Pamper your puppy this winter with clothes, bed, grooming

Happy Chihuahua runs through the snow wearing a winter coat. Pamper your puppy this winter and build a strong relationship. With colder-than-usual temperatures expected, keep your pup warm and cozy. — Pamper your puppy this winter and build a strong relationship. With colder-than-usual temperatures expected, keep your pup warm and cozy.

Deciding to pamper your new puppy this winter will help build a good bond.

It usually takes between three weeks and three months to develop a good relationship with a pup, but the sooner it’s built, the stronger you’ll be together.

This winter is expected to be colder than average in most of the US. As puppies are so small, they feel the cold easier, so you need to make an extra effort to pamper them in ways that keep them warm.

Invest in doggy clothing

More than 80% of dog owners say their pooch has a coat. Sweaters are also popular, with 21% admitting their dogs wear sweaters.

Clothing for dogs is ideal for puppies as they have less body fat. For this reason, smaller breeds are more likely to feel the cold.

Although dogs have a higher body temperature than humans, they still feel cold, so you should wrap your puppy up in layers.

A padded coat is ideal for a wintery walk, while jumpers can be worn indoors. You can even put some leg warmers on your pup’s legs to keep them toasty. Don’t dress your dog up too often, though as vets warn that clothes can irritate their skin.

Head to the groomer

You might think keeping your puppy’s coat longer this winter will keep them warm. But it could do more harm than good.

You should still walk your puppy during winter, but the walks should be shorter than typical to lower the risk of frostbite and similar conditions.

During these walks, mud, rainwater, and dirt will get onto your pup’s fur, which can cause matting and itching.

Matting could lead to your puppy’s hair being trimmed excessively short, making your dog cold.

Protect your puppy from the cold with regular trips to the groomers. The Halifax Humane Society recommends that a pup’s first visit to the groomer should be at around 12 weeks of age.

You’ll likely need to take your pooch back every 4 to 6 weeks.

Offer a cozy bed

A puppy should have its bed. This allows them to have their own space when they need it. A bed also provides a safe, warm space for your dog to nestle into on a cold winter’s day.

Make it as cozy as possible with fluffy blankets. You can even put a plump pillow in it for your pup to rest its head on.

When you’ve got the fire or heat on, move your dog’s bed closer to it so they can enjoy the warmth and comfort. Just make sure you use a fireguard if your fire has naked flames.

You don’t want to see your puppy shivering in the cold this winter.