Caring for your dog is a year round job, but in the cold weather we need to pay extra attention to the health and wellbeing of our four legged friends.
Here’s our Animal Magic top tips on keeping your dog in tip top condition during the winter months:
- Grab your coat and walk off the winter blues. Although you may not feel like going for a walk on dark wintry mornings and evenings, try to maintain a regular routine as the exercise will keep you both, happy, healthy and fit.
- Be seen. Always wear reflective clothing to make yourself visible in the dark. The same applies to your dog; invest in a reflective dog coat, collar or lead.
- Prevent sore paws. Rock salt is used to melt ice on footpaths and may irritate the paw pads, always rinse and dry your dog’s feet when you get home to avoid cracked, sore pads.
- Stop snow balls. The fur between the toes should be kept short to avoid uncomfortable snow balls forming when out on a wintery walk.
- Wrap up warm. Older dogs or those with short, fine coats will especially feel the cold; consider keeping them warm in a cosy dog coat.
- Feeling thirsty? Don’t let your dog drink from puddles; they could contain traces of Antifreeze which is poisonous. It smells and tastes good to your dog, but it can be lethal.
- It’s cold outside. Don’t leave your dog out in the garden for long periods of time in cold weather, if it’s too cold for you to sit outside then it’s too cold for them.
- Be safe not sorry. Always consult your Vet if you are concerned about your dog’s health.
