5 Tips To Keep Your Dog Safe From The Winter Blues

Winter days get dull and gloomy, and the harsh weather can take its toll on your mood. The quintessential winter blues aren’t confined to humans but affect animals as well. So don’t be surprised if your dog seems to be lethargic and depressed on the bleak, cloudy days. Fortunately, you need not worry a lot because it is possible to help the animal cope with the season with some simple measures. Here are some tips you can try to help your dog ward off the winter blues.

Focus on a healthy diet

Your dog may have an increased appetite during the winter months because it probably requires more energy to keep warm. Focus on a healthy diet that is high in nutrients and filling. Prioritize warm, fresh, and easy-to-digest meals like boiled starchy vegetables, cooked chicken, and bone broth. Even as you feed the dog well, keep a check on its weight because you will not want an overweight pet at the end of the season.

Keep up the exercise schedule

Exercise and physical activity are equally important to keep the animal healthy and happy during the cold days. Take it outdoors for a walk in the park when possible, but make sure that its paws are well protected. Design an indoor activity schedule to ensure that the dog gets enough workouts when you cannot take it out due to rain or snow. 

Address mental blues

While keeping up with a good diet and exercise will keep your furry companion in shape, you cannot go slack with its mental health. Dogs, like humans, can experience the symptoms of Seasonal Anxiety Disorder (SAD). So spend plenty of time with the pet and give it lots of love and attention. You can rely on CBD Dog Health treatment with CBD oil or treats for extra help with anxiety. The therapy also works for pain and mobility issues, which get more common during this time of the year.

Ensure warmth and comfort

The freezing weather can be tough on dogs, more so if the animal is sick, young, or senior. As a pet parent, you should go the extra mile to keep it warm and comfortable. Have a warm bed for the dog so that it can stay snug through the day and sleep well at night. Add an extra blanket if needed or place it near the fireplace or heater. You can even place a hot water bottle in the kennel for extra warmth.

Pay attention to health conditions

Whether your dog is healthy or has a health condition, things may get a tad more challenging at this time of the year. It makes sense to pay attention to the pet’s health and look out for any unusual signs and symptoms. If you notice anything amiss, schedule a vet visit at the earliest. Regular checkups are equally important, so don’t miss out on scheduled visits. It is all the more important if you own a puppy or a senior dog.

A little extra care and lots of love can make winters easy for your canine companion. Just make that extra effort, and your dog will not suffer from the seasonal blues.