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Here’s everything you need to know in February if you have a dog

Even if spring is getting closer and closer, in february it is still very cold. It’s best to be armed against all the imponderables to make it through the freezing season with your four-legged friend.

Rain, snow and freezing wind, the cold season is not just about us humans. For some dogs the fur is not enough to protect them from the winter cold.

When are dogs cold?

Dogs feel cold due to a multitude of factors: sensitivity to low temperatures, the condition of the coat, age and body fat, but also the animal’s general state of health.

In general, it can be said that small dog breeds suffer more from the cold and should therefore receive additional protection in the form of clothing hot in winter.

Explanatory table of cold tolerance for dogs. ©Todocat

Beware of road salt

As soon as it freezes outside, salt is spread on the roads to protect them from slippery roads. But for our canine friends, this ice protection poses several dangers.

On the one hand, the salt irritates the paws dry and cracked, causing pain when Fido walks and, on the other hand, dogs ingest salt when cleaning their paws, which can lead to stomach problemseven serious.

For this, after the walk, it’s better rinse paws of our little dog with warm water and, if necessary, rub the pads with an emollient oil, for example.

The dog eats the snow: the risks

Many dogs love to romp in fresh snow. Some of them even take a good bite of the white shine, but great caution is needed here.

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The cold snow irritates the stomach of delicate four-legged friends and especially the impurities present in the snow (such as chemicals, road salt, shavings, etc.) carry the risk of snow gastritis.

It is advisable to always have somewarm water for long walks in the snow, which you can offer your dog.

Do dogs need a special diet in winter?

To maintain body temperature, dogs, just like all other mammals, need more energy during the winter.

However, the calorie requirement of four-legged friends is only higher if they move a lot or are permanently exposed to cold.

It’s better check your weight regularly of Fido in the winter so you can adjust the amount of food if necessary.

Feed the dogs February seasonal produce

Typical winter vegetables are on the table in February. These include cabbage varieties such as:

  • Cabbage;
  • Brussels sprouts;
  • Cabbage;
  • Parsnips;
  • Chicory.

Just like for us humans, cabbage is also an important source of energy for our four-legged friends, which strengthens the immune system and protects against diseases.

However, since most types of kale cause bloating when eaten in excess, you should make sure you only give your dog small amounts of kale and definitely not raw!

Important dates in February if you have a dog

February 23 is International Dog Biscuit Day

If you want to spoil your four-legged friend with a special treat, you can take advantage of the International Dog Biscuit Day as an occasion.

This festive day falls on February 23 and offers a good reason to try one or the other delicious recipe Dog biscuits:

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February 14: Valentine’s Day with a dog

Valentine’s Day, the perfect occasion to make our pet happy. After all, dogs are man’s best friend!

A survey by Todocat on the love of pets also proves it. In fact, 59% of married couples surveyed said she would prefer it spend Valentine’s Day with your pet domestic rather than with one’s partner! Regarding boys, 44% prefer their wives or girlfriends to their 4-legged friend!

It should also be noted that 93% of our readers think that animals are more faithful in love!