13/06/2022
🌧❄⚡ How to help your dog through winter 🌬🌡🌦
It's now starting to get a little chilly down under in little ol New Zealand. Some days are still quite warm, others are very damp & windy, though the nights are now changing to be quite cold.
Some things to consider for your dog this winter -
🧼 Bath less, Brush more. There can be alot of dry skin build up & easier matting in coats. You want to retain as much natural oil as you can during this time to protect the skin & coat.
🐕 Keep up their exercise. For some breeds, this is their prime exercise time but for many pet dogs, the walks get less frequent, with less light hours. Substitute other activities on those really awful weather days such as tug, walking around your house practicing basic obedience cues like sit, come, down, stay etc.
🍪 Less exercise, less food. It is very easy for dogs to get fat over winter especially if their exercise has reduced. If you are giving treats for rainy days, cut back on the amount of dinner they will be getting or skip it altogether til breakfast, especially if they have had bones or chews. This will help their stomach to digest 1 thing easier & avoid reflux or vomiting.
🕺 Stretching activities - Especially good for rainy days to help your dogs muscles & joints to not get so sore & stiff. Simple exercises like Sit, Down, Sit or Sit to Stands, or climbing over small objects like steps or buckets, go a long way in helping your dog.
🥶 If you're cold, they likely are too. Invest in a good coat for shorter coated breeds on those extra cold days & if your dog is an outside dog, consider a wet weather coat & some breathable bedding like straw in their kennel.
💧🔥 Provide plenty of water - Inside dogs can be prone to overcooking themselves by the heater or fire & with most households having heat pumps, dogs can get really thirsty. Clean water bowl frequently to avoid bacterial build up.
🦴 Bone broth for immunity - Relying on vaccines & medications alone to prevent your dog getting ill is only half the help. Consider making immunity supporting bone broths over this time to give their bodies a boost.
💖 Supplements - As your dog ages they may be reluctant to up & down stairs. This is usually a sign that indicates they are experiencing some joint pain. Have a chat to your vet about which supplements are good for your dog & their age.
💅 Practice handling & health checks with your dog - Checking ears, eyes, teeth, nails, pads especially since the ground can be quite rough, muddy & cold over winter. Consider paw balms when your dog is sleepy so they soak in overnight.
🐶 Games - Mental stimulation can really tire a dog out. From practicing obedience cues, to duration activities, snuffle mats, kongs, tug with obedience, there is plenty to do inside if you are restricted with weather.
