In a city where this winter season seems to be spring one day and the depths of winter the next, we are bringing you some winter hacks for your city pup to make them happy and engaged and you from doing any too much extra work to keep them clean.
Keep Up Your Dog’s Grooming Routine:
It’s a myth that keeping your dogs hair longer in the winter helps keep them warm. In fact, longer hair can hinder proper circulation due to increased knotting in the hair. Combined with the extra time it takes to brush out their tangles, wearing winter sweaters and being out in the elements-keeping up with your regularly scheduled haircut is your best bet. For ease of taking our knots, choose a detangler/dematter that is easy and pain free for your pet.
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize:
Being in a home with the heat going on around the clock even if it is turned down some of the time can contribute to your dog’s skin/coat drying out. Common areas to make sure you are keeping moisturized are their nose, paws and areas on their snout that may have tear staining. Be sure to run the dehumidifier and use products that re-introduce moisture and hydration where it was lost.
Be Proactive in Protecting Your Dog from the Elements:
NYC streets can be riddled with salt after (and sometimes during) the snow and it’s no friend to the naked paw. Ask your super or local favorite shop to please use pet friendly salt. For your dog’s paws, we recommend mushers to help prevent this or the rubber booties (careful, one always seems to go missing). Occasionally we find anti-freeze which has a scent that some dogs are drawn to and may be tempted to take a lick of which is very dangerous. If your dog drinks anti-freeze go to your vet immediately!
Shorter Walks Outside? Get Your Dog’s Nail Trimmed More Regularly:
Not going outside on as long of walks? Bringing your dog to daycare more? Be sure that your dog is still getting a chance to have a healthy length for their nails. Winter walks and less time outside on pavement can contribute to slightly longer nails which can cause discomfort in the dog.
Hire A Dog Walker or Bring Your Dog to Daycare:
Dogs love to walk and some dogs care not that it is winter. They love to play, socialize and be in the elements– even when you sometimes don’t! Make sure your dog is not missing out on socializing and exercising by sending him/her to daycare once or twice a week or consider hiring a dog walker a few times a week to make sure your dog still gets to stay social. Boredom can mean destroying furniture, leaving “presents” around the home or other accidents.
Work on New Tricks or Bond More Deeply:
The physical walk with your pup outside is as much beneficial to the dog mentally as it is physically. Sort of. Dogs LOVE to sniff because it’s fun and they are gathering information about their environment. If your walks are shorter, be sure to keep your dog mentally engaged by learning a new trick (practice makes perfect) or taking a course on how to bond more deeply with your dog. Some dogs can learn up to 160 words. How many does your dog know?
Get a Xmas Puppy? Have a New Rescue too Young for Daycare? Get a Dog Nanny Share:
Want the one on one attention AND socialization aspect for your dog? Get a dog nanny share with a neighbor or ask to be part of one with your local dog nanny company. Your dog will have a playmate and the elements of being social before entering into full-fledged daycare. Remember dogs are pack animals and a human is never a substitute for another dog or puppy (though sometimes we wish we were).
Make sure your dog has appropriate outdoor apparel:
Ensuring that your dog is appropriate protected from the elements is important. Be sure to wash your dogs sweaters and jackets regularly as it will help with his skin/coat as well as the longevity of the item. Some of our favorite sites for dog jackets/coats are Etsy and Dog and Co.
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This article was written by Cynthia Okimoto at New York Dog Nanny. This advise is not to meant as a substitute for veterinary advise. We also participate as an Amazon Affiliate. Your purchasing through our links helps support our research and recommendations.
