Keeping Aussie Dogs Healthy During Winter

With winter here, it is important to look after our dogs. Here are some tips on how to help them through winter.

Dry Heat
Most dogs will spend more time inside in the Winter months, when us humans will no doubt have the heater cranked up – it may feel nice and toasty for us, but not so comfortable for your furry friend. Most dogs will develop a Winter coat to protect them from the cold, but once inside a heated house they can easily become overheated.

Make sure you have plenty of water, more than normal, as dry heat can make dogs thirsty.
If your dog is lying on your tiled area they are looking to cool down, turn down the heat or give them some time outside.
It’s always a good idea to have one room that your dog can access that is much cooler than the rest of the house so they can still enjoy the indoors without the heat.
Alternatively, decrease the use of your heater and rug up in jumpers or blankets to stay warm where possible.

Outdoor Housing
An outdoor house or safe area, such as a kennel, is great for your dog in Winter, essential if they spend most of their time outdoors. However, these outdoor houses are only effective if:

The house is elevated slightly off the ground. The cold ground can transfer the cold into the house making it uncomfortable for your dog. Elevation also protects against rain.
Make sure the house is waterproof and windproof.
Make sure the entrance is not into the wind or prone to breezes of cold air.
Include an extra blanket. Check the blanket often to make sure its dry.

Food and Water
In Winter you may exercise your dog less outside, but this can lead to weight gain. If you are exercising less, feed then a little less to match their reduced energy.

Check the outdoor water bowl is not freezing over in the night.
Keep food in an area where rain can’t get to it.

Exercise
We all still need to be active in Winter, so do our dogs.

After a walk dry your dog’s paws and legs, check for mud and debris.
If you dog has an outdoor house, ensure then can leave their house easily and walk in a covered area.
For less hairy dogs or smaller dogs, consider a jumper to keep them warm (and looking super cute!) during walks or activities.

General Health
With the extra Winter coat, a dog can get a few mattered hair areas, often around the neck and back. This is where dogs like to scratch, but mattered hair can catch the claws so make sure you check the fur for built up areas. Regularly brushing your dog can help to reduce this, and help them shed their winter coat as the weather starts to warm up. Fleas also enjoy denser Winter coats so make sure you have all your flea treatments up-to date.