Continuing on from yesterday's blog on Winter tips for your dog in Brisbane.
Help! How can I help my dog in winter, Brisbane Vet?
Should I clip my dog's fur in winter, Brisbane Vet?
Brushing your dog's coat is important not only as this keeps
the fur nice, clean and shiny, it also helps to prevent any fur from matting.
Dogs that wear jackets for a long period of time can get their fur matted
underneath the fabric, and this can create discomfort. Also, some pet parents
will leave their dog shaggy over winter but this often leads to skin problems
and matting. Keep up the appointments with your local dog groomers because you
dog’s fur still needs regular washing and trimming to make your pet
comfortable.
Is my dog getting fat in winter, Brisbane Vet?
It generally takes more energy to stay warm when it is cold,
so you might need to feed your outdoor ranging dog more during this winter. On
the other hand, indoor dogs conserve energy by sleeping more in the winter and
are less likely to exercise much when they do go outside, so you might want to
keep a close eye on your furry kid's weight. Remember that cold weather is a
great time for longer walks with your dogs (as much as it is tempting to just
stay warm at home). You will feel fantastic walking your dogs.
What can I do to help my old dogs, Brisbane Vet?
You may notice as the months get colder that your
grey-muzzled dog is starting to struggle / struggling to get out of bed. This
could be a sign of arthritis. Like humans, winter can be brutal to those achy
joints. Besides using orthopaedic dog beds, it is important to have adequate
exercise and to keep your dog’s weight under control, you might need to give
your pooch some oral joint supplements or visit your local vet for some
anti-inflammatory medicine. Acupunture and hydrotherapy are good alternatives to
help keep your geriatric dog comfy.
Should I see Brisbane Vet for a health check in winter?
Your pet will cope with the winter better if it is healthy.
This is especially important for older dogs that require check-ups before any
arthritic treatment can be dispensed. Some pet parents think that parasites are
less of an issue during winter but fleas love a heated house to breed! Pets
living in the warmer areas of Australia will still need to continue tick,
heartworm and intestinal worming treatment regularly.
