Even with their furry coats, dogs can feel cold in winter and the cooler breeze and shorter days affect them too. Follow the steps below to keep your dog warm and healthy over the chilly winter period.
Upgrade their bedding
Like us, dogs like to feel snug and secure in a comfy bed.
If your dog is sleeping inside, place their cosy winter dog bed in your living room or bedroom. Provide them with an extra blanket to burrow under. For senior dogs, puppies, and smaller breeds with short coats who are prone to feeling the chill, consider putting a microwavable heat pack in their bedding to help warm them up.
If your dog stays outside, make sure their winter dog kennel is sturdy, drought-free, and is placed out the elements. A winter dog bed and some blankets inside the kennel will go a long way to keep your dog warm and comfortable outside.
View our range of dog bedding to find the right bed for your best friend.
Dress them in warm clothing
Is your dog shivering on their morning? Are they sticking close to the heater or fire? They could benefit from an extra layer.
Petbarn has a wide range of winter clothing for dogs of all shapes and sizes, ranging from snug and cosy knit sweaters to protective raincoats to thick, water-resistant coats to adorable booties and beanies. They’ll be the most stylish (and warmest!) pup in the park.
Revisit their diet and exercise routine
When you’re leaving for work and coming home in the cold and dark, finding the motivation to exercise your dog can be hard. However, if you are feeding your dogs the same number of calories but reducing their exercise, they will inevitably gain weight.
Keep your dog healthy in winter by taking them on shorter walks in the morning and night using high-visibility accessories like reflective leads, harnesses and clothing to keep them safe and warm.
To make sure you’re feeding your dog the right food for their age, breed and lifestyle, use our Food Finder tool.
Watch out for signs of arthritis
Sore joints are very common in the canine world, especially as dogs reach their golden years, and colder weather can increase their discomfort.
Sometimes we may not recognise the signs of arthritis until their joints become very painful. Keep an eye out for symptoms in your dog:
- less active
- lagging behind when walking
- difficulty jumping onto beds, couches or into the car
If your dog exhibits these symptoms, book an appointment with your local Greencross Vets. Your veterinarian can recommend an arthritis management program tailored for your pet.
Keep your senior dog comfortable by providing them with an orthopaedic dog bed made from thick and high-quality foam to support their joints, back and body. Look after their overall health with senior support supplements or natural supplements like Natural Animal Solutions’ Omega Oil (which will help their joints and coat) and Joint Capsules.
Continue flea, tick and worming control
Don’t forget to continue flea, tick and worming medication throughout the year. We often see outbreaks of fleas during the winter months as there is a residual population that has survived inside the home. With heaters on, many homes are the perfect temperature for fleas to thrive, especially in homes with carpet.
Our Flea, Tick and Worm Treatment Finder can recommend the right combination of products that will keep your dog protected against the parasites in your area.
Don’t neglect their grooming routine
As your pooch grows its thick winter coat, it’s important that you brush, bathe and groom them to keep them clean and prevent matting. This is particularly important in long-haired dogs.
Petbarn’s DIY Dog Washing units use warm water and include complementary shampoo, conditioner and blow-drying facilities so you can wash your dog without making a mess at home.
To pamper your pooch, take them into a Petbarn Grooming salon where they’ll receive the professional grooming treatment.
