Thand Mein Bhi Tarakki! (Thriving Even in the Cold!): Smart Winter Care for Your Dog ❄️

 

While we might not get snow everywhere, the winter in most Indian cities—with its dry air, cool winds, and chilly nights—still requires us to adjust our pet care. We need to be proactive to ensure our dog stays safe, active, and comfortable when the thaw (cold) sets in.

Here are the most common mistakes pet parents make during this season and how to avoid them:

 

1. Don’t Let Them Become a “Couch Potato” 🛋️

 

The biggest mistake is cutting back on walks!

• Exercise is Essential: Reduced activity leads to weight gain, laziness, and stiffness. Your dog still needs to burn that energy!
• Smart Timing: Walk during the mid-morning or early afternoon when the temperature is mildest. Avoid the super chilly early mornings and late nights if your dog has a short coat or is older.
• Shorter, More Frequent: If it’s too cold for one long walk, try two or three shorter walks throughout the day to keep them moving.

 

2. Fight the Dryness: Skin and Paw Patrol 🧴

 

Winter air, especially with indoor heaters on, sucks the moisture right out of your dog’s skin and coat.

• Grooming: Regular brushing is crucial. It removes dead hair and stimulates natural oils that keep the coat healthy and the skin protected from dryness and flakes.
• Moisture Magic: Ask your vet for a moisturising shampoo to use sparingly.
• Paw Balm: The dry ground and rough winter surfaces can cause cracked, painful paw pads. Use a moisturising paw balm (like petroleum jelly or a commercial paw wax) to protect their feet before and after walks.

 

3. Clothes: Not Always Necessary! 🧥

 

It’s tempting to treat your dog like a baby and bundle them up, but be careful!

• Who Needs It? Small breeds, short-haired dogs, and senior dogs definitely benefit from a warm sweater or coat when outside.
• Who Doesn’t? Dogs with thick double coats (like Huskies, German Shepherds, or heavy Labradors) rarely need extra clothing and can easily overheat if made to wear sweaters inside.
• Watch for Panting: If your dog is panting heavily or seems restless while wearing clothes, take the layers off immediately.

 

4. Danger on the Ground: Clean the Paws! 🧼

 

Even if you don’t get snow, the ground can be dry, rough, or covered in unseen irritants.

• Wipe Down: Always make it a habit to wipe your dog’s paws with a damp cloth after every outdoor walk. This removes salt, sand, or any chemical residue from the street.
• Stop Licking: If they lick their paws immediately after a walk, they could ingest harmful elements. Cleaning them is essential prevention.

 

5. Hydration is Still King (Paani Zaroori Hai) 💧

 

Just because it’s not summer doesn’t mean they don’t get dehydrated!

• Dry Air Risk: The dry winter air and indoor heating actively pull moisture from their body.
• Fresh Water: Ensure they always have access to fresh water. If they don’t like cold water, offer it at room temperature.
• Wet Food Boost: Adding a little warm water to their kibble or switching to some wet food can naturally boost their overall water intake.

 

6. Extra Comfort for Senior Dogs (Buzurgon Ka Khayal) 👵

 

Cold weather can make arthritis and joint pain much worse.

• Warm Bedding: Make sure their sleeping area is away from drafts (thandi hawa ka jhonka). Add an extra blanket or consider a safe, low-wattage heated pet pad to keep their joints warm at night.
• Warm-Up: Give them a gentle massage or a short, slow walk before they start playing to warm up their muscles and reduce stiffness.

The Golden Rule: If you see your dog shivering, acting lethargic, or struggling to move, don’t wait for the sun to come out—call your vet! A quick consultation can prevent a small winter issue from turning into a big health problem.