As the seasons move closer to winter Cannon is spending less and less time laying in the yard soaking up the sun and more time sprinting toward the house when he has done his business. Let’s face it, it’s getting cold! For those of us with short haired dogs, or smaller dogs whose core is closer to the ground we need to begin thinking about their needs during the upcoming winter months.
Just yesterday I received my copy of the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) magazine, familydog. I’d already resolved to sit and write this post and was happy to note that they included an article titled “How to Winterize Your Dog.” If you don’t have access to this magazine then I recommend checking out their guidelines on how to keep your dog both safe and warm. For those of you who work at a veterinary clinic, groomer, pet store or the like, you may also be interested in posting the AKC’s flyer that includes these guidelines.
In any event, some gear may be necessary to keep your dog from turning into a pupsicle. If you’re looking to purchase a coat or turnout (style of coat, originally designed for horses) then I highly recommend Foggy Mountain Dog Coats! I’ve purchased two snuggler (fleece) style coats for Cannon; one when he was a growing pup and another now that he’s full grown. They are durable, washable (bonus!) and come in many different patterns. Blackwatch plaid is my fav. Also notice that they have some breed specific coats as well. Warning: if you get a coat just be careful that you’re not getting too excited to see your dog sport his new fashions and that the weather is truly cool enough to justify wearing it. You don’t want to overheat him.
No matter how much we want to fight it, there are snowflakes in our future. Remember that while we start shivering so will many of our dogs. Get out the shovel and clear those paths for potty walks. Be careful where you sprinkle that rock salt, it can hurt their paws. And, if you have a Berner (like Julie) then let them off the leash and watch them in their element… no coat necessary here!
Do you have other favorite winter gear, such as sweaters and booties? Please share with us; we’d love to learn how you’re keeping your best friends warm this winter.
Just wanted to add to Katina’s comments … While Karma doesn’t need a coat – in fact he loves the cold weather! – he does at time need boots! Last year he was out playing and playing and playing in the snow and in the evening (when he was passed out!) I could see that the undersides of his paws were bright red! Not good!! And the next morning – before I could get to the dog store – his paws were actually painful in the snow causing him to try to pick up his feet out of the cold. Needless to say I was at the store when it opened buying a pair of “Muttlucks” (LOVE the name). So be sure to protect those paws too!