As the days turn dark and the outside becomes less inviting, you may be wondering how you can keep your dogs happy in the winter. In this guide, we’ve listed all the dog care essentials you need to keep your pup content and warm as the winter weather settles in. From a winter coat to grooming necessities, we’ve got you covered so you can easily tackle winter with your dog.
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1. Keep the Rain Away With a Waterproof Winter Coat
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2. Stay Warm and Stylish With a Cosy Sweater
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3. Protect Your Pup’s Paws With Warm Winter Boots
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4. Use a Dog Drying Bag for a Dry and Happy Dog
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5. Plenty of Enrichment Toys!
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6. Make Your Dog Sparkle
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7. Snuggle Up With a Microfibre Blanket
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8. All Things Grooming
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Keep Your Dog Happy This Winter With Pawdaw
1. Keep the Rain Away With a Waterproof Winter Coat
Just like humans, dogs need a warm winter coat too! You might think their own furry coats are enough to keep them warm in winter but it’s not. Especially for pups that have thinner and more fine coats, such as Greyhounds and Staffies, a winter coat is a must-have for winter dog walks.
Having a waterproof coat is also crucial, as winter weather also brings wet weather. Just as you wouldn’t like getting wet in the rain, dogs don’t particularly enjoy it either. With a waterproof winter coat, you can rest assured that your dog is protected from the cold and rain!
2. Stay Warm and Stylish With a Cosy Sweater
Dogs don’t just have to have a coat as their only option for added warmth. Owning a range of cosy sweaters to go alongside a winter coat will not only keep your pup warm on those cold, dry days but also reduce the need to constantly wash and dry your dog’s clothes.
It’s no secret that dogs can get muddy! Especially in winter, when the weather becomes more wet, muddy puddles are everywhere. This is why it is a good idea to have a backup when it comes to dog coats and sweaters, as you don’t want to put a damp and muddy sweater on your pup.
3. Protect Your Pup’s Paws With Warm Winter Boots
It’s not just about your dog’s body warmth, either, but to provide dog paw care in winter. On cold days, your dog’s paws will be touching the ice-cold pavement which can cause discomfort. An option to protect your pup’s paws is to use some warm winter boots. These boots often have rubber soles to shield your dog’s sensitive paw pads from snow, sleet and ice, providing them with more grip and warmth on their feet, and ensuring safe dog paw care in winter.
Additionally, during winter, salt is frequently used to grit roads to prevent ice from forming. However, this can be harmful to your pup! Large chunks of rock salt can become lodged between your dog's toes, causing further discomfort.
4. Use a Dog Drying Bag for a Dry and Happy Dog
Winter walks can mean wet and muddy dogs. A solution for keeping mud out of your car and home? A dog drying bag! You may not have heard of this dog accessory before, but a dog drying bag is a highly versatile dog accessory that you must have. Simply pop your pup into the dog drying bag when they are wet and muddy, leave them in it for at least 30 minutes, and out pops a clean and dry dog ready to carry on with the rest of their day.
This magic bag works by utilising the dog’s body heat to draw out any moisture, leaving any mud, sand, or any other debris to fall off your dog’s coat and drop to the bottom of the bag. This stops any mud from flying all over your car or home. If you want more information about dog drying bags, check out our handy guide on everything you need to know about them here [link to blog when [posted].
5. Plenty of Enrichment Toys!
Unfortunately, cold and wet weather can sometimes mean it’s not safe to take your pup out for their daily walks. But this doesn’t mean they shouldn’t get their daily exercise! Make sure you have plenty of enrichment for your pups to keep them occupied and mentally stimulated when they have to stay indoors.
From food puzzles to snuffle mats, there is a whole range of dog toys you can choose from to stop your dog from being bored whilst stuck inside.
6. Make Your Dog Sparkle
The winter weather also draws in darker days. This means chances are you will be walking your pup in the dark. Of course, it is best if you can try and find a time to walk your dog during the day but we understand this isn’t always possible. If this is the case, why not opt for a little dog light or reflective coat for your dog on night walks? This not only helps you keep track of your dog in particularly dark areas but also helps other dog walkers and passersby see your pup, too!
7. Snuggle Up With a Microfibre Blanket
Once you’re finished with your dog walk, it’s important your pup is kept cosy and warm. Just as much as you want to snuggle up with a blanket, your dog probably does too! This is where a thick microfibre blanket comes in handy. These blankets are ideal for enveloping your dog in a cosy environment, making them feel safe and secure. If your pup is a little bit wet from your walk, a thick microfibre blanket is also great for drying them off to ensure they aren’t left uncomfortable from being cold and damp.
8. All Things Grooming
The cold winter weather means your dog’s coat is a bit thicker to keep them warm. However, a thicker coat means higher maintenance. This is why you should have all the grooming essentials to ensure your dog’s coat is mat-free and well-maintained. Regular brushing will help with keeping your dog’s coat knot-free but also helps remove any dirt or debris that has been previously missed.
You should also make sure to check your dog’s paws. In particular, dogs with longer hair can have a build-up of snow or debris in between their toes if they are not wearing boots. This can cause discomfort to your pup, so frequently checking your dog’s paws and trimming any long hair between their toes will prevent this from happening, providing dog paw care in winter.
Keep Your Dog Happy This Winter With Pawdaw
Now you know all the necessities you need for winter, why not keep your dog warm and cosy with all these winter essentials from Pawdaw? We have everything from dog drying bags to large microfiber blankets and more to expand your dog accessory collection and keep your pup happy. Don’t fear winter, tackle it head-on with all your must-have winter essentials from Pawdaw.
Winter Dog Care Essentials FAQs
Do dogs sleep more in winter?
Just like humans, dogs also sleep more in winter as they produce more melatonin from the darker days. This causes them to sleep more than usual. Don’t forget to think about your dog’s bed in the winter months. Dogs can become cold in their sleep too, so make sure they’re warm enough by adding a cosy blanket or even using a heated pad.
Do dogs feel the cold in the UK?
Even with their thick fur coats, dogs can still feel the cold. You may notice your pup is cold if they are shivering, trembling or actively trying to find warmth. If your dog has any of these symptoms, make sure you have a thick blanket on hand to provide them with a warm environment. Additionally, if your dog is often shivering whilst on walks, ensure you purchase a dog coat or sweater to offer your pup some added warmth when outside.
What to do if my dog’s ears are cold?
If your dog’s ears are cold, don’t panic. There are many reasons your dog’s ears could be cold, including the cold weather, poor blood circulation, anxiety or infection. You can try and warm your dog’s ears up by using a cosy blanket to provide them with a warm environment, utilising a dog coat to keep your pup warm whilst on walks or increasing activity to help blood circulate around their bodies. If you are still concerned about your dog or have any additional symptoms, contact your vet for the best advice.
How to care for dogs' paws in winter?
Taking care of your dog’s paws during winter is crucial to keep them comfortable and safe. Keep your dog's paws clean, moisturized, and protected from cold, ice, and salt in winter by trimming fur, using paw balm or boots, cleaning after walks, and checking for injuries.
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