The current domestic, bred dogs are no longer the tenacious wolves as they used to be. Even though they are in their best shape, it might not be enough for winter and it is necessary to keep them warm.
Some breeds are more sensitive than others in winter. While a Siberian husky will enjoy cold weather, a naked dog shakes only when it looks outside from a window. Therefore, each dog should be treated individually, not only based on their inborn predispositions but also with regard to their health, age and time they spend outside.
The first thing that probably comes to your mind is a dog coat. Always consider its functionality first, the design is not vital. Never dress dogs in sweaters or jumpers. They get wet and it can be cold for the animal. Rather choose a coat that does not get drenched and which cannot be blown through and pick a fit according to your dog’s needs. You can get inspiration in article What pets wear these days.
Shoes are also necessary. They can be helpful for dogs not only for long trips but also for routine walks in the city. It protects paws from gravel and salt as well as from the influence of frost. When choosing them, pay attention to the right size so they don’t limit your dog in movement. If your dog goes outside in winter with no shoes, use special dog balm for paws. You can also treat its paws using impregnation cream. You can read more about how to take care of dogs’ paws in winter here.
Darkness (and fog) is closely related to winter and it is our dear companion in the mornings as well as in the evenings. That’s why reflectors and lightning elements are much more needed that any other time. You can choose from many options. From pendants for collars, collars themselves and harnesses to scarves and vests.
Let’s now look under the coat. Quality and thick fur is essential for a dog in winter. You can support it with Omega 3 and 6 fat acids. However, they have to be in the right ration you can for example find in salmon oil. Immune system support is also its plus. Then, you can also support the quality of your dog’s fur by regular combing and maintaining it clean.
Moreover, it also helps if you support its immune system. Use vitamins and food supplements for that. You can also add nutrition for articular cartilage. However, proper care starts and ends with high-quality and balanced dog food. Also, do not forget that you can serve larger daily portions in winter because it takes more energy to warm a dog.
If you go cross-country skiing, hike in winter or practice mushing, you’ll need a tow harness. :) It is made of functional materials and it mainly efficiently distributes the pressure.
Do you have any other accessory in mind which might be useful for a dog in winter?
When one says a mini breed, most of you will immediately think of a Chihuahua. And it’s not surprising, its the smallest dog breed in the world. They are popular abroad as well as in the Czech Republic and they are often picked by people whose desire...
The Ragdoll, a cat which reminds you of a dog with its behaviour, was in the top three favourite breeds among keepers in 2017. At the worldwide scale, it is on the second place, right after the Maine Coon. The Ragdoll is a very cuddly pet which is into...
Cats have always been regarded as mystical animals with many mysteries. One of them might be the question why these creatures like sitting in a circle so much.
You might be asking why should a cat learn to walk on a leash in the first place? It doesn’t mean you should go hiking with your cat. However, a short walk might be a great adventure for your cat. And you can’t do that without a leash, especially in a...
Keeping an eye on the weight no longer concerns only us, the two-legged creatures. Vets deal with overweight and obese pets more and more often. Most often, it applies to dogs and cats, but even rodents can easily suffer from obesity. How to prevent...
Toxins are accumulated in body during winter and spring is therefore the best season for detoxification. Everything awakens and people purify their bodies so why shouldn’t we involve our closest companions to it?
The fact that it’s no problem to go for a journey across the whole continent (or even the whole world) together with your pet is well-known to the owners of three cat travellers – Bengal cat Suki, courageous cat Wilow and fearless tom cat Simon. They...
One of my New Year’s resolutions this year was to be more active. A dog is a great companion for an active life. What is a healthy level of exercising with a dog?
These portions seem so small, shouldn’t I give my dog more? And should the dry food be dipped or not? And how many times a day should I feed my dog? And should I supplement the food by something? When should we switch to adult dog food? This is only a...
Do you know how to properly behave with your furry friends in national parks and protected nature areas? Are you sick of all the trash in city parks? And are you considering what you should do to be a more eco-friendly dog owner? You can also...
Siberian Husky is an amazing dog breed. It is a very active dog. Agile, strong and distinctive. That’s why many mushers use them to pull their sledges. It is said that all dogs who like pulling are suitable for a dog sled, but a Siberian Husky really...
Domestic cats don’t go outside as often as dogs and you have to prepare them for travelling. However, they won’t avoid visiting a vet or travelling to a cottage from time to time.
