How to Take Care of Your Dog During the Winter

With winter comes colder temperatures and, of course, snow! Despite the chilly weather, you’ll need to maintain your dog’s daily routine, to include routine bathroom breaks and plenty of activity. This is where careful planning and a sliding door pet door can really come in handy.

Keep reading to learn tips and tricks for taking care of your dog during the winter.

Limit Time Outdoors

Even though dogs have fur, they still get cold! While your dog may want to spend hours outdoors running and frolicking in the snow, it’s best to minimize the amount of time that your dog spends in cold temperatures.

No matter if you’re walking your dog or if your dog has access to the yard through a pet door, keep a close eye on how much time your pet spends outside. If possible, limit outdoor time to 15-20 minutes; this way, your dog won’t become overly cold.

Are you unsure if your dog is cold or not? Tell-tale signs include:

• Shivering
• Cracked pads
• Cold ears

Put on Layers

Just as you bundle up before heading outside in the wintertime, you can also give your dog another layer of protection against the cold ground and temperatures. Before your dog heads outside through his patio pet door, be sure to put on a doggie sweater or even snow boots to keep your furry friend warm.

Do a Quick Wipe Down

It’s impossible to know what your dog may come into contact with when playing outside. During the winter it’s not uncommon for de-icers, antifreeze, and salt to be found on the ground. However, since these chemicals are harmful to your pet, wipe down your dog’s paws each time he returns through his pet door. This way, you can alleviate the risk of injured or irritated pads and fur.

Pet Doors Are a Winter Convenience

No one likes to walk their dog in the middle of winter. There’s nothing worse than a cold face and hands! To make this winter a lot more convenient for you and your pet, consider buying a pet door insert.

With a sliding door pet door, your dog can exit and enter the home as he pleases. This means no more cold walks or time spent chasing your dog in the backyard!

Don’t go another day without a pet door. View all of our products online or contact our team to learn more.