Winter Care for Furry Family Members

We are in full winter mode in our home and that means extra socks and mitts packed in the kid’s backpacks, along with chapsticks, moisturizers, tissues….you get the idea. We know that we need special care to protect ourselves and our children from our cold, harsh, Canadian winters but we also cannot forget our pets. They get cold too!

The follow are the top three things that we rely on in the winter to keep our furry ones comfortable so that they can enjoy the snow too.

1. Coats and sweaters – they aren’t just for cute insta pics…they are a necessity. French bulldogs are especially sensitive to cold and need our help to keep warm. Sweaters, coats and even hats and boots can help prevent hypothermia in our little buddies. Even English bulldogs with their thicker coats, can use an extra layer on those cold days. It can be a little challenging finding one that fits their unique (ya unique..that’s a good way to put it..ha!) bods. Their short, wide trunks and thick necks make it challenging to say the least. There are a few companies that cater to bulldogs but be prepared to pay dearly. If you purchase one of these or have one custom made, I would suggest waiting until they are full grown to make that investment. We have bought some that fit our girls around their bodies and tailored the bottom to shorten it up so it fits a little better. Honestly, Im working on my sewing skills so I can make them their own custom coats. There are a few great free patterns online that look totally do-able.
2. Boots, paw balms and towels – help to protect our pets from all the chemicals and salt found on the ground in the winter. These chemicals can cause our pets to develop sore, cracked paws. Further, if left on their paws, most dogs will lick at them to try and clean them and in turn will ingest these harmful chemicals and salts that can in turn make them very sick. That is why it is very important to wipe their feet clean with a towel when returning in from a walk. We also like to use a paw balm that works as a barrier between their paws and the ground. There are many great brands out there to try. You can also use coconut oil in a pinch. More about coconut oil coming up! Lastly, some dog owners swear by rubber boots for their pooches. Our dogs won’t have anything to do with them. They drew the line there. But it was totally worth the purchase just to see them trying to walk in their booties. Too funny!
3. Coconut oil – man, we love coconut oil around our house! It really is a great item to use on yourself and your dogs, especially in the winter. As mentioned above, it is great to use as a barrier balm on their paws but it is also great to use on their nose when it becomes dry. We use it to moisturize their paws, their nose and if there’s any left on my hands I will just rub it over their coat. The great thing is that you know it won’t harm them if they lick it. Another great use for the oil is during nail trimmings. If you dab a little of the coconut oil on their nose right before you trim their nails, it will help keep them distracted during the process. Isn’t that a great one!?

Just remember, when it gets too cold, just like when it’s too hot in the summer, keep those little guys inside. There will be many days to enjoy the snow together when you are properly prepared.