There are products that can make life as a dog owner a little easier in the winter (and also make winter comfortable for the dog).
I've put together some winter must-haves (more or less anyway) for a dog owner. Read more about them here:
1. Paw wax
Road salt in winter can be painful for your dog's paws and cause cracks or sores in the pads. That's why it's important to apply paw wax to your dog's paws before a cold walk on salted roads. Paw wax makes the pads more flexible and resistant to the salt, which reduces the risk of sores and tears.
In winter, paws are especially vulnerable because salt and snow irritate the skin, and the cold makes the pads more dry and vulnerable. Paw wax acts as a protective barrier and can also reduce the risk of the dog slipping on icy surfaces.
If the dog steps on a lot of salt, the paws should be wiped off after the walk to remove the salt.
See paw care here
2. Nose wax
Just as human hands can get dry in the winter, cold temperatures can dry out a dog's muzzle. Muzzle wax protects the muzzle and is easy to take with you on walks. The wax also contains SPF, which protects against the sun's rays all year round.
In winter, the air is often dry, and the cold can cause cracks and irritation on your dog's nose. Nose wax keeps the nose soft, protects against drying out, and helps the dog maintain the sensitivity in the nose, which is important for smelling and navigating safely.
See muzzle care here
3. Dog shoes
Dog boots protect your dog's paws from cold, snow, ice and road salt. They are especially good for dogs that walk on hard, frozen surfaces or that quickly get cold paws. In addition to warmth, the boots also protect against cuts and abrasions and provide better grip on slippery surfaces, reducing the risk of injury.
See dog shoes here
4. Dog jacket
Small dogs, dogs without undercoats and older dogs benefit from a warm jacket in the winter. The jackets are adjustable, have access to a harness and are both warm and waterproof. There are special sizes for dachshunds, French bulldogs, whippets and greyhounds. A rain jacket can also be useful for dogs that keep themselves warm.
In winter, some dogs lose body heat quickly, and the cold can lead to discomfort or, in the worst case, health problems. A dog jacket keeps the body warm, protects against wind and rain, and makes walks more comfortable, even on the coldest days.
See dog jackets here
5. Dog sweater
A sweater can be a good alternative when it's cold but a jacket isn't necessary or practical.
Sweaters are especially practical for short walks, indoor use, or dogs that easily overheat in a thick jacket. In winter, a sweater provides extra warmth without restricting movement, and can be a quick solution on cold mornings.
See sweaters here
6. Dog flashlight
Winter means dark mornings and evenings. A dog light increases safety on walks, so both dog and owner are visible to drivers and other pedestrians. The lights from Orbiloc can be seen up to 5 km, are waterproof and have a long battery life. You can choose between constant light or flashing, depending on what provides the best visibility.
See dog lights here
7. Dog bag
A dog carrier can be useful in the winter, especially for small, elderly or injured dogs who cannot walk long distances in the cold. The carrier protects the dog from snow, wind and cold, while allowing you to keep it close to you and easily transport it over short distances.
