10 Winter Must-Haves for Dogs

The brutal chill of winter is on its way. Is your pooch prepped for the upcoming weather? Your canine needs more than his natural coat to stay cozy and warm this winter season. Make sure you stock up on these essential winter products and services before supplies run out.

1.    Sweaters & Blankets
Even when the heat is running, you know how great it is to put on a warm cozy blanket or sweater in chilly weather. Treat your pup to a couple of cuddly warm blankets and sweaters this season.

2.    Coats
While sweaters are great for the indoors, you’ll need something more resilient for your canine companion’s outdoor endeavors. A warm, waterproof coat is a wise investment for the winter season, keeping your canine’s coat warm and clean.

3.    Booties
Do you like running barefoot through the snow? Neither does your dog. Although he has more built-in protection than your fragile feet, icy surfaces laden with snow-melting chemicals can wreak havoc on his sensitive pads. Licking these chemicals can also make him sick. Waterproof booties are a minor investment compared to a vet bill and will inspire your dog to do more of his duties outside, rather than on your carpet.

4.    Nose & Paw Healing/Protective Balm
Like lip balm for humans, nose and paw balm for dogs can prevent and soothe cracked noses and paws, and is safe to lick.

5.    Grooming
Even if your pooch spends most of his time indoors, winter grooming is a must. Dogs with long, overgrown, matted hair are not insulated or warm. Winter grooming is essential to your hound’s health, protecting against hot spots, pain, and infection.

6.    Potty Pads
For smaller dogs, potty pads are a wise investment in extreme weather situations, safeguarding your micro-pooch from hypothermia in blizzards and sub-zero temperatures.

7.    Insulated/Heated Doghouse
Like you, your dog likes to crank up the heat sometimes in the winter. If your dog spends a significant amount of time outdoors, he’ll appreciate an insulated, heated doghouse. Whether you go DIY or commercial, make sure your canine has a warm place to nap in winter weather.

8.    Heated Water Bowl
Heated water bowls ensure your dog stays hydrated during winter romps.

9.    Pet-Safe Ice-Melting Chemicals
When you treat surfaces in your own yard, opt for pet-safe ice- melting chemicals.

10.  Interactive Food Dispensing Toys
Interactive food dispensing toys are a fun way to keep your pet active on wintry days, preventing boredom and winter weight gain.

Is your pooch weather-ready? Beat the rush. Schedule a winter grooming session at DoGone Fun today.

This article was previously published at: https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/owning-a-dog/10-winter-must-haves-for-dogs/

Cold Weather Pet Safety Tips

Summer is behind us, along with doggy overheating dangers. However, with winter weather comes new hazards. Dry, cold winter air, freezing rain, snow, and ice can cause a variety of health issues for your canine companion. How can you keep them safe over the season?

Begin the Battle Against Dry, Chapped Skin Early

The cold air outside holds less moisture in the winter. This dryness is compounded by the dry heat of your furnace, increasing the likelihood of chapped, itchy, flaky skin. A home humidifier can help you and your pet avoid this issue.

Get the Right Haircut

Do not shave your canine companion in the winter, or leave him with a wild, overgrown hairdo. Proper winter grooming is essential. Your groomer can recommend the ideal haircut for your dog’s breed to minimize matting and clinging snowballs.

Don’t Overlook the Effects of Snow

It's easy for dogs, particularly those with long hair, to collect snowballs on their fur and feet following an outdoor romp. To combat matting and paw injuries, be sure to towel dry your dog as soon as he comes inside. Pay special attention to his paws, taking care to remove snow inbetween footpads.

Beware Ice & Ice Melting Chemicals

After walks in snowy, icy weather, wash and dry your pet's feet and belly to remove ice-melting chemicals and snowballs, checking paws for redness/irritation. When you purchase these chemicals for your yard, be sure to choose non-toxic pet and child-safe options.

Bathe with Nourishing, Moisturizing Shampoos

Wash to remove chemicals and dirt, but not so often as to strip the oils from your pooch’s skin which will worsen dryness. Massage dog paw healing balm onto your pup’s paws to guard against chemicals.

Bulk Up

It takes extra energy to stay warm. Provide your canine companion a few extra calories during the winter months, as well as plenty of water to combat dehydration.

Accessorize

A minimal investment in sweaters, an outdoor coat, and booties can keep your pet protected and comfortable in winter months. Small and mini breeds especially appreciate these items.

Put Yourself in Your Pet’s Place

Your pup can freeze if left outside or alone in your car. Disoriented, he could easily get lost or seriously injured. If it's too cold out for you, keep your friend inside in a draft-free space with a warm, cozy bed.

Winterize your pup for the coming season. Schedule pre-season grooming with DoGone Fun today.

This article was previously published at: https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/owning-a-dog/cold-weather-pet-safety-tips/