Dogs certainly have it a little easier in winter than us humans. Thanks to their fur, which becomes even thicker in winter, most of our animal friends cope very well with low temperatures. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind during the cold season to ensure that your dog gets through the winter well. From proper paw and fur care to warm clothing and light accessories to nutrition. With our tips, your four-legged friend is well prepared for cold, wet and dark conditions!
Can dogs freeze?
Yes, dogs can freeze. Not all dog breeds tolerate freezing temperatures equally well, regardless of whether snow is falling or not. According to a US study by Tufts University in Boston, which examined dogs’ perception of cold, our furry friends are very cold. However, there are differences typical of the breed. If they don’t move, small dogs and short-haired breeds freeze quickest in winter, starting at 6 degrees Celsius.
In the study, only larger dog breeds weighing 10 kg or more were able to cope with temperatures of 4 degrees or colder without any problems. If the thermometer shows between 0 and -7 degrees, lack of exercise will make most dogs uncomfortable. But it is particularly unpleasant for little ones such as Chihuahuas, Affenpinschers or Yorkies. If the temperature falls below -7 degrees, very few breeds are happy. Only particularly winter-hardy friends, such as an Alaskan Malamut or Siberian Husky, feel right at home even in the deepest snow.
Tip #1: Exercise to combat the cold
While owners go out for a walk in the cold, well wrapped up, a dog can only rely on its fur in winter. Breeds that have no undercoat and short fur, such as the Doberman Pinscher, start to shiver on particularly cold days. Only exercise can help: even at a brisk walking pace, the circulation gets going and provides warmth from the inside, even if the dog has to grope outside in the snow.
Longer breaks during walks, on the other hand, allow your dog’s body to cool down and can result in bladder or kidney inflammation. Therefore, make sure to avoid letting your dog sit on the cold floor for long periods of time in winter while you are, for example, B. you talk to other dog owners. With a lot of activity, longer walks are easily possible without you or your four-legged friend being at risk of catching a cold.
Tip No. 2: Dry your dog well after every walk in winter
After a winter walk, the fur stays moist for a long time, especially if it has rained or snowed and your dog has romped through the white splendor. Always dry your dog well in winter and do not let him lie on cold surfaces. A cold or bladder infection is quite common and can be easily prevented with simple measures.
Tip No. 3: The right winter outfit - dog jacket or sweater
The topic of winter clothing brings a tired smile to the faces of many dog owners. In fact, most animals don’t feel particularly comfortable in a winter coat or rain jacket. However, dog clothing should not be rejected across the board and usually has nothing to do with the owner’s fashion requirements. Because some four-legged friends actually simply need a winter wardrobe, such as:
Senior dogs and sick dogs that do not have a strong immune system,
small and short-haired dogs without the thermal protection of the undercoat,
Puppies whose temperature regulation does not yet function sufficiently,
Animal protection dogs who often do not know a cold winter in their southern countries of origin.
When choosing the right winter outfit, a comfortable cut and water-repellent material are important. A dog coat for the winter should not restrict the animal or make it difficult to move. Details such as hoods, leg and rod loops usually have a distracting effect. Environmentally conscious owners should also take a look at the composition of the materials. Unfortunately, a lot of dangerous chemicals are often used in the production of waterproof textiles. OEKO-TEX certified fabrics guarantee textiles tested for harmful substances and help you make responsible decisions to protect our planet. Some dogs freeze easily in the cold and need appropriate clothing to protect their health in winter.
Tip No. 4: Be careful, road salt - the right paw protection
Popular and widely used since the 1960s, salty winter litter has numerous disadvantages for the environment. If meltwater gets into the ground, it damages flora and fauna. Despite the greatly reduced use and numerous bans that apply in many places, road salt is often still used illegally or in particularly harsh weather conditions such as freezing rain.
In dogs, de-icing salt leads to cracked, dry and often painful pads. After walking in the mud, they like to lick their paws and swallow excessive amounts of table salt. The chemicals contained in grit lead to stomach problems. Before every winter walk, rub your dog’s paws with petroleum jelly, olive oil or special paw balm so that a protective film is created and the de-icing salt does not stick. Only use natural preparations – care products containing chemicals can also lead to stomach problems if the dog licks its paws.
When you get back home, rinse the paws with lukewarm water and then dry them well. A moist microclimate promotes the reproduction of bacteria and fungi. If there are cracked or very rough areas, you can apply another thin layer of paw cream to care for them – this will ensure proper and lasting paw protection. Whenever possible, you should avoid dirt paths. Forests and fields offer much better conditions for a relaxed winter walk. For particularly sensitive four-legged friends, you can also consider dog shoes in winter.
Leave a reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.