While dogs generally cope much better with the cold than we do – they after all descended from wolves – it’s still worth giving some thought to the comfort and welfare of your dog during particularly cold and snowy spells such as we are going through now. Here are my top tips for keeping your dog fit and healthy during the bleak midwinter…
- Make sure they are getting enough food – if your dog is out and about a lot in this cold weather they will need extra calories to keep them going so you might need to adjust their daily ration of Joe & Jack’s accordingly.
- A nice warm bed – dogs may have a thick blanket of fur to keep them warm but they still feel the cold so it’s important that you make sure your dog’s bed is somewhere warm, draught free and their bed is in good condition.
- Take care on walks – we vets tend to see lots of injuries in this kind of weather from dogs sliding into things or straining ligaments as they slip and slide around. Go easy on walks and remember that your dog’s natural enthusiasm often overcomes their common sense and can get them into trouble unless you keep them in check.
- Grooming – a healthy, tangle-free coat is essential for keeping your dog warm so make sure they get plenty of brushing while it is so cold.
