Budget-friendly ways to prepare your dog for cold weather


As summer draws to a close and you switch out your flip flops and shorts for boots and scarves, remember to make some adjustments to your dog care routine, especially if your pooch spends a lot of time in the great outdoors. Just like keeping your dog cool in the heat of the summer, it’s important to find ways to keep your pet warm and comfortable during the cooler months. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get your pet in top shape for the coming fall. Check out the following budget-friendly tips to ensure your dog stays happy and healthy as the bleak weather rolls in.

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Stock Up on Cold-Weather Supplies

A few supplies can make all the difference in your dog’s level of comfort, whether you’re taking a walk in the rain or snuggling up on the couch when the temperatures start to drop. For example, you can protect your dog from the elements with a warm jacket or raincoat. You may even want to get some booties to keep their feet warm when the temperatures drop below freezing. Inside, consider adding some extra blankets (there are many different cozy dog blankets to choose from online) to your pup’s bed or investing in a self-warming pad to keep your dog warm. Not surprisingly, it’s easy to find affordable pet gear by shopping online and hunting around for savings! For example, you can grab coupons and cashback offers by checking out Walmart at Rakuten to stretch your doggy care budget a little further when stocking up on food and toys. You can also look into secondhand crates to help you save money on what could easily be a very expensive purchase — especially if you have more than one dog.

If you’re feeling crafty, another idea is to DIY some boots and a jacket. And if you really want to dive into DIY pet fashion, you can make everything from socks to sweaters (and sweaters from socks) as well! Thankfully, the internet has an endless supply of DIY tutorials to help you unleash your inner designer. By creating an entire winter wardrobe, you can personalize these items to match Fido’s sense of style (and body shape)! What’s more, you’re also likely to save money by repurposing old clothes to create a unique look for your dog that you can’t find in the stores!

If you want to celebrate that special bond between you and your dog, consider a matching collar-and-bracelet set from Pettsie. This set also comes with a matching collar!

Treat Stiff Muscles and Joints

Arthritis is a very common condition among older dogs, which can affect your dog’s comfort levels and mobility. Unfortunately, the combination of colder weather and decreased activity levels can easily worsen joint pain and stiffness during the fall and winter. If your dog suffers from arthritis, find ways to reduce their pain and discomfort. For example, you can make it easier for your dog to get around your house by purchasing a pet ramp or making your own. Also, considering getting different pillows that you can put in different rooms of your house, which give your dog a soft, cozy place to curl up!

CBD Dog Health suggests trying CBD oil has been found to help manage arthritis in some dogs. Of course, wither anything, just be sure to do your research first! You’ll have to consider ingredients, product strength, and customer reviews before purchasing any products for your dog, so start by comparing CBD products and prices online to find the best option for your needs and budget — not to mention your pooch! As always, remember to talk to your vet before giving your dog a new supplement. Some states and cities have specific laws regarding CBD oil, so make sure you familiarize yourself with those regulations as well.

Cut Back on the Grooming

If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll be happy to hear that you can save some money on grooming visits during the cooler months. Since frequent baths can dry out your dog’s skin and cause itchiness and irritation, it’s a good idea to reduce their bathing frequency during the fall and winter months. You could even run a humidifier in your house to help with skin and sinus issues—this can be very helpful if your dog suffers from seasonal allergies.

At the same time, consider holding off on your dog’s haircuts until the weather warms up again. A long, full coat will help lock in your dog’s body heat, so you won’t have to worry about the cold. That said, if you and your dog spend a lot of time outside, it may be best to keep their coat short so it dries more quickly when you come back inside. Use your best judgment! If you let your dog’s coat grow out, make sure to brush it frequently to reduce mats and tangles.

Stay Visible on Your Walks

As the days get shorter—and cloudier— as we move into the winter months, you may wind up walking your dog in low-visibility conditions more often. For example, it can be difficult for drivers to see pedestrians through rain and fog, and especially after the sun goes down. Make sure you and your furry friend are safe on your autumn walks with the right visibility gear. Don’t worry; this doesn’t mean emptying your wallet for more pet supplies! You can easily make your own reflective dog vest by sticking reflective tape to your dog’s harness or jacket.

For those of us who love the sound of leaves crunching underfoot and the smell of pumpkin lattes wafting out of coffee shops, the arrival of fall is definitely one of the most exciting times of the year. And to make it enjoyable for everyone in your family, make sure your dog is ready to weather the changes that the new season brings! With the right budget-friendly supplies, as well as some natural supplements to make them more comfortable, you and your pup will be able to make the most of the cooler months ahead.

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