Dogs in Winter—5 Tips for the Cold Season
The time has come—jackets and hats are out, temperatures keep dropping, so winter is soon upon us in all its glory. And our dogs? They’re already looking forward to frolicking in the snow. To help your four-legged friend get through the cold season in good shape, we’re sharing our ultimate tips for winter!
Well-equipped!
In the fall, a dog’s seasonal shedding is in full swing. This is how your four-legged friend prepares for the cold season. While some dog breeds, such as Border Collies, German Shepherds, or Huskies, are perfectly equipped for winter thanks to their undercoats, there are dogs with short or sparse coats that get cold quickly in winter. That’s where a good winter dog coat comes in.
Don’t forget about vet visits, either. In some cases, the fur on the belly may need to be shaved for an examination or surgery. A bare belly loses a lot of heat, so when outdoors, the dog should also be dressed in winter gear until the fur has grown back.
So the snow is finally here! Our four-legged friends love to roll around in the snow. After all that fun, a furry friend might end up completely soaked. Whether at home or on the go—especially if the walk home takes a little longer—these practical bathrobes come in handy. After drying off with a towel, your four-legged friend can relax in a cozy bathrobe after their snow adventure. P.S.: You can find DryUp bathrobes in person at our stores in Hallein, Perg, and Purkersdorf near Vienna.
Biothane Leash
In winter, it can get pretty wet for us two-legged friends when we use leashes made of paracord, fabric, and the like. The drawbacks of these leashes are obvious: the materials not only get heavy in the snow, but also wet. That’s why Biothane (tug) leashes are the ideal solution. No more wet hands!
Protecting Paws
Some dogs have sensitive paws. Cold weather and road salt can cause cracked paws. To prevent this, try the following tips:
- Avoid paths with road salt whenever possible
- Trim the fur between the toes
- Before going for a walk, apply a nourishing balm (e.g., made from calendula, chamomile, yarrow, etc.) to the paws
- After the walk, rinse the paws with lukewarm or warm water, then apply paw care balm again
- If the paws are already cracked or extremely sensitive, paw boots can help
Good Visibility
In winter, it gets light late and dark early, which means that morning and evening walks often take place in the dark. When off-leash, our dogs are barely visible or not visible at all, especially if they don’t have white fur.
Collars and harnesses with reflectors improve visibility. In addition, there are practical light-up collars and flashers that help you see your dog clearly even from a distance. Knowing where your dog is puts dog owners’ minds at ease and makes for a more relaxed walk. Don’t forget about other walkers either—with the help of these glow-in-the-dark accessories, they can spot dogs early on and won’t be surprised by them in the dark.
Eating Snow
We’ve all been there: it’s a winter wonderland all around us, and our dogs are happily playing in the snow—maybe even eating it out of sheer excitement. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, this can quickly lead to stomach pain and diarrhea. The cold of the snow or road salt can be the trigger. And before you know it, dogs with sensitive stomachs develop gastritis. No matter how much fun it is for your four-legged friend, in this case, they shouldn’t eat any snow.
Now winter can come, and you know what’s important for your four-legged friend. We wish you a joyful winter and holiday season!
Your Dr. Ziegler Team
