Finding the ideal furry companion for you is important, but we must also consider whether they are a perfect match for the country in which you live. While there is nothing wrong with a cold-loving dog in a hot country and vice – versa, we must still consider their security and well-being.

What we strive for is to raise a happy and healthy dog! So, considering the weather, here are some dos and don’ts to keep our best friend comfortable.

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Dos:

Cold-Weather Dogs in Hot-Weather Climates:

1. Keep them hydrated. Place filled water bowls throughout the house for easy access whenever your dog becomes thirsty. And make sure to always bring one with you while traveling to help prevent dehydration in your dog.

2. Groom them regularly. For dog breeds that have a thick and long coat, it is important to trim their fur as they can develop a moldy smell. You can go to a professional groomer familiar with your breed to get the right cut.

3. Limit taking them outdoors. You should avoid taking your dog for a walk during the hottest part of the day. Keep your walks short and go either early in the morning or late in the day.

Hot-Weather Dogs in Cold-Weather Climates

1. Keep them warm. Make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep, and get them a coat or sweater that will keep them warm. Also, Increase the protein and fat content of your furry friend’s diet to keep their coat healthy during the winter.

2. Take them for walks. Even though the cold weather can be harsh, it is still vital for your dog to get exercise. Bundle them up and take them for a walk outside. Just make sure their paws are protected from the snow and ice.

3. Keep an eye on their paws for frostbite. Like humans, dogs’ ears and paws are susceptible to frostbite in extreme cold weather conditions. So check their paws regularly for ice build-up and consult your vet if you think they may have frostbite.

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Dont’s:

Cold-Weather Dogs in Hot-Weather Climates

1. Don’t overwork them in heat. Heat exhaustion is more common in dogs, particularly those genetically prone to it. To avoid this, provide shade, take breaks during exercise, and ensure that they are well hydrated.

2. Don’t leave them in a hot car. Leaving your pets inside a car unattended will lead to life-threatening situations. In this situation, dehydration, heatstroke, and brain damage are all possible outcomes.

3. Don’t shave them down to the skin. Longer coats are beneficial in cold weather as they will provide warmth. Simply trimming their fur to reduce the number of clinging ice balls will suffice, especially if your pet is long-haired.

Hot-Weather Dogs in Cold-Weather Climates

1. Don’t leave them outside unsupervised. Dogs that are left unattended easily get into trouble, like licking snow off the ground, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea. So make sure to keep an eye on your furry friend when they are outside playing in the snow.

2. Don’t give them ice water. Dogs are just as susceptible to brain freeze as humans are. When they drink ice water during winter, their body has to work harder to regulate their internal temperature, leading to health problems.

3. Don’t overdo the grooming. Overdoing dog grooming is just as bad as not grooming them at all. In doing so, they get more susceptible to suffering hypothermia and other dog-related issues that can harm their health.

As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that your furry friends are in good health during different seasons. By following the Dos and Don’ts mentioned above, you can keep your dog safe and healthy during extreme weather conditions. So be sure to keep them in mind when planning your outdoor activities.

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