Name: Dr. Nartiša veterinārā klīnika Siguldā
Address: Strēlnieku iela 20A, Sigulda, Siguldas novads, LV-2150, LV
Telephone: +371 29188182
Price range: €€

Winter is approaching, bringing changes not only for people but also for their best friend-the dog. How can you prepare your dog for winter, and what important things should dog owners keep in mind as the cold season approaches? Dr. Paulis Nartišs, veterinarian and head of the veterinary clinic, shares his advice.

Wash and Brush Your Dog’s Coat

“Before winter, it is important to bathe your dog and regularly brush its coat to remove old undercoat that has accumulated over time. A dirty, unbrushed coat provides poor insulation and will not keep your dog comfortable in cold weather. If you normally bathe your dog frequently, do so less often during winter to prevent the skin from becoming dry.”

Check Your Dog’s Ears

“Regularly inspect your dog’s ears for signs of inflammation or excessive discharge. Cold temperatures and wind can contribute to ear problems, and inflammation can quickly become severe if left untreated.”

Inspect Your Dog’s Kennel

“Before winter arrives, owners of outdoor dogs should thoroughly inspect their dog’s kennel. Does the roof leak? Are there holes in the walls or floor? Does your dog have a comfortable sleeping area?
In autumn, when the weather is damp and temperatures are still above freezing, fleas remain active. They can infest both your dog’s coat and its bedding. If your dog has fleas, treat both the dog and its sleeping area with an appropriate anti-parasite product. If you use straw as bedding in the kennel, replace it before winter begins.”

Monitor Your Dog’s Water Bowl

“If your dog lives outdoors, replace metal water bowls with plastic ones before winter. Always make sure your dog has access to fresh drinking water. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining normal body temperature regulation.
If the water freezes, replace it with fresh water several times a day so your dog always has an opportunity to drink.”

Provide an Extra Portion of Food

“In cold weather, animals burn more calories to maintain their body temperature, just as humans do. Dogs that live outdoors should receive an additional portion of food.
When going on longer walks, be sure to bring treats and provide access to drinking water. As always, moderation is important-don’t allow your dog to become overweight.”

Help Your Dog Adjust to the Cold and Use Reflective Gear

“Dogs that spend most of their time indoors need time to adapt to colder temperatures. Introduce them gradually to outdoor conditions by limiting the duration of walks at first.
Short-haired breeds may also need warm clothing to prevent their bodies from cooling down too quickly. Whenever possible, take walks during the warmer part of the day when the sun is shining.
When walking during winter, both you and your dog should wear reflective accessories to remain visible.”

Never Take Your Dog Outside with Wet Ears

“Before going for a walk, make sure your dog’s ears are dry. Never go outside immediately after cleaning your dog’s ears. Allow them to dry completely to prevent skin irritation and painful ear infections.”

Keep Your Dog Off Ice

“Do not allow your dog onto ice-covered surfaces. Dogs can easily slip, resulting in sprains or even broken bones.
We can never be certain how thick the ice is. If it cannot support the dog’s weight, your pet may fall through, suffer cuts from sharp ice edges, or even become trapped beneath the ice, regardless of whether the body of water is still or flowing.”

Take Care of Your Dog’s Paws

“Your dog’s paws come into direct contact with snow and ice, especially on sidewalks treated with de-icing substances such as salt. As a result, the paw pads can become dry, crack, and cause significant discomfort.
It is also important to keep the fur between the paw pads trimmed. If it becomes too long, it absorbs moisture. In freezing temperatures, the fur can freeze outdoors and remain damp indoors for extended periods.

Before walks in urban areas, apply a suitable paw balm to the paw pads (petroleum jelly can be used at home, but your dog should not be allowed to lick it off). After walks, wash your dog’s paws thoroughly.
These precautions may not be necessary if your dog wears protective dog boots.

If your dog tries to eat snow or lick salt from sidewalks, prevent it from doing so. Salt poisoning can cause vomiting, weakness, diarrhea, muscle tremors, and other symptoms that may appear several hours after ingestion. If this occurs, contact your veterinarian immediately.”

Keep Antifreeze Out of Reach

“During the colder months, you may need to top up your vehicle’s antifreeze. Remember-antifreeze is TOXIC to animals.
Never leave antifreeze containers open or accessible where dogs can knock them over or drink from them. Antifreeze has a sweet taste that is attractive to both dogs and cats, so extra caution is required.”