Your dog has a great warm coat, but when the weather is freezing , even the most thick coat will be too chilly when you spend a lot of time outside.

Dogs are better suited for being outside in the cold weather than humans are, however, their ears, paws and nose are exposed. To make sure that your dog won’t be frostbiten, look out for symptoms such as color change, dry skin and cracks on the footpads.

Limit the time outdoor – Let your dog be active when out in the cold. Avoid to be still for longer moments.

Dress warmly – Yes, a dog has a great coat, but small dogs, puppies and breeds with short hair may use a warm sweater, suitable for their size.

Keep the coat healthy and warm – Add more protein and fat to the diet when it is freezing cold outside.

Wipe paws – Remove snow, ice, salt and artificial antifreeze from the paws. Ice and salt can irritate the skin between toes, and be uncomfortable on the footpads. Antifreeze must be removed, it is a great danger if your dogs licks it of his paws and swallows the chemical!

Don´t leave your dog alone in the car – Just like in the summer, a parked car isn´t a very good place for a dog to relax. If the temperatur outside is freezing, a car is uncomfortable cold within a few minutes.

Avoid heated pet mats – If your dog freezes, there is a risk that he will rest on the mat and get burned skin. An ordinary blanket is just enough for your dog to get warm again.

And most important, look out for symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia. Always contact your veterinarian if you suspect that your dog been affected by the cold weather.

 

A lot of dogs at this time of year do need some extra support to help their joints as the weather gets colder. ArthriAid helps to aid cartilage regeneration with a combination of Glucosamine, Chondroitin and Omega-3.