Keeping Our Furry Friends Warm in the Winter
The temperature has started to drop and my pups are letting me know it’s time to break out the winter gear. See, my dogs are summer dogs. Sunbathing is their favorite things to do. When the weather turns cold, I have a few tricks up my sleeve to help them stay safe and warm. After all, if I’m cold so are they….and they let me know it too.
1. Bone Broth
This is the first thing I do to help my pups out in the winter. I make a big batch of broth, which can be frozen or canned. I add it to their kibble each day as a warm treat in their bellies. It’s great for their bone and joint health too. If you want to save time you can also buy good quality bone broth.
2. Winter Coats
Yes, my pups each have a winter coat to keep them toasty while we’re outside having play time. Since I live in the country, I recommend a high visibility jacket. A lot of my neighbors are hunters so a high-vis coat gives me peace of mind that the neighbors won’t make a mistake.
3. Paw Balm
Paw balm helps my pups feet stay protected and prevents their pads from getting dried out from the cold. I highly recommend this product. It’s lick safe and vet approved. This is a stick so there’s no messy fingers. It’s vegan and non-toxic. I use it on paws, noses, elbows and it can even be used on wounds.
4. Orthopedic Dog Bed
I recently added a Great Dane puppy to my family. It has been an adventure so far! I wanted to find a bed that would be supportive for him. It had to be large enough for him to use while he grows into his enormous feet! I found a great bed on Amazon and I can’t say enough about it. Washable, non-slip, and tons of support.
5. Warm Sweaters
My American Bulldog, Martha, loves her winter sweaters. She has a few to choose from at this point. It’s like walking around with a blanket on. She shivers to let me know it’s time get dressed. I really like the ones that stay in place well and are easy to get on and off. They’re available in lots of colors and sizes which makes it easy to find what works for my dogs. I especially like that ones in the link below. I wonder if they’ll fit a Great Dane?
6. Blankets
Winter is when I sort through the years supplies and replace things that have gotten worn out. Dog blankets are no exception. I usually repurpose old household blankets into dog blankets. I mend what I can to pass along to the pups (and cats too!). But in my house, dog blankets are on rotation. Between the beds and the washing machine, it seems I never have enough. I’ve found some to add to my collection that will hold up well to my blanket-loving babies.
7. Car Seat Protection
This one is a must-have in my family. My pups go everywhere with me. With all the dirt and muck in the winter, I have a pad that keeps my seats clean and the dogs comfy. And it fits in my washer when it’s time to clean it.
8. Furniture Protection
In my house, the dogs think I put the sofa there just for them. And in the winter, they’re spending a lot more time inside. Having something to protect the furniture is just necessary. I like using sofa covers because they’re affordable and super easy to clean. Waterproof and reversible, they come in a ton of sizes. It’s easy to find one that will fit your dogs favorite spot.
I hope these picks help you keep your pets comfortable this winter. Do you have any tips for keeping your furry friends warm? Let me know in the comments! And don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest.
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