Rug Up this Winter
Here's the thing, it is cold, and the chances are that if you are chilly, your dog is as well. It doesn't matter what the breed; no amount of fur can keep all dogs safe from Winter's chill. While many pups won't be dealing with snow, the weather is still freezing.
Therefore, while this cool weather brings challenges, following our tips will keep your dog (or even cat) warm, whether it's a snuggle at home or an adventure in the great outdoors!
Here are our 10 tips to keep your dog snug this Winter:
- Warm clothing for outdoors
- Warm clothing for indoors
- Winter Diet
- Doggy Blankets
- Exercise Adjustment
- Cosy Bedding
- Bathing and Grooming
- Staying Active
- Puppy Love
- Cuddles
Warm clothing for outside
Some people believe that dressing up our dogs is a silly idea, but a winter dog coat or jumper makes an immense difference to your pet's comfort. Not only does a warm coat make a bold fashion statement at the dog park, but it is also a practical investment. Although many cats and dog breeds have luxurious thick fur to keep them warm, they will still benefit from an additional winter coat when they are outside or on walks in the cold. This is especially important if you have a thin, older or short-haired breed.
Consider two things before you invest:
- Consider fabric type, the level of warmth, and what conditions the coat/jacket will serve.
- You want to ensure that your dog isn't just warm but safe and comfortable. The coat must be properly fit and cover your pup from the neck to the base of the tail without restricting movement. You should be able to comfortably fit two fingers at the neck to make sure it's not too tight.
Shop Coats and Jackets:
DOGUE Design Raincoat
Huskimo Mt Buller Jacket
Warm clothing for inside
While your pup needs to be rugged up for the great outdoors, having a comfy jumper for around the house or even casual visits to friends is essential. The same guidelines apply to finding your perfect jumper.
Shop Knits and Cardis:
DOGUE Design Cardi
DOGUE Design Fleece PJs
DOGUE Design Cable Knit
Alqo Wasi Pom Pom
Winter Diet
When your dog is in a routine with their food, it is easy to stick to it. However, as the weather gets cooler and there are changes in your activities it is a good idea to evaluate your pup's diet. These do not need to be dramatic changes, even little things like adding supplements or different elements to the bowl. During the colder months as our pets need more energy to keep themselves warm, you may find they are hungrier. Just as important is also adjusting their diet if they aren't exercising as much during these cooler months to avoid the winter weight gain. With 41% of dogs already overweight or obese in Australia, this has serious consequences on their health.
Vets encourage pet owners to include a high-quality dog supplement to boost your dog's immune system, gut and general wellbeing during the winter months. Quality foods will help ensure a healthy coat and good energy during the season. Chat to your vet for advice on how much you should be feeding your furry friend if you are concerned you are overfeeding them.
Shop food:
Laila & Me Meal Topper
Bell & Bone Dental Sticks
DOGUE Design Roast Dinner
Doggy Blankets
There's nothing like snuggling up under a cosy blanket. A soft bed and a thick blanket should provide plenty of warmth for your pup during the Winter.
Shop Doggy Blankets:
DOGUE Design Blanket
Snooza Silver Fox Blanket
Snooza Calming Woolly Blanket
Exercise Adjustment
Exercise remains vital during wintertime, but you must change your routines to prevent too much exposure to the cold. For dogs, daily walks can be kept shorter.
Wintertime can be a fun time for you and your pet, and with some variation in your routines and careful observation of their behaviour, implementing some methods should help keep your pets warm and comfortable. Remember, it's just as important that your walking accessories are cute as well!
Shop Walkwear:
DOGUE Design Bali Collection
DOGUE Design Bold Collection
DOGUE Design Classic Stitch Collection
Cosy Bedding
While most of us are guilty of sneaking our pup under the covers or cuddling up on the couch, your pup must have a safe space to curl up. Clean, cosy bedding is best to keep your pup nice and snug from those chilly nights. When choosing the perfect Winter bed, a few things to consider are:
- Finding the correct size and style of bed
- Can you remove the covers to wash (if your dog is a little messy)?
- Don't keep the bed too close to fireplaces or heaters
- Is it going to look cute in your house (okay not essential, but something to think about!)
Shop Beds
DOGUE Design Wildflower Bed
DOGUE Design Coastal Chic Bed
Snooza Calming Dog Bed
Bathing and Grooming
It is important no matter the season, you stay on top of a clean coat. However, as your pooch's coat grows thicker, it's important that you brush, bathe and groom to keep them clean and prevent matting. A daily brush in Winter reduces the risk of those matted knots, particularly in longer haired dogs.
The cold weather often stimulates hair growth which can result in matting and skin problems so regular brushing is a must, especially for long-haired and double-coated dogs.
Save time and stress by investing in good quality products, such as a brush, shampoo, conditioner and neem spray. Regular grooming will not only keep your fur babies comfortable, but also avoid skin problems, matting and reduce shedding.
Long, wet, and matted hair drop their body temperature faster, so make sure the water is warm and dry them off completely so that they don't get a chill and who doesn't like a toasty warm towel straight from the dryer?
Shop Health and Beauty:
DOGUE Design Neem Collection
Houndztooth Shampoo & Conditioner
Kong ZoomGroom
Staying Active Indoors
If some days are too cold to step outside, why not keep your pup happy and stimulated inside? Choose enrichment toys or boredom busters for a pawfect activity. Even better, both you and your pooch have fun!
Shop Boredom Busters
DOGUE Design Tennis Balls
Zippy Paws Happy Hour Range
Nina Ottosson Treat Maze
Puppy Love
No matter what the size or breed, puppies are more prone to feeling the cold. Puppies should always start off sleeping inside with plenty to warm bedding until they grow up and their bodies can regulate their own temperatures better. You can restrict your puppy's sleeping to just one room or look to crate train your pup if this is suitable for you and your family.
Shop Puppy Essentials:
Puppy Essentials
Cuddles
Lastly, a good belly rub or cuddle session never hurts. They love you unconditionally, so return the favour with enough love and care. Pets are wonderful companions and loving members of the family. Snuggle up and stay warm together this Winter, and remember, there's nothing like lots of cuddles to keep the winter blues at bay!
There are many other winter tips for pets you can follow, but the above mentioned is enough to keep your four-legged friends happy, safe and warm this Winter.