Cold Weather & Your Senior Dog

Senior dogs are more sensitive to cold weather due to age-related changes, such as thinner coats, reduced circulation, arthritis, and weaker immune systems. Keeping them safe and comfortable during colder months requires extra care. Here are some tips to help!

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Senior dogs are more sensitive to cold weather due to age-related changes, such as thinner coats, reduced circulation, arthritis, and weaker immune systems. Keeping them safe and comfortable during colder months requires extra care. Here are some tips to help!

1. A Warm Place to Rest: Offer a thick and elevated bed to keep them off cold floors. Orthopedic beds are ideal for senior dogs, especially those with joint issues. Keep their bed in a warm and draft free environment.
   
2. Dog Outerwear: If your dog will tolerate it, put a sweater on them when taking them outdoors. Look for ones that fit well with insulation for added warmth. If you are in a location with snow, try to find one thats water resistant.
   
3. Paw Pad Protection: With the cold, senior dogs paws are more susceptible to drying out/cracking. Use a dog-safe moisturizer or wax to help prevent injury.
   
4. Keep Them Moving: It is easy in the colder months for them to become less active. Walks can help keep joints flexible and prevent stiffness. If schedule allows, do a couple shorter walks vs. one long walk to limit long exposure to the cold. 
   
5. Provide Supplements: Discuss with your vet if joint supplements like glucosamine, omega-3s, or other nutrients could benefit their aging joints during the colder months (great for all year round too!)
   
   These are just a few quick ways we can make sure our Senior pups enjoy the colder months. What are some things you do?