Caring For Your Dog In The Winter

Vitabiotics is proud to partner with historic animal charity Battersea, making a donation for every pack sold. That means for every pack of SuperDog you buy, you’ll help to support all the vital work that Battersea does for every dog and cat that needs them. We believe dogs and dog owners are stronger together.

Our friends at Battersea have shared their expert advice around care considerations for your canine companion during the winter months , including some useful tips for keeping your dog safe when out in the cold, and what to look out for if you suspect your dog has kennel cough.

Do Dogs Get Cold in Winter?

During the winter season, short-coated breeds, such as Greyhounds and Staffies, can struggle with the cold weather and may benefit from wearing a coat. Thicker-coated breeds, such as Labradors, Huskies and German Shepherds, generally don’t tend to be bothered by the cold because their fur does a great job of keeping them warm. Introducing active ingredients like Hebridean seaweed to your dog’s diet can support your dog’s coat growth , plus Omega-3 fatty acids which can help maintain a glossy coat and healthy skin. These nutrients can be found in SuperDog Health & Vitality, and can help provide additional support in your dog’s diet.

Dogs need daily exercise regardless of the weather. When out on walks, it’s important to make sure your four-legged friend is wrapped up warm, so make sure to put a coat on them when leaving the house as some will feel the cold more than others – especially if they are older.

What Temperature is Too Cold for Dogs?

Your dog’s fur can act like an inbuilt jacket, but the temperature can really depend on their age, breed and health, so it’s important to consider this when taking them out in the winter months. Smaller dogs, along with short-haired breeds and puppies, generally get cold more easily than larger, long-haired breeds. If your dog has a health condition, it’s important to take extra care when out on a walk.

Keeping Your Dog Safe on a Walk

As cold weather conditions often bring reduced visibility in fog or snow, it’s a good idea to make sure your dog has good recall, so they don’t get lost if you decide to let them off the lead. Make sure their microchip details are all up to date with your correct information. As the nights draw in earlier and the sun rises later, consider attaching a small light to your dog’s collar so they can be seen when out on walks.

Keep them away from frozen lakes and rivers as you can never tell how secure the surface is. It’s best to keep them on a lead if you think they may be tempted to jump in. After taking your dog out, make sure to dry them off if they’re wet or muddy so that they have a cosy bed to return to away from any cold draughts.

Keeping dogs stimulated indoors

Due to the colder weather, you may find that you spend less time outdoors. Keeping dogs stimulated and cosy indoors is essential when it's colder, especially for those most at risk. Possible ways to keep your dog entertained include teaching them new tricks, a treasure hunt with treats, using puzzle toys, and playing fetch or tug of war.

Can Dogs Get Colds from Humans?

Dogs can’t catch colds from humans. However, if you’ve been around another animal that has kennel cough or a similar virus, it’s possible to pass it onto your dog if the virus is on your clothes or your skin.

Kennel cough in dogs can appear similar to a human cold, though they aren’t quite the same. You may suspect your dog has it if they have a persistent dry cough that sounds similar to a goose honk, or as if they have something stuck in their throat. As it’s very common, it’s important to keep on top of your dog’s health and wellbeing by making sure they get plenty of rest throughout the day are staying thoroughly hydrated too. Seek advice from your vet if you have concerns.

Ensuring dogs get regular and comprehensive intake of nutrients including Zinc and Selenium, available in both SuperDog products can help to support your dog's natural immune system, an important consideration for the winter months.

*Vitabiotics is proud to be a long-term supporter of Battersea. Vitabiotics donates 35p plus VAT of every pack of SuperDog sold. This will help fund their vital work supporting dogs and cats in their centres and around the world.