Keep your pooch safe from the winter chill

Dog owners are being urged to consider their dog’s comfort and safety amidst chilly winter temperatures and frequent storms.

Pet insurance experts from CompareNI.com are giving their top 10 tips to ensure dogs are warm and healthy this winter.

Following extremely low temperatures and storms causing strong winds, pets across the country are feeling the chill. 

No dog owner wants their animal to suffer, although they might not be showing signs of discomfort, they are affected by the cold as much as humans. 

Some breeds will feel the cold more than others, especially those with a shorter or finer coat. 

Body language and behaviour can help to distinguish whether they are feeling the cold. Look out for shivering or trembling, continuous whining or barking, a hunched posture, curling up into a ball and signs of weakness or lethargy. 

The cold can impact older dogs more severely, having an impact on their joints. Check for signs of soreness or stiffness when they move.

Ian Wilson, Managing Director of CompareNI.com said: “Nobody wants to see their pet suffer, but many dog owners aren’t aware of how to keep their pooch safe and comfortable during cold and stormy weather conditions. 

“Colder temperatures can cause dogs to shiver, tremble and feel weak or tired. However, there are a number of steps dog owners can take to make sure their pets are safe and comfortable during adverse weather conditions.”

“Make sure to keep dogs dry, elevate their bed and cut down on grooming during the winter months to help ensure they are warm and safe.

“Some winter products such as de-icer and grit are harmful to dogs. If it is icy enough for there to be grit on the roads, make sure to wash your dog’s paws after each walk, as it is usually toxic for pets.  Similarly, anti-freeze is highly poisonous for dogs, so make sure to use it away from them and store it out of reach.” 

Here are CompareNI.com’s hacks for keeping your dog safe and cosy this winter: 

1.Toxic grit

The rock salt in grit used on the roads and footpaths during winter is actually toxic to dogs, make sure to wash their paws and stomach straight after each walk or it can start to irritate the skin – if they start to lick their paws clean themselves there’s a risk of gut irritation and hypercalcaemia.

2.Keep them dry 

If you return home with a muddy pup after a long winter walk, make sure to dry them off as quickly as possible after bathing. Their internal temperature will have dropped outside and again once they come out of their bath. Make sure they are thoroughly dry and warm to avoid trembling and shivering. 

3.Avoid anti-freeze

Anti-freeze is highly poisonous to dogs so be very careful when and where you use it and keep it well away from pets, who have been known to think it’s rather tasty.

4.Winter fashion 

Your dog’s coat is a natural protector against the colder temperatures. During the winter months, allow their fur coat to grow slightly longer between grooming sessions.  Also add an extra coat or jumper for particularly cold or wet walkies – ideally with reflective strips to help increase visibility on the darker nights.

5.Heated dog bowls 

Making sure your dog gets their daily essential nutrients is really important in winter, but food left in bowls on the floor can be cold and unappetising to dogs who are feeling the chill. Make their food more enticing by placing it in warmed up bowls. 

6.Use rugs where possible 

Dogs with shorter legs are closer to the ground and can get colder quickly from hard floors and tiles. Where possible, place down rugs or blankets to avoid too much contact between smaller dogs and cold floors. 

7.Elevate their bed

To keep your dog warm and cosy throughout the night, elevate their bed off the floor. If you have lots of hard flooring in your home, consider letting your dog sleep in your bedroom in their bed or a crate. The room will be much warmer and help them stay comfortable throughout the night. 

8.Watch out for ice 

Outdoor elements during the winter, like snow and ice, can hurt their paws. Their pads can become scratched, chapped or cracked. Make sure to keep an eye on the elements and consider canine boots if regular snowfall is forecasted.  It may also be safer to keep your pup on the leash as snow and frost can hide potential dangers.

9.Blankets 

Heated blankets are a great way to keep your pooch warm and cosy. However, a more cost-effective way to keep them warm is to grab your warmest blankets and create a ring or donut shape in their bed so they can curl up in the middle. This will help to keep in the warmth. 

10.Eliminate drafts

Check your home for cool drafts, through windows or doors. Heated blankets, elevated beds and rugs will only work so hard to keep your dog warm if you have constant cold breezes coming in from the outside – simple draft excluders for under the doors can be bought for as little as £5. 

If you’re worried about your dog, most insurance providers now have a 24/7 vet helpline for any queries or concerns – so it’s worth double checking your policy now and adding the phone number to your contacts just in case. Pet insurance comparison experts at CompareNI.com help animal lovers find savings on dog , lifetime pet, and multiple dog insurance.