Winter Dog Care Tips: Keep Your Dog Warm & Happy

When the weather turns wet, windy, and chilly, our dogs feel it just as much as we do. Whether your best mate spends most of their time indoors or outdoors, a little extra care can make winter far more comfortable. Here’s how to keep your hound happy, healthy, and warm all season long.

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Keeping Outdoor Dogs Warm and Cosy

If your dog sleeps outside, their kennel becomes their winter sanctuary. To help it stay warm and snug, make sure the kennel is:

• Large enough for your dog to stand and sit comfortably.
• Small enough to help retain body heat.

You can winter‑proof the kennel with a few simple tweaks:

• Raise the kennel a few centimetres off the cold ground.
• Add a blanket or hessian sack for your dog to lie on.
• Replace bedding frequently, especially after rain or damp weather.
• Attach a door flap to block cold winds and rain.
• Turn the kennel away from the wind to reduce drafts.

These small changes make a big difference in keeping your outdoor dog warm and protected.

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Helping Indoor Dogs Beat the Winter Boredom

Dogs that spend more time indoors during winter can become:

• Lethargic, due to reduced activity.
• Overactive, because they’re not burning enough energy.

The solution is surprisingly simple: get their brain working.

Just 10–15 minutes of daily training can transform your dog’s mood and behaviour. Focus on basic skills such as:

• Sit
• Stay
• Come
• Walking nicely on lead

Mental stimulation exercises energises a sluggish dog and helps tire out an overexcited one. It’s a win‑win.

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Managing Winter Eating Woes

Just like humans, dogs can experience the “winter bulge”. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Active dogs may need around 10% more food in winter to maintain body heat.
• Less active dogs (often due to fewer walks) do not need extra food — otherwise, they’ll gain unnecessary weight.

Adjust meals based on your dog’s activity level, not the season alone.

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Jumpers and Dog Coats: Fashion Meets Function

While some people think dog jumpers look silly, they can be essential for certain breeds. If you have a short‑haired dog — such as a Chihuahua, greyhound, or whippet — a warm coat or jumper helps them stay comfortable when heading outside in cold weather.

It’s not about fashion; it’s about keeping your dog safe and warm.

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