When the temperatures start to dip, it’s time to start thinking about how to protect your small dog from the cold. While some small dogs have thick enough coats, the majority of them need some sort of protection as few are built to withstand freezing temperatures. Long story short, if you find yourself bundling up, then your dog should too.
However, giving them a jacket isn’t the only way to protect them during the colder months. Read on to learn more:
Don’t cut their coat
The first thing you can do to keep your pup warm during the colder months is to let their hair grow a bit longer. Don’t trim their fur as frequently, since a thick layer of fur will help to keep them warm, but do make sure to comb out any knots as matted fur doesn’t insulate as efficiently as clean fur.
Don’t let them outside when they’re wet
Speaking of cleaning, make sure your pup is completely dried after a bath before you let him or her out to do their business. In this respect, it’s best to wash them just after they’ve been outside. Not only will this prevent them from getting sick, but it will also help wash off any dirt they got on themselves when they were outside.
Keep an eye out for cracked or cut paws
When you come inside after a walk, check your pup’s paws for cracks and cuts, and apply a little Vaseline to any affected areas. If your pup’s paws are susceptible to cold or wet conditions, you can use dog booties to help protect their sensitive pads. Make sure to also clean off their paws frequently, especially if they walked across pavement, as the chemicals used in salt and snow removal can be very harmful to your pup’s paws. In addition, you should take shorter outdoor walks to avoid freezing cold or wet elements, and focus instead on indoor exercise and activity.
Need some more tips on how to protect your small dog during the colder months? Then give Pauley’s Pups a call at 804-798-7877 today.