Winter can be a mixed bag for human beings and our dogs, and for many of the same reasons. It gets cold, but the reprieve from the heat can be great and nothing compares to playing in the snow. While the cold weather also brings a unique set of risks and concerns that every dog owner should be aware of, it’s also a great time to reassess your dog’s diet to make sure that they’re getting all of the nutrients and hydration they need to stay healthy and active.
Winter Feeding and Hound-Hydrating
Although it’s a message that’s been pretty successfully spread, it can be easy to forget that the need for fresh water in cold weather is at least as important as it is in the summer. The cold weather depletes energy that requires replenishment from fresh water and fresh dog food. If your pup is going to be outside for an extended period of time (not recommended), be sure to provide them constant access to fresh, unfrozen water in a plastic bowl (a pup’s tongue is more likely to stick to metal).
Winter is also a great time to reassess your dog’s diet to make sure they are getting high-quality, nutritionally-balanced meals to keep them fueled through the winter (and beyond). Like us, dogs shouldn’t depend on a diet of highly-processed foods. And, just like us, they benefit from a fresh diet and should have meals that have been cooked in a way that safely kills any pathogens while retaining much-needed moisture and flavor.
Whether it’s cold outside and you’re cozy indoors or you’re a busy dog owner on the go, consider utilizing a fresh dog food delivery service. But don’t just choose any brand, be sure to do due diligence to find a brand you can trust to create nutritionally-balanced meals for your furry bestie. Look for healthy dog food that was created in partnership with a vet nutritionist and cooked via sous-vide, which is known to result in safe, moist food your dog is sure to love through the winter and into the new year.
Winter Grooming Tips
Will a delicious, healthy, nutritious diet of human grade dog food keep your pooch’s energy level up; keep them warmer by keeping them full; and contribute to a full, healthy, and shiny coat? Yes. However, additional grooming is an important part of keeping your best friend warm in winter. Consistent brushing removes and prevents clumps and mats, which compromise warmth. For longer-haired dogs, trimming fur, though not too much, can be crucial as well. Fur around the feet specifically, but any fur that collects snow or ice and can trap ice close to the skin and contribute to hypothermia and frostbite should be tended to.
Winter-Specific Poisons
Another excellent reason for keeping fur appropriately trimmed and well-groomed is that it can pick up winter-specific toxic chemicals along with snow, ice, and water. Particularly dangerous is antifreeze. Antifreeze is not only incredibly poisonous and dangerous to dogs, it’s also commonly used in the winter and is very sweet. That can, unfortunately, encourage dogs to lick at it. Also dangerous, both topically to paws and when ingested, are a number of formulations of ice melt. Be sure to use ice melts that are non-toxic to pets and if you suspect your pup has walked through ice melt, remove it from their paws. Dogs will also often lick at clumps of snow or ice in their fur and that can also carry toxic chemicals. And the only things your best buddy should be ingesting is healthy dog food and fresh water.
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