Brrrrrrr…Sydney Winter sure has hit us with vengeance!  As the seasons turn again to the chillier side of things, take a moment to get your pooch prepared.

Here are some Canine Health & Wellbeing Tips to consider this season:

Hypothermia

Although most of us are aware of our dogs tolerance (selective and actual) of the cold, dog owners should be mindful to always provide a warm, dry and draft free shelter for their dogs, especially if they are kept outside most of the time.   Many breeds of dog have particularly thin coat and skin, so are much more prone to sudden drops in body temperature in the cold weather. Greyhounds, Whippets, Boston Terriers and Daschunds are a few breeds that are particularly vulnerable. Make sure to provide warm, fleecy jackets to these breeds if they are cold, even in doors

Hypothermia can lead to serious and even fatal consequences if not recognised so keep that pooch snug! If you suspect your dog has hypothermia, move them to a warm room, wrap them in a thick towel and call your veterinarian for advice as soon as possible

Arthritis and Aches

Older dogs will experience more pain in arthritic limbs and joints during the cold weather. In these cases you can provide heat pads under bedding (never let these make direct contact with skin) or a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel, if your pal can be trusted to not bust it open! Joints may be particularly sensitive to the touch, and assistance may be needed with mobility in the colder months. Pet Prams & portable pet ramps can help you manage this condition and still give your dog its usual freedom

More Time Indoors

Chilly weather may be a deterrent to you and your dog out for your usual outdoor walks and activities. Despite this, most dogs still need to burn excess energy and get the pleasure from the enrichment the outdoors provides. Many behaviour related problems may flare up in direct conjuncture with a lack of exercise so stay on top of those winter blues and hit the pavement with your best mate
More Food or Less?

Many people consider feeding their dogs more during winter to help them build up a layer of ‘winter coat’. Dogs that spend most of their time outdoors generally do need more calories during cold weather, but feed indoor pets the same amount as usual

Dangerous Cold Weather Plants

A handful of flowering bulbs that bloom in the cold weather can be highly toxic when eaten by your dog (or cat). The bulb structure in particular is the store of toxins in Daffodils, Lilies and Amaryllis (better known as Belladonna). Signs of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors & convulsions. Take your pet to the vet immediately if you see these signs

Leave the Light on For Me

With the sun setting just before 5pm, most homes will be in darkness before we even get home to our dear furry friend. Jut when they re all settled for a nigh time sleep, we arrive home and wake them! Leave a light on for them, or buy a timer so a lamp can come on at sunset so you can meet your perky pup at the door

Fleas Year Round

Contrary to popular belief, flea treatment needs to be provided to your pet year round.  Although most eggs and flea larvae will remain dormant in the colder months, just a handful of adult fleas can set your home up for disaster come the warm weather. An adult flea can ay 5000 eggs in her life!

Continue topical or oral flea treatments, as well as treating the environment regularly;

Stop pets accessing underneath the house

Clear up piles of leaf litter or grass clipping where fleas live and breed

Keep lawn short

Wash pet bedding in hot water and tumble dry if possible

Vacuum carpets and floorings thoroughly

Use insecticides and flea bombs if necessary ( make sure your pet is out of the house for the recommended time during and after treatment)

Thanks for reading, and give your pup a kiss from me X

Lolly (Happy Paws co- manager, resident vet nurse and dog blogger)