Tips for Taking Care of Your Puppy During Winter

 Winter is a great time to get outside and enjoy the snow with your puppy. However, it's important to keep your dog safe in winter weather.

Here are some tips for taking care of your puppy during winter:

Keep them warm. Your dog's body temperature is about 10 degrees lower than yours, so they're much more susceptible to cold. Make sure they wear a coat or sweater when it's cold out. You can also buy booties to protect their paws from ice and salt on the sidewalk. If you live in a cold climate, try to walk your dog after dark so they don't have to be outside as long during the day.

Keep the house warm. It's important to keep the temperature in your home at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit when you're not home. That way, your puppy will be comfortable if he gets up from his nap or jumps on the couch and snuggles under a blanket.

Make sure there are no drafts in your home. Close windows if you have them open, including sliding glass doors. Keep doors closed as much as possible so cold air doesn't get in through cracks around them. Also make sure that vents aren't blocked by furniture or other items so air can circulate freely through the house.

Buy a high quality dog bed that's right for your breed and size — don't use a human mattress! Be sure to put it somewhere warm where there's plenty of room for your pup to spread out comfortably while sleeping.

Feed your puppy healthy food appropriate for his age and size every day — preferably twice per day since puppies tend to eat more often than grown dogs do.

Protect their paws — Dog boots are great for keeping your pup's paws warm and dry during walks in the snow, but they don't always stay on well, so consider using them only when absolutely necessary. If you do use them, make sure they're fitted properly so they don't come off accidentally while playing outside in the snow.

Feed them well — Puppies need more calories than adult dogs because they are still growing at this age. Make sure they get plenty of quality food that will keep them warm inside and out!

If you have any additional question about winter puppy care, give us a call at Sit Happens Dog Training. Our expert trainers are always glad to share their knowledge with you!