With the winter season just around the corner, you will be looking for some coverage to keep yourself warm and cozy. But have you considered how to keep your pug warm too? Many people often think that pugs can tolerate the cold weather as they have a thick coat and plenty of wrinkles. However, this assumption is nothing but a misconception.
Your pug will have to venture outdoors when nature calls and he needs to get some exercise to maintain a healthy weight. Whatever the reason is, your pug needs a little extra care during the freezing winter. Remember, preparing your pug for winter is a necessity that every dog owner should consider.
If you are looking for some ways to prepare your pug for wintertime, then you have come to the right place. In this write-up, we will provide some essential cold-weather tips which can be tailored to every dog breed.
Essential Tips to Keep Your Pug Protected During Winter
Consider getting a cosy coat
You should not assume that your pug can tolerate the freezing winter just because your pug has built-in coats. The reason is that your pug’s coat is relatively thin in comparison to other dog breeds, such as Husky and Newfoundland. As such, you should consider getting a cozy jacket for him.
Nowadays, there are several kinds of coats and jackets with a wide range of sizes. Hence, finding a suitable coat for your canine would not be a challenging task.
Take your pug outdoor during the warmest part of the day
In an ideal world, it is always recommended to take your pug outdoor when the weather gets sunny and warmer. The best time for this will be during the early afternoon or late morning when the temperature is at its peak. This way, you will not experience severe cold weather conditions such as frostbite and hypothermia.
If you feel cold, most likely, your dog feels the same. So, whatever time of the day you feel comfortable going out may also be the most comfortable time for your furry pal.
Protect your pug’s paws
You should note that cold water, ice, and winter salt can significantly irritate your pug’s paws. So, when taking your dog outdoor, you must carry a soft cloth or a paper towel with you. You can use it to wipe your pug’s paws, especially if begins to limp. Additionally, you should check for any cuts or damage after bringing him back from the outdoor walk.
Another way of protecting your pug’s paws is by trimming the fur between the pads. This way, you can prevent building up of ice between pads. However, if he continues to show signs of discomfort while walking on salted or frozen surfaces, then HappiestDog recommends using quality paw balm or finding suitable dog booties.
A cute dog bootie like the one from Neewa Dogs or other similar stores would be perfect to protect their paws when you go out in the snow. The booties come in many sizes and are available in various materials. This way, you can pick one best for your little pug.
Find warm bedding
Finding the right bedding is important to ensure your pug stays warm during the cold weather, especially during the night. All dogs should have a warm bed to sleep on, letting your dog sleep on a cold floor is not acceptable, especially during the winter months. It would also help if you placed your dog’s bed in the area where he sleeps every day, to keep this place familiar.
Brush and groom regularly
Keeping your pug well-groomed and clean is essential, especially during winter. The reason is that salt, dirt, and dust can cover up its short body while going for walks. You can combat these issues by regularly brushing and grooming. Remember, your dog can experience complications such as skin irritation if you fail to follow this tip.
Limit outdoor time in winter
Your pug is significantly susceptible to frostbite during winter. As such, it is not wise to take your pug outdoors for a prolonged period. Of course, your dog must walk, play, and exercise regularly. However, leaving him outdoors for an extended time is not recommended or safe.
You may do exercises and activities inside the house instead of going out. You can play fetch and chase the bubbles, which will be fun indoors. Another game to try with them is catching the kibble, a fun activity for both the dog and the fur parent.
Increase caloric intake
During the winter we burn more calories when trying to keep ourselves warm. The same goes for your pug. A suggested increased caloric intake is vital and one great option is feeding high protein food. If you are not sure about your pug’s ideal caloric intake, use this calculator.
Be watchful where your pug plays
This aspect is significantly essential when you take your pug to an unfamiliar place. It is easy for him to venture into unstable surfaces like frozen water source.
Insulate the doghouse
If you are keeping your pug outdoors, then providing an insulated doghouse is a necessity. It would help if you also placed the doghouse facing away from the prevailing wind. Additionally, we recommend using ceramic or plastic bowls. Remember, using metal bowls in winter can cause various complications such as sticking your dog’s tongue.
But if you feel the temperature is intolerable, it would be best to bring your pug inside the house for their safety.
Moisturize
During winter, your pug can suffer several skin issues, such as flaky or dry skin. You can resolve this issue by adding skin supplements to your dog’s food. Another effective way is using moisturizer, which will keep his skin healthy. If you notice any cracks or dry patches on his ears, paws, and tail, then we recommend using coconut oil.
Add a few drops to your palm, and apply gently to their fur, ears, and paw. Your pug will surely love you more for this tender loving care. The coconut oil will lubricate the skin and prevent flaking and irritation. The ingredient in coconut oil can increase lipid levels on your pug’s skin and make its coat look sleek, glossy, and smell yummy. Don’t be surprised if you see them licking their fur often.
Conclusion
To sum up, preparing your pug for the winter season is all about educating yourself as a dog owner. You should be able to identify the signs and potential problems that your pet may be experiencing. Some of these signs include anxiety, weakness, or shivering.
