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Pixabay
Dogs Best Suited for Cold Weather
Winter is the most beautiful season of the year. But not everyone
is the biggest fan of winter. While some love the snow and the
games that come along, others prefer staying insides within the
warmth of their homes. Like humans, even dogs have a choice when
it comes to weather. A Mexican hairless dog cannot survive easily
in snow, and a tropical climate is not suitable for a Siberian
Husky. Here are some dog breeds best suited for cold weather.
Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky breed originated from the harsh climate of
Siberia and was used for pulling sleds. They are very active and
independent breed of dogs that love cold weather. They are great
escape artists and need supervision when left alone in the yard.
Alaskan Malamute
They are often confused with Siberian Husky or American Husky,
their closely related cousins. They are built for the harshest
weather on the planet with their beefiest double coats. They are
strong and have the ability to tow more than three thousand
pounds. They are known to be extremely intelligent and
exceptionally friendly.
Saint Bernard
They are the most iconic winter dog breeds and famous for being
rescue dogs in the treacherous Alps weather. They make a perfect
family pet as they are very affectionate and easily trainable. They make an ideal
nanny for these dogs to have a softer side that many fail to
notice.
Bernese Mountain Dog
It is one of the most beautiful cold-weather breeds of dog you
will see. They can survive in just about any condition,
especially chillier ones. They make an excellent hiking companion
and known for their love for adventure. They are also known for
being affectionate and friendly, but they are not meant to be
guard dogs.
Tibetan Terrier
Don’t be fooled by its size as a Tibetan Terrier weighs anywhere
between 15-35 pounds on average. They have a large and remarkably
thick double coat that is well suited to cold weather. They are
athletic, smart, agile, and outgoing. These dogs need a lot of
grooming to keep them
healthy and happy.
Newfoundland
They are the most intimidating but loving and affectionate breed
of dogs in the world and are called ‘Gentle Giants’. They are
widely known as nanny dogs as they are marked by patience and
friendliness, making them the ultimate winter dogs.
Akita
They were originally bred in the mountain regions of Northern
Japan and are known for having heavy bones, making them extremely
tough. They have thick and short double-coat that are weather
resistant that makes them an excellent pet for cold weather. They
are the descendants of ‘Matagi’, Northern Japan’s traditional
winter hunter dogs.
Other breeds of dogs that are suitable for the harsh winter
weather include the Norwegian Elkhound, Keeshond, American Eskimo
Dog, Caucasian Shepherd, Tibetan Mastiff, Great Swizz Mountain
Dog among others.
How to Prevent Your Dog From Catching a Cold
If you thought only humans are at a risk of catching a cold,
think again! Dogs are just as likely to come down with a cold as
their owners. Sneezing, coughing, runny nose, watery eyes –
pretty much every symptom you can imagine having with a cold can
be present in your dog. Much the same prevention methods come in
handy when trying to keep your furball warm and healthy.
Preventative Methods
Follow these simple methods and keep your dog from feeling under
the weather –
- Put him on a diet of nutritious food. It will strengthen his
immune system against germs and disease causing virus. Make sure
your pet gets enough exercise, this will keep him in good form
and help fight a cold.
- Don’t keep him outdoors for a sustained amount of time. Your
dog may have a thick fur but not all of his body parts can stand
the cold. His paw, nose and ears remain exposed and can easily
catch him a cold. The only time it is permissible for him to be
outdoors ought to be when he indulges in some form of exercise
and keeps warm.
- Get him warm clothes. Why should you be the only one to dress
up warmly during colder seasons? Dress your dog in a sweater or a
jacket. He may not always be able to regulate his body heat.
- Don’t leave him out in the car alone. The insides of a car
can cool down very quickly during winter. It is not a good idea
to keep your dog locked in the car while you go run your errands.
- Make sure your dog gets plenty of rest. Downtime will help
him recuperate shall he begin to exhibit signs of having a cold.
- Feed him enough fluids. Just like you would to yourself if
down with a cold, your dog must get enough fluids into his body
to keep from getting dehydrated.
- Steam helps with congestion. Run your dog a warm bath to help
ease his congestion woes.
- If you have more than one dog, isolate the one with the cold
from the rest. You may not catch a cold from your dog, but
chances are your other dogs will.
- If the symptoms persist, fix an appointment with a
veterinarian for a closer inspection. He/she may prescribe him
antibiotics to help with the dog’s health. It is not advisable to
administer these antibiotics without them being specifically
prescribed by the vet.
Conclusion
If both you and your dog happen to catch a cold at the same time,
don’t hesitate in sharing your chicken soup with him! As long as
there aren’t any bones swimming in it, it will help him feel
better just as it will do for you.
