Make the Most the Winter Season with Your Dog
Winter is always a challenging time for many reasons. Shorter days, muddier and wetter terrain, and colder weather all combine to disrupt routines everywhere, and that includes those of our four-legged friends. It’s understandably more difficult for some people to keep the same kind of routines in winter as those established in the warmer months, but it’s prudent to not let that affect the health of your dog.
Dogs need exercise every day to stay happy and healthy, even in winter. It’s important to ensure that cold temperatures and wet weather don’t become excuses not to give your dog the exercise and fulfilment they need to live a healthy and happy lifestyle.
With these tips, you can ensure your four-legged pal thrives throughout the winter months as physically and mentally enriched as possible.
Keeping to Regular Dog Grooming Habits
Even a short and harmless winter walk can bring more mud and debris into the house, especially if your dog isn’t all that bothered about winter weather. Pay close attention to your dog’s paws; if they like running through muddy, wet patches, their pads and toes can accumulate all sorts of dirt. If these aren’t treated, their paws could succumb to infection. Trim the hair between the pads to prevent debris accumulating inside, and wipe your dogs paws with a damp cloth to remove grit that can irritate their skin.
It’s easy to assume that by letting their hair get longer it will provide some extra insulation, but regular brushing is key. This removes dead hair and distributes natural oils around the dog’s coat, which helps boost natural insulation.
Trimming their nails becomes vital during winter. If they’re going to be outside less often and for shorter bursts, their nails won’t wear down naturally, and can quickly become overgrown. Untrimmed claws can not only scratch and damage hard floors in your home, but they can be very uncomfortable and distressing for your dog.
Go On Shorter, More Regular Walks
It’s tempting to just hibernate and stay inside when the temperatures drop and the harsh, wet weather becomes more regular. However, maintaining your dog’s activity levels is pivotal for their physical and mental health. Rather than stop completely, just adapt your routine so they can achieve enough of that without disrupting your schedule too much.
Consider stopping the long walks for shorter, more frequent ones to reduce the risk of getting caught in harsh weather, while ensuring your dog maintains the PDSA-recommended one to two walks every day. Breaking these periods down into smaller, more manageable walks can be a great way to keep a healthy, winter-friendly routine.
There’s a good chance that some of your go-to walks may become less accessible during winter, so consider switching to cleared paths, and avoid areas prone to ice. As is good etiquette, keep your dog on a lead in built-up or unfamiliar places, where hazards like frozen, dirty ponds, livestock, or hidden debris may be present.
If you are caught in a horrendous rain- or snowstorm, consider indoor activities to provide some additional stimulation. Try puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, ball games, destruction boxes, hide-and-seek, tug of war, and training games to keep their minds and bodies active and allow them to burn off some excess energy if going outside for an extended period proves hazardous.
Keep Their Nutrition in Check
Reduced time spent outdoors on walks and playing fetch often means overall activity levels are lowered, putting your dog at risk of weight gain. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight for their size and breed will reduce the risk of them developing health issues or exacerbating existing ones.
That said, dogs who spend considerable time outdoors in cold weather may need additional calories to keep their body temperature at a healthy level. While a coat may suffice in some cases, and the risks of hypothermia are rare for most breeds, most issues can be fixed by reviewing your feeding habits. This is where quality nutrition becomes essential.
Bonza’s plant-based food contains PhytoPlus®, a unique blend of superfoods, herbs, botanicals, and adaptogens, providing comprehensive nutritional support regardless of seasonal changes. The carefully selected ingredients help maintain healthy skin and coat condition, support immune function, and provide sustained energy levels.
The high fibre content of plant-based dog food promotes healthy digestion and helps dogs feel full and satisfied, which is important if they’re not as physically active during the winter. It’s tempting to compensate with extra treats when bad weather keeps you indoors, but be careful not to inundate your dog. Consider swapping for functional treats or supplements that can support joint health or boost immunity during these slower months.
Embracing Winter as an Opportunity
Rather than viewing winter as an obstacle, consider it an opportunity to deepen your bond with your dog through indoor training, new activities, and quality time together. With thoughtful adjustments to grooming, exercise, nutrition, and healthcare, your dog can remain healthy, happy, and thriving throughout the coldest months.
