The colder, darker, windy and wet days have certainly made a comeback and it’s time to prepare our dogs – and ourselves – for the winter months. In their latest dog wellbeing column, Hunters Dog Holidays shares advice for the best ways to keep your dogs on the go, come rain, wind or snow.

Let’s start with the basics: keeping our dogs warm and dry. You don’t need a degree to work out if your dog suffers in the cold; the little shivery legs, the reluctance to leave the house and a permanent happy spot under a snuggly blanket are all big giveaways. 

If your dog does feel the cold, invest in a good quality, waterproof (not showerproof), warm coat and make sure it’s the right fit. Ideally try on before buying but if you can’t, use a tape measure and follow the brand’s guidelines. There are some great options out there, including fleeces similar to horse rugs, which you know will be designed for the toughest of weathers. Ill-fitting and poor-quality outfits may look good, but they won’t last very long and you will be buying more than one over the winter months. 

So do your research, but bear in mind, not every dog is going to need or want a coat. Dogs with thicker coats, extremely active dogs and particularly working dogs may prefer to be coat free for their winter walks. Just make sure you have a towel waiting at the door ready for a quick dry when they get home, preferably after a good shake off.

Next on the list is the dark. As the nights draw in there are a few things to consider for your own safety as well as your dogs. If you are going to go out in the dark, make sure both you and your dog can be seen. Ideally carry a torch and wear bright clothing. There are lots of light up or flashing collars around and you can get matching reflective wear for you and your dog. Don’t forget to let someone know where you are going in case of an emergency.

When the snow starts to fall and conditions become icy, make sure your dog’s feet are trimmed to prevent ice balls on the fur. These little balls of ice get between the dogs toes and can be very uncomfortable. Grit, salt and de-icer can also really irritate dogs paws causing them to nibble at their toes and make them sore. Give their feet a wash after walks to rinse off any residue and consider investing in paw wax products for an extra layer of protection.

Finally, if there are days where the weather is just too much for you and your dog to bear, make sure to find another way to stimulate your dog and give them the enrichment they need. Puzzle boards, sniffy games, find its, licki games – all the things that get your dogs brain focusing and problem solving to help tire them out mentally in place of going out for a walk.

Enjoy your wonderful winter with your dogs!

Laura Varney is the Head of Training at Hunter’s Dog Holidays. The Burnham-based company is looking for new members to join its network of trusted, vetted, licensed dog boarders providing homes-from-home to dogs on holiday. Find out more about becoming a member here.

To see more from Hunters, visit: https://wokingham.today/every-dog-has-its-day-could-hunters-dog-holidays-be-the-career-change-youre-looking-for/

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