The changing seasons often affect our health, whether allergies, stiff joints, or seasonal affective disorder. While you may not realize it, dogs also experience challenges transitioning to and living in the colder months.
Some get allergies, stiffness, and anxiety as the weather changes and your work patterns change.
Here are seven tips pet owners can use to help their dogs thrive during winter.
Seasonal transitions for your pet
Now that the days are shorter and cooler, you may notice a change in your dog’s energy level.
If you have a dog, this might mean taking shorter walks or feeding your dog more to help him bulk up for winter.
Join online forums to connect with other owners and dog trainers during these cold winter months.
Feeding
You may have noticed your dog eating less in warmer months. In high temperatures, mammals naturally become less active and need fewer calories.
However, winter can trigger the opposite reaction. Your dog will likely be hungrier when the days shorten and the temperature drops.
Many dogs want to eat more during colder weather; some need more calories to help their bodies manage the cold. But with the cold and fewer daylight hours, you may take shorter walks, and your dog may get less exercise.
Your dog’s metabolism will also slow as it ages, requiring you to reduce caloric intake.
Monitor your dog’s Body Condition Score (BCS) to ensure he doesn’t get fat or experience excessive weight gain.
While weight is a factor, there’s more nuance to determining your dog’s BCS, a number assigned to your pet based on fat storage in a few key locations. The scale ranges from 1 to 9, with 1 severely underweight and 9 obese.
An ideal score is around 4 or 5. Depending on your dog’s score, you may need to reduce its calorie intake and adjust the amount of food you offer.
You can also use the rib test for a quick check. Run your hands along your dog’s sides. If you can’t feel the ribs, you may need to reduce the amount of food you feed your dog or boost the amount of exercise it gets.
Try to keep your dog at its ideal weight. Maintaining that is easier than putting your dog on a diet for weight loss.
Worried about how much your dog is eating? Consult your veterinarian to determine the amount of calories your dog needs daily.
Allergies
While sneezing, an itchy nose, and a sore throat often indicate seasonal allergies in humans, pets may experience slightly different symptoms.
Itchy skin and ear infections are common for dogs, but they may also experience red, swollen eyes and fits of sneezing.
If you notice your dog shows allergies, go to the vet for a consultation.
Depending on the severity of the allergies, your vet may give your dog injections to help alleviate the symptoms.
If your dog’s allergies are mild, you can opt for over-the-counter medication, such as antihistamines.
Pain
Some animals experience pain and discomfort during the colder months, from joint stiffness to sore or cracked paws. Older pets often struggle with stairs.
Assisting your senior friend can be challenging if you have a large dog or have lifting restrictions. One possible solution is setting up a lower-level living area for your senior pet.
Still, if you’re a renter, you might even consider moving to a place better suited to meeting your furry family member’s needs. Many pet-friendly apartments are available, so research using ApartmentList Denver to find the perfect solution.
Barometric pressure drops in cooler, damper weather, which can cause joint inflammation and aggravate conditions like arthritis. If your pet is moving slowly or sluggishly when getting up from a nap, this could be due to inflammation. Per TopDog Health & Rehabilitation, the best solution is to keep your dog moving; exercise can help ease joint stiffness.
Another source of pain for dogs can originate from their paws. Cold and dry temperatures can cause your dog’s paws to crack, so check them daily.
Paw care
During the winter months, it’s essential to prioritize your dog’s health and comfort by regularly checking its paws and maintaining its nail trims.
Cold weather can significantly impact your dog’s paws, leading to dryness and cracking. As your dog walks on salt-treated roads or sidewalks, snow, and ice, their paw pads may become irritated or develop fissures that can cause pain and discomfort.
Regular paw checks allow you to spot signs of distress early, ensuring your furry friend stays comfortable while navigating winter conditions.
In addition to caring for their paw pads, trimming your dog’s nails is equally vital. Long nails can pose various problems, especially in slippery or icy conditions where they may become more prone to splintering or tearing.
Nails that are too long can affect your dog’s walking posture and lead to joint pain over time. A regular nail trimming routine helps prevent injuries and allows your dog to move more freely and comfortably.
Making time for paw checks and nail trims during winter is key to ensuring your pup remains healthy and happy.
If you notice your dog’s paws are broken, keep them clean to avoid infection, and use a healing, pet-safe balm to moisturize and seal the cracked pads. Another option is to protect your dog’s paws with dog boots.
Grooming
As chilly weather sets in, adjusting your grooming routine is essential to ensure your furry friend stays healthy and comfortable during winter.
Here are some tips for winter dog grooming:
Regular brushing: During colder weather, your dog’s winter coat may become thicker, leading to matting and a buildup of dirt and debris. Regular brushing helps remove loose fur and stimulates blood flow to the skin, keeping it healthy and promoting a shiny coat. Aim to brush your dog at least once a week or more if they have a longer coat.
Moisturizing care: Cold air can be harsh on your dog’s skin, leading to dryness and irritation. Use pet-safe moisturizing shampoos and conditioners during baths to help retain moisture in their skin and coat. Look for products that contain natural oils or oatmeal to soothe and hydrate.
Trim for comfort: While you want to keep your dog warm, trimming can sometimes help. Trim the hair around your dog’s paws to prevent ice and snow buildup, and consider trimming other areas to keep them comfortable and clean.
Hydration: Keeping your dog hydrated is crucial, even in winter. Ensure they have fresh water available at all times, as indoor heating can lead to dry air, possibly contributing to dehydration.
Watch for signs of cold stress: Like us, dogs can feel the effects of cold weather. Look for signs of discomfort, such as shivering or reluctance to go outdoors. If your dog is susceptible to cold, consider investing in a doggy sweater or coat.
Anxiety
An anxious pet can be a big challenge for families, primarily if the anxiety is caused by separation. For some owners, the beginning of the new year meant returning to school or work.
If this is the case, test your pet’s coping ability when left alone. The Farmer’s Dog points out that many dogs experience separation anxiety, and it’s vital to know whether your dog is experiencing panic while you’re away.
Unfortunately, there’s no quick fix for separation anxiety. Dog trainer Julie Naismith notes one proven method that works is sub-threshold training.
Essentially, you teach your dog to cope with absences by practicing graduated departures, never allowing your dog to get into panic mode. Keeping your dog below its anxiety threshold will help it recognize that the sky will not fall whenever you step out the door.
Another excellent way to deal with this is to work with a dog trainer or take advantage of doggie daycare or pet-sitting services in your area.
Check before you choose a doggy daycare or a trainer. As with any professional service, to find the best match for your needs, interview the candidates you’re considering and check their references.
Mood
Many people experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD) when the seasons change because of the reduction in Vitamin D and shorter days.
Pets can also experience mood swings with season changes, whether lacking energy or general malaise.
Dogs also often mirror their owners, so if you experience SAD, it could rub off on your dog. Take good care of your mental health to help elevate your pet’s mood.
As temperatures drop and winter settles in, it is crucial to ensure your dog remains safe and engaged despite the chilly weather.
Here are some practical ways to keep your furry friend happy and healthy during the colder months:
Indoor activities: While outdoor play might be limited, you can still keep your dog stimulated indoors. Engage in interactive games like hide-and-seek or set up an obstacle course using furniture and toys. Puzzle toys filled with treats can also challenge their minds and keep them entertained for hours.
Regular exercise: Even in cold weather, exercise is essential for your dog’s physical and mental health. Shorter, more frequent walks can help maintain your dog’s activity levels while ensuring it doesn’t get too cold. Consider indoor activities like agility training, fetch or tug-of-war, or teaching your dog new tricks if the weather is especially harsh.
Dress for the weather: If your dog has a short coat or is particularly sensitive to cold, consider investing in a warm, waterproof jacket or sweater. Booties can also protect your dog’s paws from harsh conditions and prevent salt and chemicals from irritating their pads. Monitor your pet, especially short-haired breeds and young or old dogs, for discomfort while outside.
Safe outdoor time: When venturing outside, be cautious about the temperature and surface conditions. Limit time outside if it’s extremely cold, and avoid icy spots where your dog could slip. Keep an eye out for frostbite on their ears, paws, and tails by ensuring they don’t stay out too long.
Socialization opportunities: Cold weather doesn’t mean socialization has to stop. Look for indoor dog parks or organized playdates with other dogs. This will allow your dog to burn off energy and interact with their peers, which is essential for their well-being.
Create a cozy space: Ensure your dog has a warm, comfortable resting place. A comfy bed away from drafts, plenty of blankets, and a designated quiet area can help your dog feel secure and safe from the cold. Adding familiar toys can also provide comfort during chilly days.
Mental stimulation: Introduce new toys or activities that challenge your dog’s intellect. Simple scent work games, where you hide treats around the house for them to find, or training sessions with new commands can provide great mental stimulation.
Help your dog thrive during winter
Helping your dog thrive during winter is essential to being a good dog owner. Paying attention to your pet’s physical and mental state will go a long way toward keeping him in the best possible health.
During cold weather, look for signs of weight change, discomfort, or any change in your dog’s emotional state. The cooler months are upon us, but you can ensure they are enjoyable for you and your furry friend.
Tyler Evans has never met a dog he didn’t like. He’s a proud dog papa to two German Shepherd rescues and the creator of Dog Zasters. Tyler created the website to showcase the funny, sometimes messy, side of being a dog parent. He hopes the website will bring joy to those who visit it and encourage people to welcome the love of a dog into their lives.