Keeping Your Dog Comfortable During The Winter
The winter blues is no stranger to those of us that have the luxury of living in the colder areas of the world, and we all experience in some form or fashion. Be it dry skin, increased appetite, constant chills or depression it happens to the best of us. As the temperatures get colder and colder, we all do what we can to fend off the blues, buying warm clothes, stocking up on cold medicines and trying to stay inside as much as possible. Your dog also gets the blues during the winter, even if you don't think it's possible, it is. It is just as important to take preventative measures against the cold for your pet as it is for you and the rest of your family.
The winters often create dry climates with very low humidity, so the need to stay hydrated during the winter to retain natural moisture in their skin and coat. The cold temperatures freeze water kept in outdoor yards and kennels, making it impossible for pets to keep hydrated. Using a heated water dish is a great way to keep your dogs water from freezing, making sure it is always available when they need to hydrate.
Dry skin is one of the major problems for pets during the winter season. They begin scratching themselves more often, ripping raw spots into their skin. One way to keep pet skin healthy is to make sure they are given baths regularly. Bathing in the winter time can be a challenge, but thanks to waterless shampoos, that has become a much simpler task. Some waterless shampoos contain tree tea oil to soothe, heal, and condition skin. They are very easy to use. Simply spray, towel or brush, and bath time is over. Dryness can often lead to itching and scratching, which can be very irritating for your dog. Look for itch remedies which often contain soothing ingredients that will help relieve the itchiness and dryness of your dog's skin.
If you're going to be outdoors you dress for the weather correct? So shouldn't your dog be able to dress for the weather too? Doggy clothing has become a popular trend and with hundreds of different styles of sweaters, coats, and fleece apparel available, your dog should have no problem staying warm over the chilling winter months. If your dog has a naturally thick coat and you choose to get your dog groomed regularly, consider leaving their coat longer or thicker. This will add extra insulation from the cold temperatures and help to keep your dog warm.
Keep your pet happy this winter by following these few simple tips. Remember, if the winter bothers you, it most likely bothers your dog too. Help them beat the winter blues and stay happy and comfortable.
Matt LeClair enjoys sharing his experiences and knowledge about dogs, cats, and more. Matt is the owner and founder of Farm Medley, a wonderful resource for bringing you informative articles, and competitively priced, high quality pet supplies.
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