If you have a senior pet, you know all the additional care you have to offer them to make sure they’re comfortable. And the winter can be difficult for all dogs, especially older ones.
Between all the snow, the wind, the cold weather, and even the storm sometimes, you need to be extra careful.
The first thing you need to do is make sure that the dogs don’t need to live outside. Even if you have a yard, don’t even think about leaving them stranded in there. Get them inside, and make sure they have a warm, comfortable bed to snuggle in. A bed with a lot of padding instead of stuffing is more durable and gives your dog more comfort.
Still, you can’t keep them inside 24/7. Even if they’re elderly, you need to make sure they get some exercise. A couple of walks per day will do the trick, but in winter you need to make sure they stay warm. So, it’s best to dress them in winter gear. Boots, coats, and sweaters will keep your dog protected from extreme conditions.
Elderly dogs might need to take some supplements, like chondroitin, which combats osteoporosis, but you need to consult your vet before you give them anything. Also, it’s a good idea to take your dog for a check-up when winter hits, to see if there are any conditions you need to take care of.
Lastly, make sure they stay active even when they are inside. Obviously, your time to take walks will be much shorter than in other seasons, so you will need to get creative with how you get their exercise in.