How to help your dog through the cold season

With the onset of the cold season, not only us humans but also our dogs face a number of challenges. While some four-legged friends are well adapted to the winter weather, others need more support to stay healthy and warm through the winter. In this article, you will find tips on how you can help your dog in the cold season - from proper coat care and protection from the cold to the question of whether a dog coat is necessary.

Coat change: preparation for the cold season

Many dogs experience what is known as shedding between September and November, when they exchange their light summer coat for a thicker winter coat. This natural process helps your four-legged friend to adapt to the falling temperatures. There are a few things you can do to support your dog during the shedding period:

• Regular brushing : Especially in autumn, brushing your dog more frequently can help to remove the old fur and support the growth of the new winter coat. It also prevents the fur from matting and ensures that the skin remains well ventilated.
• Healthy diet: A balanced diet supports a healthy coat. The essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in particular promote the health of our four-legged friends' skin and coat. This is especially important during the coat change, as this allows the new coat to grow optimally.

Recognizing cold sensitivity: When does your dog need additional protection?

Not every dog ​​is equally well equipped to deal with the cold. While breeds such as huskies or Bernese mountain dogs often have no problems with freezing temperatures, smaller, short-haired breeds, southern breeds, older dogs and even puppies are more susceptible to the cold. It is always important to pay attention to your dog's signals:

• Shaking or restless behavior: If your dog is shaking or trying to snuggle up to you extra closely, it's a sign that he's cold.
• Cold ears and paws : Touch your dog's ears or paws after a walk. If they are very cold, it may indicate that he has lost too much heat.

If you notice such signs, additional protection in the form of a dog coat may be useful.

Dog coats: When they are useful and which one suits your dog

A dog coat is not only a fashion accessory, but can be helpful in many cases to protect your dog from cold and wet weather. Here are some situations in which a dog coat is recommende

When buying a dog coat, you should make sure that the coat fits well and does not restrict your dog's freedom of movement. It should be breathable and easy to clean. A reflective strip is also practical to make your dog more visible in the dark season.

Paw care: protection from salt and cold

In winter, your dog's paws are particularly stressed, especially by road salt and cold. Here are a few tips to keep your dog's paws soft and well cared for:

• Paw balm or Vaseline: Apply a thin layer of paw balm or Vaseline to your dog's paws before a walk to protect them from road salt and cold. This will prevent the salt from penetrating the skin.
• Rinse paws after a walk: After a walk, you should rinse your dog's paws with lukewarm water to remove any salt residue and small stones. This will prevent the paws from drying out or becoming irritated.