How to Prepare Your Dog for the Colder Weather

As the temperatures begin to drop, it’s time to think about how your pet will be affected by the change in temperatures. Whether you’re living in an area that experiences slight temperature drops, or an area that experiences heavy snowfalls, follow these steps to help prepare your dog for a change in temperature.

Bathe Your Pets Less Frequently 

You should still be washing your pets during the winter months, but washing too much can remove protective oils from their skin and increase their chances of developing dry, irritated skin. If your dog has longer fur or hair, you can trim it to limit their chances of ice balls and other outdoor chemicals clinging to their coat. 

Brush Your Dog Regularly

Make sure your pet has a nice and clean coat this winter by brushing them regularly. If your puppy has matted or tangled fur, it won’t provide the same insulation and warmth as a clean coat would. Plus, any unbrushed hair has a greater chance of trapping snow and moisture, which may eventually lead to discomfort. 

Adjust Feeding Amounts for the Winter

If your dog is more of an outdoor pet, you may need to be feeding them a little more during the colder winter months. If your pet spends extra time outdoors in the winter, they will most likely burn extra energy by trying to keep warm. You should also make sure that your pets stay well-hydrated during the winter months, especially if they are continuing to play outside. 

On the other hand, if your pet is headed indoors for the winter, you may want to consider cutting back on their food intake, so they aren’t packing on too much extra weight in the winter. 

Dry Your Pet’s Paws

After your dog comes in from outside, make sure you’re drying off their paws and stomach to remove any ice, salt, and chemicals that may have stuck to them. You should also check on the dryness of these areas and take extra precautions before heading outdoors again. If you live in an area with snowfall, pet booties and shoes can provide excellent coverage for your pet’s paws. 

Give Your Poodle Time to Adjust to the Weather

At Scarlet’s Fancy Poodles, we breed miniature poodles, toy poodles, and teacup poodles in Central Coastal California. If you plan on traveling with your puppy this winter, make sure you are following these tips to help prepare your dog for colder climates. 

For more information on our available puppies, contact us online today!