Even if the world is warming, some winters are still icy. Day-to-day and year-to-year changes in weather patterns will continue to produce abnormally cold days and nights. We now expect high winds, torrential rain, and cold weather throughout the winter months.
Like people, dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia, so they require special care. Just because they have a coat of fur, that doesn’t mean that dogs can tolerate the cold better than humans.
It’s okay to take your Yorkie out for a walk when it’s snowing, but make sure they have protective clothing and the walk is short.
The time between December to February is extremely hard on your best friend. Here are some things you can do to make this your pet’s best winter ever.
A Simple Heated Bed Will Make Your Dog’s Life More Comfortable
So, the wind is picking up, and temperatures are starting to drop. As a responsible pet owner, you should start thinking about the comfort level of your furry friend. It would be a mistake to let your best friend sleep on a cold floor during wintertime.
Warm blankets can create a cozy environment, but you’re better off buying a heated bed. Yorkies are sensitive to cold temperatures, so they’ll appreciate a warm bed for the winter. An elevated bed will keep your four-legged companion off cold tiles and concrete.
Make sure to place the bed in a warm spot, away from drafts.
A heated bed comes in handy, especially if the heater has stopped working. You and your family can stay warm safely. By the way, you must get in touch with your landlord and tell them so they can arrange for a mobile boiler.
Renting a temporary boiler is an effective solution when heating output is needed right away. Getting back on topic, if you select an electric heated bed, find one that’s tested to be safe and doesn’t use too much energy to heat up.
You can opt for a self-arming doggy bed, which gathers the canine’s body heat and reflects/radiates it back to him/her.
Feed Your Dog a Little Bit More During the Cold Weather
Dogs need to eat more in the winter because they need extra fat to fight the cold and keep warm. Feeding your furry friend a little bit more will ensure much-needed calories. It’s a good idea to increase your dog’s food slightly. It’s easy to overdo it, so pay close attention to feeding.
If your pooch still feels hungry, give them some sweet potato. Cooked sweet potatoes are suitable for your best friend, but raw potatoes may cause a belly ache. You can encourage activity by spreading food throughout the home. Mentally stimulating dogs is an excellent way to get them moving.
The amount of food to give your dog depends on its size. A large dog will burn more calories than a smaller-sized dog (e.g., a Yorkie). Keep in mind the amount of fur and fat. Pets that have a thick layer of fur and a higher fat density can easily protect themselves from the cold.
Attention needs to be paid to the fact that dogs dehydrate quickly in the winter as they do in the summer. Make sure your four-legged companion has plenty of water to drink. Check their bowl as often as you can. Many dogs eat snow, but this isn’t a substitute for freshwater.
Keep Your Dog Away from Heat Sources
Dogs tend to seek sources of heat in the home to cuddle up or take a quick nap. Your best friend shouldn’t sleep next to the radiator as this may cause burns to the skin. You should make this place inaccessible during the cold months of the year.
Also, you should have an alarm installed in case of dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide. If your furry friend sleeps in the kitchen or utility room where the boiler is present, they’ll be the first to feel the effects. It’ll warn you of an unusual build-up of carbon monoxide in your home.
In the winter, 68 F to 72 F is the best house temperature. Don’t set the thermostat lower when you’re gone. For dogs with arthritis, this could mean suffering. An ideal temperature doesn’t exist for dogs since their average body temperature varies according to size.
If there’s no heating, let the landlord know about it. The repairs should be carried out in a reasonable time. What can be done in the meantime to provide heating and hot as temporary measures is to rent a boiler.
Temporary boilers are worthwhile investments that don’t give too many problems. Your landlord probably already knows that.
Go Outside When the Sun Shines
In the winter, you should plan your trip ahead of time. Check the weather conditions and go outside only when the sun shines. Balance your pet’s love for the sun with precautions.
While you can handle some pretty cold temperatures, your four-legged friend should stay indoors when the temperatures are below freezing. It’s recommended to schedule your walk for the warmest part of the day. Check out the hourly forecast on your phone.
If your pooch needs to go out earlier, make sure to limit your time outdoors. Don’t let your dog walk on frozen ponds as they risk falling through the ice.
Protect your furry friend’s paws from salt and other irritants. If your best friend doesn’t like wearing boots, try Vaseline or paw balm. Equally important is to wipe your dog’s paws before bringing them inside. Don’t allow your dog to eat snow.
The danger comes from toxic substances like ice melt or antifreeze. Eating significant quantities of snow can turn out to be dangerous because it lowers your pooch’s body temperature.
Offer your furry friend a bowl of water before leaving the house. This way, they won’t be tempted to chow down on the snow. Another thing you can do is keep your dog on a leash during walks.
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