Winter is here, and so is the time for you to get in the bed as soon as you reach home. Winter can be harsher for pets as they indulge in outdoor activities. Animals have a lesser appetite for cold weather.

5 common myths about dogs in winter

• Furry and thickly coated pets such as Pomeranian, Samoyed, Chow Chow, Bearded Collie, Great Pyrenees, Newfoundland, and Bichon Frise can stay outside as they can keep themselves warm. Their thick coat and fur provide enough protection from the cold. This is completely wrong. Thickly coated pets need protection too
• Dogs don’t need boots because their paws can’t freeze. Pets with furry feet tend to collect ice and snow between the toes can also largely benefit for feet protection.
• Small pets can’t play winter sports. It’s actually a misnomer. Small pets can equally indulge in sports.
• It’s ok to leave your pet inside the car because it’s winter. This can actually be dangerous. The car’s interior can get cold than the weather outside.
• Dogs don’t need to exercise in the winter. This isn’t true. Dogs need regular exercise to burn the excess fat from overeating during winter.

Tips for keeping pets warm

• Keep them indoors –You should bring them inside when the weather gets colder. If temperature drops, you should bring them inside for extra warmth. Keeping them outside can prove to be fatal. If you’re not able to bring them into your home you could keep them in a car-free shed or garage.
• Provide protected outdoor shelter –Keep their kennel out of rain and snow. Dog’s shelter lacks enough protection. Make sure you build it in an area with no rain, snow, or wind. If possible, provide insulation.
• Give them extra warmth –Put an extra blanket or tarpaulin over their kennel to help keep them warm.
• Outdoor exercise –Exercising keeps them warm during winter. Even during winter, pets would need natural light and exercise to keep themselves fitter.
• Extra bedding –Provide extra bedding for enough warmth and coziness. Give them plenty of bedding hay to snuggle into. You should change the bedding regularly.
• A heating pad –using a heating pad can be a handy option. Place an animal-safe heat pad under their bedding for extra warmth.
• Wrap up drinkable water –You should provide them with warm water. Drinking cold water during winter can invite many physical ailments.