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May 15, 2021

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Winter can be just as hard on our pets as it is on us. Dogs who are exposed to excess cold can develop respiratory, sinus and skin problems, as well as painful joints.

Pet health expert Pawl B More, has shared his top five tips on how to keep your dog happy and healthy this winter.

1. Keep them warm

This one might be obvious, but it’s important that you protect you pets from winter’s icy wind, especially if your dog has a short coat or doesn’t have a lot of body fat. Rug up your pup with a cool coat or jacket; not only will it give your pup street cred, it will keep them warm.

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common conditions affecting older dogs and colder weather can make it worse.

Consult your vet about ways to manage your dog’s condition. As arthritis becomes more advanced, your vet might recommend additional natural pain relief. For example, green lipped mussel can help reduce joint pain and inflammation, omega fatty acids, antioxidants and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) can also provide fast and effective pain relief from arthritic symptoms for your pet.

2. Multivitamins

Being cold puts extra stress on our bodies… and the same goes for our pets. This can lead to a reduced immune function and a greater susceptibility of them getting sick, especially when it comes to puppies and older dogs.

Pawl says, “Help boost your dog’s immune system with antioxidant rich ingredients such as, blueberries and alkalising ingredients like spirulina and kale to maintain wellness and vitality. Pet multivitamins can also be kangaroo based, making them a ripper of a treat!”

3. Keep their noses wet & coat conditioned

With Winter comes a dry air that will turn your dog’s nose from wet to dry, and even cracked. “Dry pup noses are generally accompanied by itchy, flaky skin; calluses and cracked paw pads. Talk about miserable!” Pawl says.

Get a hydrating ointment, which is rich in Omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids which will help your pup’s skin survive the temperature drop.

4. Clean Ears

Winter makes dogs more susceptible to developing ear infections. Wetter weather and colder climate can allow moisture to seep into their ear canals, and left unchecked or uncleaned, can result in painful ear infections caused by yeast and bacteria growth.

5. Guard against infection

“Dogs explore with their noses, and with our noses being more susceptible to cracking in Winter, it’s important we protect those cuts from the bacteria that a moist, open wound invites,” Pawl says. Manuka Wound Gel can be used as a protective barrier, providing a medical grade dressing with natural oils and waxes to help prevent run off as well as prevent the development of potential infection.

  • Thankfully Winter in QLD is not that bad

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  • I haven’t heard of these tips before to keep doogos well in winter!

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  • I read this and think of all those poor dogs kept outside 24/7. 2 in particular I pass daily, always outside in their pen with just a couple of tin shelters. So cold in winter and hot in summer. Makes me sad. Even sadder when I know the owners have a calf and possum inside at times…..but never the dogs

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  • All dog owners must read it. Thank you for sharing

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  • Our dog is seemingly not himself at the moment. He’s been to the vet, even sedated, with no clear idea of what is wrong. He’s just different. Won’t sleep in his bed, yelps at times, but still loves to eat, walk, jump, snuggle, etc.

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  • Great tips, I would love a dog one day

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  • Very informative. Thanks for sharing.

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  • great tips and definitely good to know

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  • Wonderful tips. Pets are like family. I care for my puppy like my babies.

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  • We have a toddler and a baby so our dogs are most definitely outside dogs.
    Sorry but they are animals at the end of the day

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  • :( we just lost our old girl this week. No matter how we tried to keep her warmer, she developed a cough she couldn’t shake- maybe pneumonia?

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  • Surely dogs are animals and used to being outside in all temperatures?

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  • Keep them nice and rugged up

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  • Our dog has moved to being an indoor dog so he’s keeping nice and warm. Have noticed he sneezes a lot and his constantly licking his poors. Have just ordered some cream online to try. Had no idea mulitivitamins for dogs were a thing. Will be looking into this one.

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  • If I put a coat on my dog then she doesn’t move, she’s like a statue. I always heat up the house in the winter and she comes and goes as she pleases. If she’s been outside and comes in wet, I immediately dry her and put her bed in front of the heater.

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  • good tips – my dog doesn’t like wearing jackets anymore. she stays warm out in sun and then snuggled up under a blanket when in doors.

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  • My poor girl suffers every winter- thanks for the tips!

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  • Thank you for sharing it. Pet owners would appreciate it.

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  • Thank you for the tips and the things that we should look out for and do. I must admit, I didn’t know about some of these things!

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  • Great tips. We constantly have issues with our dogs ears doesn’t matter if it’s winter or summer we can not fix them, vets are at the point of cutting them off D:

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