Keeping Your Dog Warm In Winter

As winter approaches and there’s a bit of a nip in the air, it’s a good time to think about how best to prepare our canine friends for the cold weather.

Dr Sara Pitts Rosewood Veterinary Service

The normal range of temperatures that animals are able to maintain their body temperature without using energy is called the thermoneutral zone. In dogs, it ranges from 20-30°C. Outside of this range, dogs need to use energy to warm up or cool down.

Short coated and small breeds of dogs (such as Chihuahuas and English Toy Terriers) are more susceptible to low temperatures compared to long, thick coated and large breeds of dogs (such as Alaskan Malamutes and German Shepherd Dogs).

However, while your dog may have a long coat, their ears, noses and feet are still exposed to the cold. It is important to provide a warm coat to dogs that are small or have a short coat, particularly when they are outside or are on a walk in cold temperatures. Also make sure that they are still able to move freely, that the coat or jumper isn’t causing them pain or discomfort if it doesn’t fit correctly and that they are not overheating if the coat is left on when they go inside or are performing vigorous activity.

While warm, soft cozy bedding seems like an obvious thing to provide to your pet, it’s important to ensure that their bedding is adequate for them in winter. Older and larger dogs especially need the correct thickness of bedding (approximately 15-20cm) so that it doesn’t collapse under their weight and cause them discomfort. Their bed should be in a draft free area and ideally be raised off the ground (but not so high that they have difficulty getting in or

Heating mats and discs can be used to warm the bed, but care must be taken that they aren’t going to be chewed or eaten, or be so hot as to burn them. Heaters and fireplaces must be used with caution as dogs can burn themselves on them, or accidentally start a house fire.

Senior dogs are also more susceptible to the cold, as well as being more likely to have arthritis. It is important to monitor our older pets comfort levels in the colder months. If you notice that they are quite stiff and sore in the morning or that they are having difficulty moving around, you can contact your local veterinary clinic to get advice on the best way to help them.

There are many nutritional supplements that can be used, such as 4cyte, Paws Osteosupport, Hill’s Joint Care and Royal Canin Mobility C2P+. These diets and supplements generally work to support cartilage in the joints. If the pain from the arthritis is more severe, arthritis injections (generally containing glucosamine or pentosan for cartilage support) or anti-inflammatories and pain relief medications may be prescribed. It is best to SCHEDULES FOR discuss these options with your veterinarian first as there can be side effects associated with different UP TO AND INCLUDING treatments. JULY 2020 SHOWS Exercise is a great way of keeping your dog fit and healthy and warm in winter, as well as maintaining All schedules up to and including July good muscle mass. Older, arthritic dogs can greatly Shows and Trials should be submitted as benefit from moderate amounts of exercise. Not soon as possible to the Dogs Queensland only will it help manage their weight, which is vital office. to help reduce their joint pain, movement will help to stop their joints getting too stiff. It is possible to Please ensure all information is do too much exercise, so 15-20 minute walks are completed including Handlers, recommended. Sweepstakes, Nominated Classes etc. Some dogs will increase their food intake during

Submissions by showmanager.com.au are preferred or email ian@dogsqueensland.org.au. winter as well, if their bodies are working a lot to stay warm. While a small increase in food is okay during this time, it is not recommended that they put on too much weight as that will increase their risk of diseases such as arthritis and diabetes.

With these tips, hopefully everyone can be snuggled up and warm this winter with your dogs, while staying safe and healthy!

Main Image: Matthew Henry

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