Hey there, fellow dog lovers! As the proud parent of a lively Vizsla named Bodhi, navigating the challenges of keeping our furry friends cozy during winter is a top priority.
Vizslas, with their short coats and boundless energy, require some extra TLC when the temperatures drop. In this post, I’m excited to share the tried-and-true tips and tricks I’ve gathered to ensure Bodhi stays warm, happy, and full of that trademark Vizsla enthusiasm throughout the winter months.
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How cold is too cold for a Vizsla?
Short answer: 32° Fahrenheit.
The long answer is it depends on the age of you Vizsla (puppies and seniors will be more sensitive to cold), the precipitation, and how long you plan on staying outside.
Learn the signs of hypothermia, dress your dog for the weather, and check in with them every so often to see how they are doing. V’s will push themselves and were bred to go-go-go, so take charge of the situation and don’t wait for them to over exert themselves.
Why do Vizslas get cold easily?
Vizslas get cold easily because they have a single coat! Although this makes them soft as velvet, it also reduces their protection from the elements.
Signs of hypothermia in dogs
Here is a list of symptoms of hypothermia in dogs from Daily Paws,
- Shivering: The first signs you will notice if your dog is getting hypothermic will be shivering. This is more obvious on a short coated dog, but long haired dogs will shiver, too.
- Whining: Some dogs, especially puppies, will whine or fuss when they get cold. Those dogs have mild hypothermia.
- Curling up: As your dog’s internal temperature drops a bit more, signs become less obvious. Many dogs stop shivering as they develop moderate hypothermia. They become quiet and may curl up to try and stay warm.
- Pale gums: Gums may turn pale, bluish, or gray.
- Cold feet, tails, and ears: As your dog’s body shunts blood to the essential internal organs, appendages will get less blood flow.
Never leave your dog outside in the cold or snow beyond their limits or against their will.
Should you get a Vizsla if you live in a cold climate?
I’ll be honest, this was one of our main concerns when debating whether or not a Vizsla was the right choice for our family. We were worried that the (seemingly dwindling) snow storms on Long Island and freezing temps would be too much for a Vizsla.
We are now on winter #2 and it hasn’t been an issue so far. We use the suggestions I’ve listed below and the only adjustment has been upping indoor enrichment because we’re all spending less time outside.
Another issue we have is having to bribe Bodhi to get his butt outside to use the bathroom, and have occasionally had to carry him out. This is especially true in the cold rain (can’t blame him).
He does, however LOVE the snow!
Tips for keeping your Vizsla warm in cold weather
Coats
If you have any type of cold or rainy weather, get your Vizsla a coat!
Boots
Listen, not all dogs are going to tolerate boots.
If you have a puppy, it’s important to desensitize them to having their paws touched at a young age. This can be helpful for not only boots, but vet visits and nail trims.
Limit outdoor time
The best advice here is to cut down on your outside time and increase indoor training or enrichment activities. Daycare is also a great option to wear your dog out.
We love KONGs, Earth Animal bones, and trick training as indoor enrichment. Although, Bodhi is a bit of a defective Vizsla (read: lazy), so yours might need a little more than that.
Heating pads
Bodhi is a big fan of heating pads! We first introduced him to one after he was shivering from the anesthesia wearing off after his neuter procedure.
When put under a towel, a heating pad creates a cozy spot on the couch for your V to warm up after a walk in the cold. We use this one, but here is a pet specific one.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure it isn’t too hot for your dog.
Heating discs
I used these for our rabbits growing up and they worked great! They are microwavable and simply need to be wrapped in a blanket and placed under your pup. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure it isn’t overheated.
Hot water bottles
I’ll add these on the list because I think they’re great for an emergency situation (like a power outage) where you won’t be able to use a heating pad or a heating disc.
Keep the crate cozy
We use fuzzy blankets and layer two in the winter. An exterior crate cover can help contain heat as well. However, if you’re a true V owner, your pup probably sleeps under the covers with you. Here’s a pic of Bodhi living his best life and hogging my pregnancy pillow.
Stay away from water
We all know Vizslas love to swim and can push their athletic bodies to the absolute limit. Be sure to stay away from water to avoid
I hope these tips help you and your Vizsla enjoy the winter wonderland together. Remember, a happy and warm pup is a playful pup! If you have any other tips or experiences to share, feel free to drop them in the comments below. Stay warm, stay cozy, and keep spreading the love to your fur babies. Until next time, happy tails and warm snuggles!
How do you keep your dog warm in the winter?
Let me know below!
O.
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