Winter Will Be Here Soon: 3 Tips To Protect Your Dog From The Cold

As the weather turns cold, it's time to prepare your pets, especially if they spend any time outside. Your dog may have a fur coat, but that's not always enough to keep it warm. If you live in a region that experiences snow or freezing rain, here are some steps you can take to help protect your dog this winter.

Warm Up the Wardrobe

If your dog is going to be heading outside this winter, don't forget to dress it warmly. A warm sweater will help protect your dog's delicate skin from the freezing temperatures. Sweaters are particularly important if your dog is a short-haired breed.

Elevate Its Bed

If your dog is aging, cold weather can wreak havoc on its brittle bones. This is particularly true if your dog has been diagnosed with arthritis or age-related joint disorders. To protect your dog from the cold, it's important that you elevate your dog's sleeping arrangements, especially if it usually sleeps on the floor.

The best way to protect your pet during the winter is to provide it with an elevated bed. This will ensure that it isn't sleeping on the cold floor. For particularly cold nights, it's a good idea to warm the bed before your pet settles in for the night. You can do this by placing a heating pad in the bed for about 15 minutes before they go to bed. You can also create your own heating pad by filling a men's sock with uncooked rice and tying a knot in the end. Place the sock in the microwave and heat on high for about 2 minutes. Once the sock is warm, place it in the bed with your pet.

Look for Warning Signs

You never know when an accident is going to happen. If your dog has been stuck in the cold, you'll need to look for signs of severe injury, especially frostbite or hypothermia. If your dog is experiencing difficulty breathing, has a shallow pulse, or is shivering uncontrollably, you should take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Be sure to wrap your dog in a blanket to keep it warm during transport.

Winter is almost here. It's time to make sure that your dog is safe during those freezing temperatures. The tips provided here will help keep your pet warm and secure during the winter. If your dog gets stuck outside in the freezing temperatures, be sure to seek medical care from a veterinarian as soon as possible. For more information, contact local professionals like those from the Animal Emergency Clinic.