WINTER CARE TIPS FOR YOUR DOG

Winter is a magic time!
Lights come up around the dark city, days are shorter, and snow could be so much fun for your furbaby. However,  you must protect your doggie when the low temperature arrives. 

Below are a few great tips to ensure a happy and healthy pooch during this freezing time.

Paws

Rock salts used in ice melts and other chemical substances can be very bad for dogs. Most deicers contain a type of salt, such as sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, etc. 

Chilly paws can resist several scenarios but the salt can irritate or injure a dog’s paws and cause dryness, cracking, or even burns of paw pads.

Additionally, stepping repeatedly on rough salt crystals, the paws could become sore or a sharp edge can cut into a doggie’s paw; consequently, laceration and bleeding.

This is what can you do to avoid salt damage during the winter: 

• Short Walks: Try to limit long walks unless your furriend is used to outdoor activities, and avoid areas that contain a lot of salt. 
• Rinse the paws after walks: Wipe the paws in lukewarm water and wipe them off with a cloth to remove the salt.
• Use wax or balm: Wax creates a barrier between the paw and the cold floor for protection. Place the wax on the pup’s paws before the walk.
• Use dog booties: For major protection and to keep warm footwear, dog boots could avoid salt, ice balls and other chemicals that might be on the snowy pavement.
  Most dogs dislike booties at first, so let your doggie use them indoors for short periods and then she/he would feel more comfortable.

Visibility

During the winter, most walks take place in the dark with less sunlight during the day.

It becomes hard to see through rainy, foggy or snowy days and it’s also possible for your furbaby to lose you in the dark, which leads your doggie and you to panic.

It’s important that both parties see where each other is. Therefore, you might consider collars or harnesses with reflective materials or lights.

Hydrate your dog

In winter as in summer, dogs tend to dehydrate quickly. If your dog spends time outdoors, make sure he/she drinks enough water and also pay attention that it is not iced cold water, because it can lower your pup’s body temperature.

Temperature

Experience of lower temperatures during the winter can significantly vary between dogs. Short-haired breeds tend to feel colder than long-haired breeds which may enjoy playing around. However, when these fluffy dogs get their hair wet, it makes them feel really cold. Letting them in frigid temperatures for so long may lead to hypothermia. This is an extreme condition that can lead to several problems.

If you notice the following signs in your dog, keep them warm:

• Trembling
• Cold ears
• Whining or whimpering
• Shivering
• Slow movements

 Worst-case scenario:

• Strong shivering
• Trouble walking
• Trouble breathing
• Dilated pupils

So if you live in an icy-cold and wintry city or if you plan a snowy trip with your doggie, keep monitoring your four-legged friend.

Additionally, you may want to consider investing in a coat. There is a huge range of coats available in the market.  However, the type you’ll need depends on different factors. For example, weather; if you live in extremely cold areas, insulation layers must be desirable, while in areas with lots of rain, a waterproof coat is recommended.

The one that we recommend is the winter waterproof jacket by Puccissimé Pet Couture.

Puccissime winter jacket is designed to be practical and suitable for cold temperatures.

In principle, our dog coats are made of high-quality waterproof and windproof fabric along with an insulation layer of protection that keeps your furbaby warm.

It is constructed quite simply: consists of full coverage from head to tail with an integrated small hood to cover the neck area. It leads around the chest and is designed with a built-in harness on the back which can be adjustable to the belly’s pooch in conjunction with the D-shaped ring on the back where the leash is easily attached and make it practical to go for walks. No need to buy extra straps. Besides, it’s so simple to put on and take off. Step outside in style!

We know how important your four-legged friend is to you and our utmost priority is making sure their health is well. These top tips will keep your doggie warm and safe through these cold months.