4 Ways to Spoil Your Dog this Winter

If you love to spoil your dogs, you know you can go a little further during winter. After all, when it gets cold, your pups will appreciate extra blankets and warmer beds.

If you want to show your pup some love, here are all the best ways to spoil your dog this winter.

1. Winter boots

Winter dog boots are the best way to spoil your dog, although your pup probably won’t see it that way. When your dog has winter boots, they can play outside in the cold for a much longer time than they could without the boots.

If your dog hasn’t worn boots before, it’s going to be an awkward experience for them. They’re going to walk funny and pout. However, they’ll get used to walking with little boots on their feet.

Winter boots are important for dogs because they prevent injury from the cold. Your dog can get frostbite from walking around in the snow, cold rain, or on ice. If they have furry paws, ice can get stuck in clumps between their toes, subjecting them to cold right against their skin for an extended period of time.

With boots, you can spend more time walking your dog or letting them run around in the backyard when it’s cold. However, boots don’t make it safe to leave your dog outside in the cold for extended periods of time.

2. Winter-y treats

Stores are filled with all kinds of holiday and winter dog cookies, but most of them contain questionable ingredients. If you have a go-to brand for high-quality treats, stock up for winter. Otherwise, make your own.

Making your own dog treats is easy

There are so many dog-friendly ways to make cookies. For example, you can make peanut butter and molasses cookies, pumpkin cookies, or sweet potato and fish cookies. Basically, any dog-safe food can be turned into a treat for your pup.

Most people bake their dog goodies in the oven, but you can also dehydrate foods to make them crunchy or chewy. Dehydrating foods also makes the flavor more intense, which may or may not be appealing to your dog.

Next time you gather around the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate and a molasses cookie, make sure you have some goodies for your dog, too.

3. Get your dog some pajamas

There’s nothing cuter than a dog in pajamas. During the winter, dogs get cold just like you, and need some kind of added warmth when they wander around the house or outside.

Dog pajamas come in a variety of patterns and styles, but some are just outrageously cute. You can dress your dog up like a giraffe, a bunny, or a frog, all under the guise of keeping them warm. They won’t know the difference, but they will wonder why you’re snickering.

Pajamas are better than sweaters in winter

Why use pajamas? Sweaters only go so far. Pajamas will cover more of your dog’s body and will keep them warmer. If your dog doesn’t have much fur, pajamas will keep them warm at night when they climb out of their blanket and can’t get back under the blanket.

4. More toys

Your dogs really can’t have too many toys. If their toy basket isn’t overflowing, it’s basically empty. Buy some new toys for your dogs to enjoy this winter. Try out new styles you’ve never given them before, like treat puzzles, Kongs, or textured, rubber dental chews.

If your dog isn’t interested in toys, try to get them into playing this winter. If you can catch their interest, they’ll have a blast playing tug-o-war. If your dog loses interest in their toys quickly, that’s an easy fix.

The key to keeping them interested in their toys is not giving them 24/7 access to all of them. Keep a stash of plushies they can grab whenever they want, but save the special toys and only bring them out for a short period of time.

Spoil your dogs like they’re your children

Technically, your dogs are four-footed, furry children and they deserve to be spoiled this winter. Let them sit on your lap more often when you curl up by the fire. Give them a spot on the couch or place their bed in front of the fire.

Dogs love winter when they can stay warm and spend more time with you. No matter how many goodies and toys you spoil them with, make sure to spoil them with love.