Cold weather can have various effects on canine health, and its impact can vary between dogs. In general, older dogs or those with pre-existing conditions may need a little more support during the cold, whereas younger dogs, especially those who are medium to long haired, just need good food. Read more to see what I’m talking about!
Immune System:
Suppression of the Immune System: Cold weather itself doesn't directly make dogs sick, but it may weaken the immune system, making some dogs more susceptible to infections.
It's important to note that individual responses to cold weather can vary, and some dogs may be more resilient to its effects than others. A proper hearty diet is more important than ever during the colder months, using warming proteins (chicken, lamb, venison, turkey).
It's important to note that individual responses to cold weather can vary, and some dogs may be more resilient to its effects than others. A proper hearty diet is more important than ever during the colder months, using warming proteins (chicken, lamb, venison, turkey).
Cardiovascular Effects:
Increased Blood Pressure: Cold weather can cause blood vessels to constrict, leading to an increase in blood pressure. This may be of particular concern for individuals with cardiovascular conditions. If your dog has high blood pressure, and is slightly older, a jumper may be necessary on cold days. If you’re not using quality fresh foods to help control hypertension (blood pressure) then please start using them. Use the recipes in the Ultimate Homemade Dog Food Handbook.
Musculoskeletal Issues:
Joint Pain: Cold weather may contribute to increased joint pain in dogs with conditions like arthritis.
Muscle Stiffness: Cold weather can cause muscles to contract and become stiffer, potentially leading to discomfort or injury. So a little jog to warm up is recommended before you go out running with your dog (which we all dog, regularly of course 😉)
Muscle Stiffness: Cold weather can cause muscles to contract and become stiffer, potentially leading to discomfort or injury. So a little jog to warm up is recommended before you go out running with your dog (which we all dog, regularly of course 😉)
Skin Problems:
Dry Skin: Cold air tends to be dry, which can result in dry and itchy skin. This can be particularly problematic for individuals with pre-existing skin conditions. Try use natural rubs, like coconut oil on the skin.
Mental Health:
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): There was study done on sled dogs, and their adjustments from season to season, and it turns out dog’s can begin to feel down during the darker and colder months too. The lack of exercise and sunlight exposure can affect mood and energy levels.
Cabin Fever: Spending extended periods indoors due to cold weather may contribute to feelings of isolation and cabin fever, potentially affecting mental well-being.
Cabin Fever: Spending extended periods indoors due to cold weather may contribute to feelings of isolation and cabin fever, potentially affecting mental well-being.
To keep your dog is tip top health, and reduce the susceptibility to getting sick in the winter, use this bone broth recipe:
How to Make Bone Broth
Bone broth is a fantastic way to get extra liquids and water into your dog. Some of the benefits of bone broth are:
It supports gut health and promotes healthy digestion
It is a great first food for dogs that are recovering from gastrointestinal issues and supports their immune system
It helps the liver detox
It is great for joint health
It adds moisture to your dog’s diet
It is a great first food for dogs that are recovering from gastrointestinal issues and supports their immune system
It helps the liver detox
It is great for joint health
It adds moisture to your dog’s diet
Ingredients:
2kg raw or cooked bones
Apple cider vinegar - 3 tbs
Water - 5 litres
Apple cider vinegar - 3 tbs
Water - 5 litres
Instructions
Put the bones in a large stockpot filled with the water.
Add three tablespoons apple cider and then leave it in the oven at 80-90 degrees Celsius for 24hrs.
Let it cool.
Pour into ice cube trays and store in the freezer.
Melt the stock prior to feeding it to your dog
50ml per 10kg per day
Add three tablespoons apple cider and then leave it in the oven at 80-90 degrees Celsius for 24hrs.
Let it cool.
Pour into ice cube trays and store in the freezer.
Melt the stock prior to feeding it to your dog
50ml per 10kg per day