Cozy Up With Your Dogs This Winter: 4 Ways to Help Our Furry Friends Stay Warm!
Stephanie Wan Editorial Date:As winter approaches we can all look forward to some extra cuddles with our furry friends. Even though dogs have natural fur coats, that doesn't mean they don’t feel the cold! Here are 4 ways to keep our dogs warm and toasty this winter!
Contents
- Get your dog a jacket or a sweater
- Indoor enrichment to keep your dog active
- Provide a warm, cozy bed
- Keep your space heater in a safe location
Get your dog a jacket or a sweater
While dogs with thick coats like huskies and samoyeds are built for winter and don't usually have a need for jackets, dogs with shorter coats and senior dogs can really benefit from an extra layer. For a light jacket to protect against the wind and rain, try the Outward Hound Foul Weather Dog Raincoat. It is made from a lightweight and breathable microfiber that keeps your dog comfortable and dry. For a warmer coat, the Red Dingo Perfect-Fit has hollow fibre insulation that is windproof and waterproof, letting your dog enjoy the winter outdoors!
You can also make your own snuffle mat, a mat with lots of folds and crevices for hiding treats, and create endless sniffing opportunities. Dogs can even work on fitness and muscle-building exercises indoors! Consult a professional canine fitness trainer for more information. As long as your dog has activities to keep them stimulated, don’t be afraid to stay in on those extra cold days!
Indoor enrichment to keep your dog active
Although it is important that dogs get their daily walks, if the weather is too cold and your pup does not want to go outside, it is ok to skip the walk and play indoors instead! Prepare enrichment games to let your dog sniff, chew, and use their brains. The Nina Ottosson Dog Tornado Puzzle Game lets your dog flip, find, and slide to get to their favourite treats, keeping them engaged and having fun. Check out their whole range of puzzle toys to find a suitable one for your dog! Zippypaws burrow toys put a twist on your normal soft toys, giving your dog the opportunity to forage and pull out each squeaky toy from the burrow one by one! They come in fun themes like Coffee and Donutz and Giraffe Lodge.
You can also make your own snuffle mat, a mat with lots of folds and crevices for hiding treats, and create endless sniffing opportunities. Dogs can even work on fitness and muscle-building exercises indoors! Consult a professional canine fitness trainer for more information. As long as your dog has activities to keep them stimulated, don’t be afraid to stay in on those extra cold days!
Provide a warm, cozy bed
When the weather is cold, nothing beats snuggling up in a nice warm bed. Don't forget to add some extra blankets to your furry friend’s bed to give extra warmth. Elevate the bed with towels or thicker mat to insulate against the cold floor, and move the bed away from windows and doors to minimize the cold from drafts. Find out more about dog bedding tips for winter here!
Keep your space heater in a safe location
Space heaters add warmth to your room but beware of safety if you have furry friends at home. They can accidentally bump into, knock over, or get their paws caught in the heater! Choose a space heater with child and pet friendly features, such as having small panels and vents so that little hands and paws can’t reach inside. Ceramic heaters will also remain cool to touch even when they’re switched on, preventing burn accidents. Heaters with tip-over protection will automatically shut off if they are knocked over, avoiding fire hazards. Keep your space heater in a safe location away from your furry friends, and never leave them unattended.
No matter how cold it gets outside, having our dogs with us will warm our hearts!
Many shelter dogs live in outdoor conditions. If you have extra room in your home this winter, consider fostering or adopting a shelter dog so that they can have a warm place to stay! Whiskers N Paws has been supporting pet adoption since 2008. Visit our Adoption Page to learn more about our current furry residents!
Proper grooming is still important during the winter months. Read on to learn how to keep your pup's fur moisturized and healthy.
Related Dog Product Categories: Dog Beds | Dog Clothing & Accessories | Dog Toys
