How to Keep Your Pooch Cozy During Winter in New York

As the temperatures continue to drop, we're all bundling up when we take our winter walks with our furry friends. It's not just humans who should stay warm in this chilly weather because our dogs need some extra TLC too.

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Canine Cottages teamed up with Clinical Animal Behaviourist Rachel Rodgers to give us some tips on how to keep our dogs safe and cozy this winter.

According to Rachel, most pets are not used to extreme temperatures so they can feel cold in sub-zero weather. It's not a bad idea to get them a coat to help them stay warm. Hypothermia is when the body temperature drops below normal and it can become a serious problem for dogs too.

Rachel says that the impact of cold weather depends on the individual dog and what they're used to. Dogs who are used to icy or snowy conditions will probably handle the cold without a coat because they're used to the cold temperatures.

However, many of our dogs are used to being inside the warmth of our homes, so going out for a walks in sub-zero temperatures might be too cold for them. Certain types of dogs are more at risk in the colder temperatures.

Types of Dogs That Are At Risk in The Colder Temperatures

For example, puppies could be at risk, so you need to be extra careful when taking them out in the cold. Smaller dogs and dogs with thinner coats or less body fat (like greyhounds) could also be affected by the cold temperatures.

Older dogs or dogs with health problems should be protected from the cold because it can make conditions like arthritis worse. It's important to know the signs to look out for if your dog is feeling too cold.

Signs Your Dog May Be Cold

If your dog slows down on their walk, feels cold to the touch, starts breathing slowly, or worse, collapses during or after the walk, get help from a veterinarian right away. If any of these things happen, your dog needs to be warmed up slowly, so don't use hot water bottles or heat pads.

Finally, don't forget to protect your dog's paws! During their winter walks, the ground could be covered with grit and de-icer, which can be harmful to their paws. After a walk, make sure to clean your dog's paws with warm water. You might want to put paw balm to protect their paws from dry and cracked skin.