When the days grow dark and cold, it’s time to retreat indoors and stay warm; that goes for your pet as well as your family members. Unfortunately, there are fewer opportunities in the winter to walk your dog and support their optimal life quality; however, with a few smart changes to their lifestyle, your pet can get through the winter in one piece and without too much fat to burn off. 

Temperature Control 

No matter where you are in the world, the temperature drops in the winter season, so it’s important to understand the climate of your region when you have a dog in your home. Dogs are very sensitive to changes in air temperature and can become uncomfortable fairly quickly. 

If you leave your dog in the house throughout the day while you’re at work, you need to make sure they have plenty of warm blankets and heating to make them comfortable. Don’t worry; you don’t have to run up a huge power bill; simply leave the heating on in one room of the house.  

Winter Walks 

If you have a dog with a thick fur coat thanks to its ancestors in a colder region of the world, you might assume that they should be okay in the local park during their winter walk. This is not always the case; in fact, even dogs with heavy coats become cold in low temperatures and rain. 

Protect your dog this winter by investing in a winter coat for them, and consider putting some bootees on the paws, so they are less cold walking on the icy surface. With these two items, a family dog can feel more comfortable on their walks and enjoy the winter season a little more.  

Boarding Kennels 

Winter can be cold and unappealing, which is why many families head for the sun. It might be cold and desolate where you live, but a little farther south, you can enjoy sun, sea, and sand; still, it begs the question of what to do with your pet while you’re away; boarding kennels work. 

Placing your dog in a boarding kennel is one of the best ways to ensure that your pet gets the same holiday treatment as you, like an excellent dog grooming. In a boarding kennel, your pet will have the time of their life, learning new tricks and interacting with new people and animals.

Winter Exercise 

There are fewer daylight hours in the winter which means there are fewer opportunities for your dog to get regular exercise. The result is weight gain and lethargy, so this is something you need to monitor if you want your pet dog to thrive and avoid weight gain over the winter months. 

The best strategy is to adjust their food intake in relation to the weather and the amount of exercise they are getting. Think about cutting down on treats if it’s too dark or cold for walks. When you go on a walk, it’s also a good idea to use plenty of light and updated ID tags for dogs.