It's Cold Outside: 4 Simple Ways To Protect Your Dogs This Winter

Now that winter is in full swing, you need to take steps to protect your dogs. The cold weather can cause them serious harm, especially if you haven't taken precautions to keep them safe and warm. Here are four steps you can take to protect your dogs from the biting cold of winter.

Take Advantage of the Sun

If you live in an area where extreme winter temperatures are common, it's important that you take advantage of the sun. Go ahead and send your dogs out to do their business throughout the day, but hold off on the exercise time until the sun is shining. Too much exposure to the cold can put your dogs at risk for hypothermia and frost bite.

Watch the Space Heaters

If you use space heaters during the winter, be sure to watch your dogs around them. Dogs love to curl up and keep warm during the winter. A nearby space heater is going to be a inviting for your dogs, especially if the heaters are on the ground. Unfortunately, if your dogs get too close to the space heaters, they're likely to suffer serious burns. Not only that, but they could knock the space heaters over, putting you at risk for a fire. For best protection, either don't use space heaters, or keep them out of reach of your dogs.

Reach for the Coconut Oil

If your dogs spend a lot of time outside during the winter, the cold weather can dry out their skin – especially those delicate areas. Because of that, it's important that you keep your dogs properly moisturized. One way to do that is to offer your dogs additional water throughout the winter. Another way is to reach for the coconut oil. Apply a small amount of coconut oil to the pads of your dogs paws. Also, comb some into their fur several times a week.

Keep Up on the Grooming

If you reduce your trips to the groomer during the winter, you need to rethink that decision. Your dogs need the groomer more than ever during the cold winter months. Grooming helps keep your dogs skin protected. Not only that, but during the grooming session, your groomer will be able to get a good look in areas that could be hiding problems, such the ears and between the toes.

Don't take chances with the health of your dogs. The pet care tips provided here will help keep your dogs warm and healthy this winter. If your dog develops skin problems, or other health issues this winter, be sure to consult the veterinarian as soon as possible.