November 23, 2024, 8:57 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Dogs can also get cold in winter. That’s why there are a few things for owners to consider, depending on the type of coat their four-legged friend has. However, not all breeds need a coat.
Whether they have short or long fur, a winter coat, or even shoes on their paws, owners should do a few things in winter to ensure that their dog gets through the cold season comfortably. Many owners simply leave their dogs’ coats a little longer to protect them from the cold. But is this enough to prevent your dog from freezing in winter, and what do you need to bear in mind when grooming in general?
In most cases, it is true that dogs with slightly longer coats do not freeze in winter, explains vet Astrid Behr. However, the coat should be brushed regularly, advises the spokesperson for the German Association of Practicing Veterinarians. Otherwise, it becomes knotted, and you have to shear the coat down completely. Then, the dog will freeze in winter, and you can’t go without a dog coat, even with long-haired breeds.
When should you trim more often, and when is a good brushing enough?
Behr explains that the coat should be trimmed regularly for dog breeds without an undercoat. This includes poodles, for example. They should, therefore, be clipped at regular intervals. “Ideally, every two to three months.” To prevent dogs from freezing in winter, the coat should not be too short. “You just leave a little more standing.”
The situation is similar for Havanese, for example, which also have no undercoat but a long coat. Owners should also trim the tips in winter, says the expert. “Otherwise, some of the hair will grow down to the ground.” But the same applies here: don’t trim the coat too much. After all, topcoats also have a protective effect, for example, against rain.
For dogs with longer hair and undercoat, such as retrievers and Bernese mountain dogs, a good brushing is sufficient. “Especially regularly when the coat changes.” Owners should only use scissors on the paws. “If there is snow, lumps of ice can stick to the paws if the hair there is too long.” And that hurts the dog. That’s why owners should also cut away the tufts of fur between the pads. “You don’t even have to go to the groomer for that,” says the vet. However, care must be taken not to cut into the skin between the toes. If you are afraid of not grooming your dog’s coat properly in winter, you can ask a vet to show you the right technique.
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In general, dogs do not need to wear clothing on cold days. “However, short-haired dogs that have no undercoat and are neither clipped nor cut can actually freeze,” says the vet. If the four-legged friend is shivering, a rain-repellent winter coat can help. Astrid Behr advises against dog sweaters because they can soak up moisture.
Another tip: take your dog shopping at a specialist pet shop. After all, the coat must fit properly and must not interfere with the four-legged friend when walking. It is important that the coat covers the entire back and reaches at least the base of the tail. “And with small dogs, the belly should also be covered because they are also lower.” Otherwise, the dog can quickly become ill.
According to Astrid Behr, if you go for a walk and the dog is on the move, most four-legged friends don’t get cold. However, care should be taken not to leave the animals outside for hours on cold days. Otherwise, they will all eventually get cold.
With material from dpa