Caring For Senior Dogs In Winter
Winter calls all dog parents to serve additional duties, and if you have a senior dog, your responsibilities increase manifold. Winter care might seem like a hectic job initially, but you can make it easy by following the right steps.
The 7 Ways You Can Care For Your Senior Dog In Winter Are:
#1 Staying Warm
Woolen sweaters and clothing are a great way to keep the cold away from your dog. You can also install a heated bed or warm blanket to create a cozy atmosphere for Fido. Winter is also the perfect time for snuggles, as you can cuddle with your pet and keep them warm. You can increase the heating, but make sure it doesn’t get too hot for your dog. Moreover, if you have a fireplace or room heater, keep it out of reach of your dog.
#2 Paw Care
Though dogs like playing in the snow, it can harm them. The ice can stick in the hair between the toes and cause irritation and bleeding. Moreover, the chemicals used to melt ice are toxic to dogs and can damage their paws. By wearing booties your dog will remain safe from these issues and walk unafraid. Also, you can apply coconut oil to the cracked pads and snout to cure them.
#3 Dealing With Joint Pain
You can deal with joint pain in senior dogs using orthopedic beds and keeping them warm to avoid stiffness. Senior dog care is a team process if you live with family. Therefore, ensure that everyone knows about Fido’s condition and does not indulge him in activities that can increase the pain.
#4 Exercise
No matter the season, your dog needs suitable physical and mental stimulation for proper health. If walking outside is feasible, take two short walks with a sufficient gap between them instead of one long one. Keep Fido on a leash during the walk, as he can get lost due to reduced visibility. However, if you can’t do that, try to stay close and ensure that the ID and microchip are updated. In case going outside is not possible, you can play fetch and mental games indoors to keep your pet stimulated.
#5 Bath & Moisture
The ability to regulate body temperature decreases with age – the reason why wet senior dogs get sick quickly. Avoid walking during rain to protect your dog from moisture, and clean her thoroughly when you come home. Some baths can be skipped, and you can use dry shampoo for the task. However, regularly cleaning the paws and ears is important.
#6 Vet Consultation
Winters are hard times, and it is necessary to have the guidance of a trained professional to ease it out. You can consult about supplements to tackle the joint pain and discuss other issues that affect him. Vets can help you with not just medical problems but also give you tips on creating a better lifestyle for Fido.
#7 Dietary Changes
Since it’s cold, your dog might stop drinking water properly. To ensure that she is hydrated, you can include more water in her meal and feed her liver broth or warm chicken. Need someone to care for your dog in winter or otherwise? Book a sitter/walker on Cuddlytails and escape from your worries!
Visit www.cuddlytails.com or download our Android or iOS app for more information.
Thank you,
The Cuddlytails Team