GETTING YOUR FUR KIDS WINTER READY

By Aidan Wiggill

With the cold weather on its way, it’s important to protect your dogs

The onset of colder weather in South Africa is a time to also make sure that your dog will be warm, comfortable, healthy and safe.

HEATERS AND FIREPLACES

It’s perfectly safe to turn on a heater or light a fireplace for your dogs on especially cold days in winter, as long as precautions are taken. You should never leave your dog alone with a heater or fireplace, and consistently monitor his or her exposure to the heat source. A safe distance must always be maintained, and dogs shouldn’t be in front of a heater or fireplace for any longer than an average human would.

It’s highly recommended to install a fireguard screen around the fireplace or to change your heater to a lower setting. Even at lower temperatures, it’s also important to ensure that your pet has adequate water to drink at all times. Winters in SA can be very dry as it is, and a burning fireplace or running heater can further dry out the air around the immediate area and throughout your home.

WALKING

Although our winters aren’t quite as cold as areas of the world that experience snowfall, South Africa can still get incredibly cold. It’s important to remember that if you’re feeling cold, your dog probably is too. Before taking a walk, you should plan your trip ahead of time and ensure that you take the most direct route possible to make sure that you can head straight home if the weather’s colder than you initially expected. Dogs will generally let you know when they’re cold by shivering or whining.

While playing is incredibly important for dogs, in winter you should never leave your dog unattended for long periods of time, particularly if they’re a small breed or a breed with thin fur and thus little cold protection. Even though some breeds are more cold-tolerant, no dog should be left outside for prolonged periods of time with no warm shelter to retreat to.

FEEDING

Many pet owners report less energy, more lethargy, and sleepiness in their dogs during the winter. Pets who are spending more time outside in the winter will require more energy, so you should adjust their food accordingly. However, if your dog’s mostly spending his time indoors, you may actually need to cut down his portions slightly to avoid fluctuations in weight and energy levels. Dogs are more likely to feel hungry between meals in the winter months, so healthy snacks are a must. Try switching to light versions of favourite treats, or switch to something healthier and with less calories such as pieces of carrot.

Your dog may also drink less water during winter due to less exercise and dry conditions. This is perfectly normal, and there’s no cause for alarm if your dog’s drinking less than usual. That being said, it’s very important to still make sure that your dog has clean, fresh water to drink.

MENTAL HEALTH

During winter, your dog will start producing more melatonin, and this can result in them appearing more tired or depressed. Other general behavioural changes might also be observed. Your dog may also start barking more frequently if they’re cold, and it’s important not to yell at your pet every time it barks, as this can lead to even more behavioural issues down the line. Make sure that your dog has a warm, safe bed and that he or she gets adequate exercise and play under safe conditions throughout the winter in order to eliminate these issues.

SLEEPING SAFE AND WARM

Experts believe that your dog is safer and better off sleeping inside all year round, for many valid reasons. There are a ton of risks for outside dogs in winter, some related to health and others to safety – yours and your dog’s; your dog can alert you to intruders, and they can’t be poisoned, for one thing. Sleeping inside is ever more important during the cold winter months, and as a rule of thumb, if it’s too cold for you to sleep outside naked, it’s too cold for your dog. It’s never, ever okay for a puppy to sleep outside! That’s because puppies aren’t as good at regulating their body temperature as adult dogs are, and they can quickly die from hypothermia.

Puppies and adult dogs are at a greater risk of hypothermia if they’re wet. Also, chilly winds can further increase the chances of hypothermia. When that happens, it’s hard for dogs to breathe and the heart rate falls drastically as well. If not treated, both these symptoms can prove to be fatal, so if your dog experiences them, it’s extremely important to rush him to the vet. Other symptoms include visible weakness, cold body, dilated pupils, and pale gums and eyelids.

Believe it or not, your dog can get the sniffles too. It’s common for dogs that sleep outdoors to get colds due to a number of viruses and bacteria. The symptoms of dog cold are quite similar to those experienced by humans. A pooch with a cold would have a runny nose, a cough, watery eyes, and would feel tired and lethargic.

If, sadly, there’s no way that your dog can sleep indoors, make sure that you have an insulated doghouse, a comfortable mattress and lots of warm dry blankets available. Ensure that the doghouse is placed in a dry, sheltered area, preferably off the ground so it can’t get wet or damp.

WINTER CHECK LIST

1. Wash or buy new bedding, including a new bed and blankets that are strong and easy to keep clean.

2. If your dog wears doggy jerseys, check that they still fit comfortably, or buy new ones. Fix any holes and cut off any strings that could get stuck.

3. If there’s no way your dog can sleep indoors, make sure their doghouse is elevated, in a dry, sheltered place (sheltered from rain and wind) and that you have a comfortable mattress and blankets.

4. Brush your dog regularly. Brushing out old fur will allow a fuller coat to grow in. Clumpy, matted fur doesn’t insulate as well as a clean coat, and it takes longer to dry.

5. Learn about your breed. Some dogs require more care than others during the winter, depending on their breed. Find out your dog’s specific needs.