Winter is Coming!
Winter can be harsh not just for you, but also to your cute, little Dachshund. When winter comes, how can you protect your dog from freezing? Thankfully, you don’t have to look far and wide for the answers. Here are some quick tips!
1. Stay Inside
Staying indoors is the best way to keep your Dachshund from the freezing winter weather. If you are comfortable with the temperature within your home, it is more likely that your dog is comfortable too. If not, then you need to take extra precautions for your Doxie.
2. Dress Them Up
Adding an extra layer of warm clothing to your Doxie works like magic. Remember, Dachshunds don’t have long and thick hair. With this in mind, Dachshunds are more prone to freezing compared to other dog breeds.
Dog clothing is available from pet shops. You can even make them if you know how to knit or crochet. Dressing them in clothes and boots will keep their bodies warm.
3. Be Aware of Their Feet
Boots are a lifesaver for Dachshunds. Aside from looking stylish, boots prevent the sole of their paw from cracking their pads.
If you ever see a crack on their pads, rub some foot-pad balm. Alternatively, you can also use oils such as natural cooking oil, olive oil or coconut oil. This will keep their pads soft.
4. Keep Hydrated
Winter can be deceiving. Because we are not sweating, we might think that we are well-hydrated. The truth is that we are not.
Your dachshund can easily get dehydrated during the winter months. So be sure to make water available nearby. Keeping your pet hydrated will not just make their body functioning well but it also helps them fight off diseases.
5. Do not Overfeed Them
Cold weather can make your dog eat more and exercise less. With more time inside the home and less time outside, there are fewer ways for your pooch to stay in shape.
Consequently, give your pet extra calories to keep their body warm. Schedule feeding time as well to make sure you are not overfeeding your four-legged friend.
6. Let Them Play
Dachshunds are known to be playful, energetic, and adventurous. You need to be creative when it comes to helping them use their excess energy especially when you stay inside your home more often.
Do not let your fur baby get bored and be sedentary all day. Put their creative minds to work. A simple fetch could help your pet to be fit. You can even let your dog use the treadmill!
7. Stay Away from Heat Sources
To keep us warm in the winter, we use heaters, fireplaces, and other heat sources inside the house. Your Dachshund, especially the young ones, may get curious and get too close to these heaters. Don’t leave your Doxie alone, especially in the fireplace area.
Even if your heater has a mesh covering or glass door, your dog can still get burned when they get in contact with these hot surfaces.
8. Go Out When the Sun Shines
Winter isn’t simply all about grim and bloom. There are days when the sun will still be up and when it does, you better get outside.
Let your puppy explore the world filled with snow. This is a great time for a short walk. It would be a good way to keep them healthy. Just make sure you keep them leashed and monitored all the time.
9. Avoid Thin Ice
Be mindful of the places you go to. Your dogs might have a great time playing outside and may not notice dangerous areas during the winter.
Do not let your dog walk on lakes, swamps or rivers where thin ice might be present. Don’t go even near them. The edges and banks of these bodies of water may be covered with snow and a misstep could lead to drowning or hypothermia.
10. Warm Bedding
Keep your dog warm by adding extra blankets. Make sure his beddings are dry and cozy enough for him to stay comfortable throughout the winter.
Enjoy the Winter Months
Always remember that “if it is too cold for you, then it could also be too cold for your dog.”
Winter doesn’t have to dampen your mood and the mood of your dachshund. With enough knowledge and research, you should be able to survive the winter safe and happy!
What are your tips and tricks to keep your Doxie warm during the Winter? Tell us in the comments below!
80% of Dogs Develop Arthritis or Joint Pain by 7 Years old – Here’s How to Protect Them
Most of us train our dogs when they are puppies to jump up on furniture. We think it’s harmless (and easier than always lifting them), but for dogs, couches and beds are very high compared to the size of their bodies.
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