5 Mistakes Your Dog Doesn't Want You to Make This Winter

Fall brings with it the reminder that soon we will be surrounded by ice and snow. Your dog needs your help to remain healthy and happy during this difficult time of the year. If you can avoid these common mistakes winter will pass in a breeze!

1. Not Giving Dogs in Cold Weather Extra Food.

Your pup is going to burn extra calories in the winter just keeping their body temp up and regulated. Compensate by increasing the amount of food they are getting. In addition to giving a little extra food pay special attention that they always have an adequate amount of water. Dogs can become dehydrated during the winter just as easily as in the summer. Plenty of water will also help fight dry skin.

2. Leaving Antifreeze Where Dogs Can Reach It.

Antifreeze can both smell and taste good to your dog, but it can be lethal to them. Be careful that you clean up any spills that occur from your own car and monitor what your dog is taking interest in on the road and other neighbors’ driveways while on walks. Dogs in cold weather face multiple dangers from antifreeze. It is poisonous to consume, and it can irritate your dog’s paws. For this reason look into products that contain propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol.

3. Taking Your Dog Outside Without Dog Boots or Paw Protection.

Dogs in cold weather need protection for their paws. You have a wide range of options with designer dog supplies to find just the right dog boots for your pet. These boots are necessary because salt, sand, ice, chemical de-icers and antifreeze can cause a lot of damage to your dog’s paws.

To further reduce the chance of your pet’s paws sustaining damage keep the fur on their paws and between their toes trimmed short. If you don’t want to go shopping for designer dog supplies for paw protection, then you can also spray on the bottom of your dog’s feet non-flavored cooking spray. Or use a petroleum jelly or Musher’s wax spread on the bottom of them.

Towel dry off your dog’s feet when you arrive home and double check for any signs of redness or cracking.

4. Keeping Your Pup Outside For Long Stretches.

Your dog is not equipped to be outside in the winter for long stretches, even with clothing. Dogs in cold weather can lose their scent. This leads to an increase in lost dogs during the winter months. Safe guard your dog by limiting outside time and keeping their collar and tags on at all times.

Another good reason to limit your pet’s time outside is frost bite. Frost bite on ears, tails, and feet can be a big winter hazard for your dog. Pay attention to your dog’s body temperature. Remember that wind chill often means it is colder outside than the actual temperature reads.

5. Not Providing Your Dog With a Winter Coat, or Using a Coat That Doesn’t Fit Correctly.

In the current designer dog supplies market you have lots of choices for dog coats! They are available in a wide range of styles, sizes, and costs. Finding an appropriate coat for your dog should be a priority. Ill-fitting outwear can be the same as sending your pooch out without a coat at all. The important things to consider when finding the perfect coat or sweater are their weight and the measurement from the base of their neck to the base of their tail.

Additional Winter Tips:

While dogs in cold weather face hazards outside, winter brings some dangers inside too.

*If you partake in holiday decorations beware of tinsel. This shiny decoration can block their intestines if swallowed. Glass ornaments can also pose a threat to a curious dog who decides to take a bite. They are easily broken and can cut your dog’s mouth.

*Fire places will be in use this time of year. Safe guard them from an overly excited pet who could easily be burned by them.

You need to take extra precautions when the winter weather comes rolling in. Once you have safeguarded your dog you can have fun with all the designer dog supplies this winter. There are endless options available in doggy outwear to keep your pup looking great.