Keep Your Puppy Safe From The Cold This Winter

Winter is right around the corner. Though hot cocoa and snowy weather make winter magical, cold temperatures can be dangerous for your dog. Left out in the cold, dogs can develop illnesses and injuries such as frostbite. As a loving pet owner, it is your responsibility to pay special attention to your puppy during the winter months. When it comes to keeping your furry friends warm and healthy in frigid temperatures, keep an eye out for the following:

• Be aware of vehicle anti-freeze: Be careful not to spill anti-freeze liquid while maintaining your car for changing weather; clean up any spills immediately. Chemicals in anti-freeze are dangerous to ingest, despite their sweet smell and taste. If you do suspect that your doggie has mistakenly consumed it, take him to a veterinarian or animal clinic as soon as possible.

• Make sure your dog gets plenty of food: Apart from providing nutrition, consuming adequate amount of foods help reinforce your dog's immune system and supports his body temperature. If your dog is outside in the cold for an extended period of time, make sure to feed him extra food than normal. During winter, your dog requires more calories for generating body heat. You can also offer warm water to make drinking easier to avoid dehydration in the dry winter air.

• Take precautions against frostbite: Dogs are just as prone to suffer frostbite during the cold months as humans. Winter protection for your dog is essential. When the body gets cold for a long span of time, blood flow gets diverted into the core organs and body systems and away from the extremities including feet, hands, and nose. Dog sweaters are not just a fashion statement; they can keep your dog warm and safe. Available at many pet stores, snow boots made especially for dogs can also ensure cold protection for your animal companions. A dog bed with walls can help insulate your dog against cold winter nights.

• Make sure your dog has a warm place to stay: If you need to run out but don't normally like leaving your dog in the house, consider finding a dog nanny or daycare service in Oklahoma City. Professional caretakers will treat your dog to indoor playtime, ensure he is well-fed and has a warm bed to nap in while you are away.