Caring for Your Dog All Year Round



Your dog loves to have fun all through the year – whether it’s raining, snowing, or sunny BBQ weather, they’re always ready to play and explore with you right beside them! Just like you, though, their needs will be different according to the weather and the time of year, especially if you’re going to an outdoor event, celebration, or other busy place together.
Cold weather and winter dog care

When it’s chilly, protecting dogs’ feet during exercise is important. Once you've been out in the cold with your dog, take care to remove any packed snow or ice from between the toes of their paw pads.
Wipe their paws thoroughly too, as sometimes moisture can be trapped and cause sores.
Salt and other de-icers that are spread on footpaths and roads may also irritate the pads and cause bleeding, so be sure to look out for them.
Short-haired dogs, older dogs and dogs with health problems will appreciate it if you buy them a dog jacket for when they go outside, especially when it’s chilly.
- Again, if you’re worried about frostbite or your dog’s condition during winter, just go straight to your vet for help.
- It's natural to want to give your dog space, but their outdoor shelter should be small enough to preserve their body heat so they can keep nice and warm. Remember to provide plenty of bedding!
Seasonal hazards
- Warm weather means even more opportunities for you and your dog to have fun outside together. However, just like you, as temperatures soar dogs in summer become more vulnerable to heat stress.
- Remember that maintaining a comfortable environment for your dog is important; it’s also very easy! For example, provide plenty of cool, fresh water and shade to help them keep cool.
- Your dog can’t step into a pair of sunglasses and a sunhat, so you have to keep an eye on their sun protection instead! Monitor them regularly to make sure they’re happy.
- Your dog benefits from sun protection as much as you do – ask your vet about your particular breed and the sun protection they might benefit from.
- For example, pet sun creams are available for hot days, so protect your canine friend with the right sun cream before setting off for the day – again, ask your vet what kind you need.
- Don’t use human products on dogs, as they might not be effective or could even cause damage.
- The more vulnerable areas on your dog include the nose and ears, and these can be susceptible to sun burn.
- White dogs are especially vulnerable when it comes to sunburn, especially their ears and noses, and they will need a higher factor dog sun screen.
- You love grooming your dog as much as they enjoy it, but bear in mind that dogs that have recently had their coats trimmed short are particularly vulnerable to burning and heat stress.
- Before you head off, consider whether this is the right sort of environment for your dog – every dog is different.
- If your dog is travelling with you on holiday, you might want to check out our article on heatstroke in dogs to find out why car travel is best avoided.
Whatever the time of year, seasonal celebrations are another challenge for your dog, whether they find all the activity exciting or scary! Read our article on dogs, fireworks and parties to find out how to get your dog safely through Christmas, birthdays, Guy Fawkes Night and other events.
Warm weather and dogs in summer

To ensure that your dog doesn’t get tired out during the summer, avoid exercising your dog too much when it’s really hot – for instance during hot days or warm, humid nights.
The best time to exercise dogs in summer is either early in the morning or late in the evening. This is particularly important for dogs with thick, heavy coats and lots of long hair.
Take it easy by avoiding taking them out in the middle of the day, and avoid vigorous exercise for all dogs in hot, humid weather.
Now your dog is prepared for the rest of the year, you can get on with enjoying your time together!

If you’d like more information on year-round dog care or have any other queries, contact our PETCARE EXPERT TEAM.