As snow is falling, it’s not only ourselves we need to keep warm but our dogs too. Temperatures have dropped as low as -7 in the south-west and there have been red weather warnings.
Dogs may have fur but they still feel the cold just as much as we do which makes it just as important to keep them warm and safe. Pets at home have said: “When the temperature drops lower than zero degrees which can potentially be deadly for dogs, so I would advise not taking them out for walks.”
1. Coats for dogs
if you need to let your dogs out into the garden to go to the toilet then get coats for them, they may only be out for a moment but that could still be very dangerous for your pet. Coats can be bought from any pet store and are usually between £15-£35 which, isn’t too expensive and is definitely worth helping to keep your dog alive and warm.
2. Don’t take your dogs on a walk
Don’t take dogs on walks temperatures lower than zero degrees is very dangerous for them and the pads on their feet are like humans without socks or shoes so they will get frost bite and the snow sticks to their fur and clumps.
3. Blankets, blankets and more blankets
Everyone will be wrapped up in blankets by the fire and with hot water bottles but don’t leave your dogs out get them under the covers too, its a cute time to cuddle with your pets and they’ll be grateful they won’t be chilly.
4. Hot water bottles!
Not only do we like them but they love them too! Dogs won’t stay under blankets long especially if they’re anything like my dog who is up and down in the night, so putting a hot water bottle in the bed will keep them nice and cosy. Make sure you don’t boil the water but just enough that it’s warm because this might burn them which is the opposite of what you want to do.
5. Exercise your dogs at home
Just because you can’t take your dogs outside doesn’t mean they can’t do some exercise, as it looks like the snow isn’t stopping anytime soon it is still necessary for your dogs to keep active. if you have a large space in the house maybe you can run around a little bit or you can still play tug of war or some games that don’t require too much space.
Again, dogs are similar to us, when the cold comes their skin dries out too, so use some coconut oil and keep them hydrated so they don’t end up with dry and cracked skin which will obviously be very painful for them. Pay attention to the main areas like their ears, tail and paws but don’t forget to keep their water bowl full.
