is normal, it could also lead to increased shedding and require more frequent grooming. Regular brushing helps maintain coat health and prevent matting.
- Joint pain: Cold weather can aggravate joint pain in older dogs and those suffering from arthritis. You may notice that your dog is stiffer or less able to walk around. Providing warm bedding and frequent gentle exercise can ease discomfort.
Cold weather and energy levels
Many dog owners notice changes in their pet’s energy levels during winter.
For some dogs, colder weather is energizing. But this is only true for some breeds.
Small or short-haired breeds may become less active as they struggle to cope with the cold.
Short walks or indoor games benefit dogs who require an extra incentive to stay active during winter. Invest in warm dog coats for small breeds or those susceptible to cold to allow outdoor play without compromising their health.
Cold-weather dog care tips
Dogs are resilient but need additional support to remain healthy during winter.
Here are some tips to keep your dog comfortable when the temperature drops:
- Modify your dog’s diet: Dogs burn more calories during winter, so add more food to their meals. High-quality and nutrient-rich food is particularly beneficial.
- Provide cozy bedding: Dogs lose a significant amount of heat through contact with the ground, so providing them with an elevated, warm bed can help them stay comfortable, especially in homes with cold flooring.
- Limit baths: Baths remove natural oils from your dog’s skin that help prevent dryness during winter. Limit baths, and if necessary, consider applying a moisturizing shampoo.
- Provide outerwear: Dog sweaters and jackets are great options for outdoor activities for dogs with shorter coats or those susceptible to cold.
- Keep your dog hydrated: It’s easy to overlook, but dogs require just as much water during winter as they do during summer. Make sure the water bowl is always full.
Provide proper cold-weather dog care
Cold weather brings fun and challenges for dogs, but with proper treatment and care, you can ensure they flourish throughout the year.
The key to success can be monitoring your dog’s calorie intake, meeting its grooming needs, and providing a comfortable and warm space.
If you know how cold weather impacts your pet, you can ensure that winter is just as enjoyable for your pet as it is for yourself.