You may find yourself wondering how to keep your dog warm in winter when the temperatures drop — especially if you have a dog that loves the cold weather and snow! So, if your dog is always looking to be outside having fun in the cold days of winter, what can you do to keep them safe and happy?
To keep your dog warm in winter, always check your pup’s paws for snow and ice. You should also check your dog’s fur and coat for ice, snow, and water, and can use a towel to keep them dry and warm after outside adventures. Finally, keep all pet bedding free of tracked-in snow!
When does it become too cold for dogs?
All dogs differ on when they personally feel too cold. However, most dogs will become slightly uncomfortable at 45 degrees, though they can still have fun outdoors with proper care. Smaller and thin-coated dogs will specifically become even more uncomfortable at 32 degrees. Other dogs can be more comfortable until 20 degrees.
How to Keep Your Dog Warm In Winter
Check Your Pup’s Paws For Snow and Ice
Snow and ice can often become lodged in your dog’s paws during the cold winter months. Even if your pup is only outdoors from time to time, you’d be surprised how common this is! When snow or ice becomes stuck in your dog’s paws, it can cause them severe discomfort and pain.
So, it’s always helpful to check on your dog’s paws every time they come indoors after a fun journey or walk outside during the winter! Keeping a dry little towel on hand can help you gently and easily keep their paws clean.
If your dog really loves the outdoors once it snows, consider investing in dog booties. Though your dog may not love them immediately, they will get used to them! Plus, booties keep your dog’s vulnerable paws safe and warm — and free from snow or ice getting painfully stuck in them!
Check Your Dog’s Fur For Snow and Ice
Your dog’s coat can also become full of snow and ice after an escapade outdoors in the winter. While much of the snow and ice will likely melt away once they’re indoors, it’s helpful to ensure that your dog’s coat is truly clean.
So, we recommend using a towel to instantly help dry off your pup once they come indoors. This can help eliminate any ice or snow stuck in their coat. Plus, this can greatly help diminish any chances that your dog can get hypothermia!
After all, even if your pup is indoors, all that snow and ice stuck on their fur could continue to keep them wet and cold, which isn’t safe! So, if you’re looking to keep your dog warm in winter, drying them off with a towel after every outdoor trip is necessary.
If your dog loves the winter outdoors and you’re looking to keep them warm, you can also get them their own jacket or sweater. This could help cover most of their fur, which would keep snow and ice from getting lodged in their coat!
Keep Dog Bedding Free of Tracked-In Snow
Dogs track the outdoors inside all the time. So, why would winter be any different? During winter, pups have been known to bring some snow and ice indoors with them. As a result, you may find that their favorite bed consistently becomes wet from this tracked-in snow!
To keep your dog warm in winter, you need to ensure that they’re not sleeping in wet, cold bedding. This could make them sick, as it could keep them from getting warm.
So, keep an eye out for your pup’s bedding during the winter months. If you notice that it’s increasingly becoming full of tracked-in snow or ice, consider giving it a wash or cleaning it so that it stays dry and warm.
If you towel your dog’s paws and coat off after they come indoors, however, you likely won’t have too much of a problem with this!
Encourage Play Time In Winter
Some dogs love winter, while others do not. Regardless of your dog’s own personal view on the cold winter months, every dog still loves to play around! Even if the weather is cold! If you’re looking to keep your dog entertained and happy — as well as looking to keep your dog warm in winter — check out our doggy day care!
At doggy day care, your pup can have the time of their life and meet other pups to play with! This is a great way to keep your dog safe, warm, and fulfilled during the months when they might not get enough playtime outside in cold. Check out our doggy day care service today! Get more information and make a reservation here!
