How dogs get through winter well

You often find yourself wondering where all the dogs have gone in winter. It seems that some owners no longer feel like going for long walks in the cold and wet. Yet if a dog is well cared for, this is no problem at all, and he even greatly enjoys his time outdoors.

Important aspects of health in winter

There are a few things to bear in mind. For example, you should not leave a dog that is used to a warm home and has been bred without an undercoat waiting on a lead outside a shop. He can, for instance, develop a bladder infection. This usually does not become noticeable straight away. Often the dog suffers for weeks from severe pain, an unpleasant burning sensation and a constant urge to urinate. Symptoms such as blood-tinged urine, dribbling urine and constant licking of the genitals frequently only become apparent late. In such a case, a urine sample should be handed in to a veterinary practice as quickly as possible. In the worst case, kidney stones can even form.

Take care when bathing and caring for the paws

Another activity you should avoid is bathing dogs in hot water. Bathing in winter encourages chills and pneumonia. Especially for winter, we recommend keeping deer tallow cream to hand against cracked paws, so that your four-legged friend gets through the cold season well. Paw care after a walk should be carried out exclusively with cold water, since warm water on frozen pads is just as painful as warm water on frozen fingers is for us humans.

Making sensible use of dog clothing

Miniature breeds, greyhounds, old and sick or pain-ridden dogs often feel snug and warm in clothing. You should make sure that the little coat is made of cotton and not polyester, as the latter can cause unpleasant electrostatic charging of the coat. Dogs that have no undercoat also feel much more comfortable this way. Such protection should already be worn during the transitional season, as an insufficiently developed winter coat does not protect enough against the cold.

Support for the immune system

It is not only we humans who need a strengthened immune system to get through the winter days healthily. Natural support with ingredients such as Colostrum promotes a healthy, optimally functioning immune system in the dog. This effectively supports the body with strong defences in successfully fending off pathogens. That way your dog too gets through the winter full of vitality.

• Avoiding long waits on cold ground
• Protection against bladder infections and kidney problems
• Paw care exclusively with cold water
• Use of protective clothing for sensitive breeds

Different needs depending on husbandry

Many dogs are not bothered at all by cold temperatures, and in theory they could even sleep outdoors in winter. Some dogs voluntarily jump into a river even in sub-zero temperatures and have enormous fun doing so. For robust animals that spend a lot of time outdoors, this is usually no problem. However, since many breeds are bred to meet particular visual ideals and are frequently kept exclusively indoors, they often need some form of protective clothing so as not to get cold. It is our responsibility to tailor care individually to the needs of the animal.

This article serves as general information and to safely accompany your dog through the winter season.