Woof 411 : Winter Woof Tips

Woof 411 : Winter Woof Tips

It's about that time again: skeletons and vampires have crawled back into their crypts, pumpkin spiced lattes have sipped their last and empty candy wrappers litter the cabinets... Which means turkey dinners, holiday cheer and snow (for some of us, lots of it) are on their way!

And with the arrival of snow, comes the arrival of some other things that may require some preparation when it comes to our pets. Here are our top tips to help your pets (and yourselves) tackle winter!

Keep Yourselves Warm

Just like pet owners have gloves, coats and hats, your pet may benefit with some winter gear as well. Coats and sweaters can come in especially handy for small dogs, or dogs with short, little or no fur to help keep them warm in the absence of a natural winter coat.
Always remember, if the weather is too cold or too harsh, it’s always best to keep outdoor exposure to a minimum, and consider an indoor activity for exercise.

Paw Protection

Salt, sand and cold are all things that can affect your dog’s paws. Make sure to rinse your dog’s paws when coming in from indoors, and inspect them for irritation or sores. Natural paw balms and waxes can help protect paws during the winter, but fashionable dog booties can provide additional protection against the ice and cold.

 

The Dreaded Snowball Monster

Some long-haired breeds tend to become effective snowball machines… but heavy snowball accumulation can cause your pup’s fur to tear or cause painful sores. Snowballs are created when snow gets suck to the fur, and builds up as your dog’s body heat creates a cycle of melt and sticky snow buildup. An easy way to avoid snowballing out of control is to apply a natural oil to the fur, such as coconut oil, which will make snow glide right off the fur.

Of course, nothing beats some warm water to melt the snowballs away. If your dogs fur or skin is damaged due to winter conditions, consider adding Shed Control to their diet, to promote healthy skin and maintain a shining, silky coat, all year round.

Maximize Nutrition

Holiday season means holiday treats, but it doesn’t mean you should give your pet some extra table scraps. Avoid giving your pet foods that are not part of its regular diet, and make sure that they do not ingest common human treats that could be dangerous to them.

If you insist on including Fido in your holiday feast, inform yourself about holiday-themed, dog-friendly treats, and of course, give in moderation. Consider optimizing your pet’s nutritional intake with Pet Zyme, to balance out some holiday over indulgence!