Canines, much like humans, are significantly affected by the changes of the seasons. They can fall victim to colds and discomfort just like us. With the cold winter months just around the corner, it is never too early to be thinking of how to make sure your Yorkie is warm during winter. If you and your Yorkie reside in an area that experiences the colder months of the year, otherwise known as winter, there are a few measures you can take to make sure your companion is appropriately winterized for the season. The most important point to keep in mind is that your pup will better benefit from these measures if they are put into place well before the colder weather arrives—as the saying goes, the sooner, the better!
Outerwear
We make sure to put on a few extra layers when venturing out into the weather, so why should your Yorkies be any different? When your pup ventures outside into the cold weather, it is suggested that they have some sort of outerwear that will adequately protect them from the elements. Items such as sweaters and coats are the ideal choices, however, the use of doggie booties are also a good idea as well.
When walking on ice, or ice that has been treated with melting salt, the pads of your Yorkie’s feet may become dried out or even burned by the calcium in the products used to melting product. This is why the wearing of booties is highly advised—that is if you can get your pup to cooperate and keep them on!
There is also the option of your companion wearing a hat and some sort of scarf. Both of these items, in conjunction with a sweater and booties, are sure to keep your furry one toasty and warm in even the most frigidly cold weather.
Snuggling Up Inside
On those frosty, cold winter days and nights, it’s suggested that you not have your little Yorkie out any longer than is absolutely necessary. The more they are exposed to the cold weather, the better the chance that it will impact in some manner upon their health. Remember, the cold weather can cause them to get sick the same as we do, and as a precaution, keep any venturing outside into the elements to the barest of minimums.
Keep them inside, only allowing then outside long enough to get their business done, and then bring them right back inside. When allowing them out, make sure that they are snuggled up in the recommended layers mentioned above, even if the trip is a somewhat brief one.
Once inside, why not snuggle up with them in your favorite chair? Wrap them up in their favorite, warm, snuggly blanket, and you will have the perfect companion to join you for a long winter’s nap. Not only will they be warm, but they will aid in keeping you warm as well—a win-win situation if ever there was one!
Heated Blankets
What better method is there to make sure your Yorkie is nice and warm than giving it its very own heated blanket. You can either cover the pup with the blanket or better yet allow it to nestled nice and snug into it all on its own. Remember to always put safety first, by setting the blanket on the lowest possible setting, and to never leave your companion unsupervised when the blanket is in use.
If your pup prefers a cage of their sleeping, why not make use of a heating pad? Making sure that you keep the pad on its lowest setting and make sure there is a sufficient layer between the pad and the pup. The result will create a warm and cozy winter bed. It’s also suggested that your pup is supervised at all times when using the heating pad, as is suggested with the heated blanket.
Coat Maintenance
Although may owners will trim their Yorkies hair quite short in the warmer months, trimming their hair in the colder months is not advised. A Yorkies furry coat is comprised of fine single coat, and as such, much like our hair, can provide them with somewhat of a means to keep warm.
It is also worth noting that if your Yorkie will be wearing any form of sweater or outerwear on their excursions outside, make sure to brush them when they return back inside. The fine nature of their fur makes it very prone to developing both tangles and knots.
Finally, a little information to keep in mind is that older Yorkies can tolerate the cold much better than younger pups. Remember, the breed originated from Yorkshire, England, and anyone who knows anything about the area can tell you it is rather cold and wet more often than not. However, that does not mean that Yorkies are to be considered a cold-tolerant breed, by any means. Which is why you, as their protector, need to take the neccessary steps to insure they are kept adequately warm and cozy during the colder winter months.
