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as the temperature continues to drop UKMany people might be wondering how it is so cold Season Can affect our pets.
It is important for us to prepare dogsAnd so do we, for this forecast.
From diet to grooming, there are a few things to keep in mind to keep your four-legged friends safe and healthy this winter.
keep their claws well groomed
Paws are very sensitive to temperature changes, so try to give them some extra care and attention this winter.
“Monitor any sore patches, cracks or cuts,” advises pet expert and head of UK operations Charlie Soames. pets4home“If you notice any of these, use moisturizer or dog paw balm to keep them healthy,
“You can also invest in dog boots to keep your dog’s paws warm and protected.”
keep your dog warm
“Make sure your dog is at the right temperature, especially if they’re a small breed,” says Robbie Bryant, head of education and development. open study collegeA distance learning provider that offers courses in animal care.
He adds, “Keep a warm, insulated bed off the ground and away from any dry areas, such as doors.”
“Giving them extra blankets will also help them stay warm during winter nights.”
get them a coat
“If you’re reaching for your coat when it’s time for a walk, make sure your dog is wrapped up, too,” says Soames.
“Some dogs They have less body fat and are less hardy than others, so they will need extra help to stay warm.
“A dog’s coat is usually a valuable thing to have on hand when the mercury drops.”
Beware of winter dangers
Antifreeze is great for quickly defrosting your car, but make sure you keep it out of reach of your pets.
“Rock salt is a danger to dogs because it can irritate their paws and cause an upset stomach if swallowed,” warns Bryant. “Plus, antifreeze is delicious and toxic to dogs.”
clean the garden
“If it snows this year, consider shoveling a patch of grass so your dog can comfortably go to the toilet without getting too cold,” suggests Bryant.
Try to avoid overfeeding them
“It’s also important to feed your dog properly in the winter to keep them from freezing, however, be careful not to overfeed,” says Soames. “Your dog’s activity may decrease during the winter months and they may gain weight as a result.”
keep them active
Play fetch in the living room to keep your dog active.
“If your dog doesn’t want to go out in the cold, keep him active indoors,” says Bryant. “Provide them with lots of toys to play with and keep them busy to avoid boredom.”
make them visible
The days are much shorter and darker at this time of year, so make sure your dog stands outside and is visible to other pedestrians and road users.
“Attach a light to your dog’s collar so they can be seen when walking at night or early in the morning,” advises Bryant. “As well as this, make sure your dog has a great memory so they can come back to you whenever you want and keep them from getting lost.”