Avoid dog chills and keep your pup warm this winter
It’s July. We’ve hit the middle of winter, and it's getting pretty chilly in New Zealand!
Time for puffer jackets, scarves and beanies, right?
But what about our dogs?
While most dog coats are furry and warm, this doesn’t mean that they all are. In very cold, wet weather our pups are at risk of colds and chills just like us.
While the symptoms vary slightly to humans, there are a few indicators of dog chills and colds:
- Lethargy
- Change in breathing
- Watery eyes
In extreme winter weather conditions pups – short-hair dogs especially – are also susceptible to hypothermia or even frostbite.
While most dog coats are furry and warm, this doesn’t mean that they all are. In very cold, wet weather our pups are at risk of colds and chills just like us.
While the symptoms vary slightly to humans, there are a few indicators of dog chills and colds:
- Lethargy
- Change in breathing
- Watery eyes
In extreme winter weather conditions pups – short-hair dogs especially – are also susceptible to hypothermia or even frostbite.
Consider these tips while caring for your furry pal this winter
Make the most of the sun
While winter comes with many rainy – or snowy; for those of you down South – days, we still have some beautiful sunny days.
So when the sun comes out, be sure to throw your walking shoes on and take your doggy for a stroll in the park or throw the ball in the backyard – soaking up the sun will help avoid dog chills. Not to mention the exercise will warm up your pup!
Set up a cozy dog bed and blanket
It’s easy to forget that dogs get cold at night too – you’re all snuggled up in bed – but has your pup got a warm bed too?
Don’t leave your pal to catch a dog chill sleeping on cold wooden or tiled floors. Ensure to purchase a dog bed that is not only comfy, but warm. If the fabric feels cool, then perhaps an added doggy blanket is the way to go?
Get your pup a dog coat
Just like a jumper or jacket keeps us warm, our dogs' fur protects their skin from the cold – it traps in the heat; insulating their body.
But for some breeds, their fur isn’t thick enough to keep them warm in winter – especially if they spend a lot of time outside.
Short-hair dogs like pitbulls and greyhounds may have a “tough” exterior – but will less insulation to keep them warm, these pups need extra care this winter. So if your furry pal has the shivers we suggest purchasing a warm dog coat.
Be heat-safety conscious
After a long cold day outside, when you arrive home from work your pup is probably hanging out to lay in front of the fire or heater. And this is great, but remember to be conscious of their safety.
Don’t let your dog lay too close to heaters as they may fall asleep and burn themselves – dogs may be smart, but they're also reliant on us. Just as dog chills should be avoided, as should burns!
Take extra care this winter, your dog is part of your pack!
Winter weather – especially for pups living in the more Southern parts of NZ where the snow settles – can bring concerns for your doggy.
So try your best to not get caught up in daily life and remember to take extra care of your pal this winter.
Go for walks in the sun, snuggle up by the fire or treat them to a new bed and avoid dog chills, sickness, sadness or discomfort in your pup.
Keep them warm as you would yourself. After all, they’re part of the family!
Does your pal have the dog chills? Book them in for a warm wash!
