Winter is coming so it’s nearly time to dig out those winter woollies and get the raincoat ready.
Here are some tips to keep your dog happy and warm during the winter months.
Wintery Walks
A romp at the beach can be just as much fun in winter as it is in summer. Most Auckland beaches have restricted dog access with hours that change seasonally. So now is the time to check when the access hours are at your favourite beach over winter. You can do this online.
It’s pretty important to keep your dog’s exercise up over winter but as daylight hours get shorter and the rain creeps in, it can be hard to fit it in.
Keep shorter walks interesting by playing a game like fetch or hide and seek and if your dog is small, you might even be able to play some indoor games to get a bit of extra exercise.
Don’t forget to dry your dog off with a towel to keep them warm if you get caught in the rain.
Outdoor living
Outdoor living is great in summer but it can be a bit more challenging in winter conditions, even for pooches.
If your dog is an outside dog, check that their kennel or bed is warm and dry and away from any rain or leaks.
Older or unwell dogs might also benefit from sleeping inside on the nights when the weather is a bit dicey. Consider setting up a cosy indoor bed for the colder winter months.
Winter diet
It’s only natural for dogs (and humans too…) to potentially exercise a bit less in the winter.
It also takes more energy to stay warm so dogs, again much like us humans, can eat a bit more when the weather is cold.
Keep an eye on the amount your dog is eating to make sure they don’t pack on a few extra winter pounds. Make sure fresh water is always available too!
