Frau fährt mit ihrem Fahrrad auf einem Schotterweg zwischen Feldern hindurch und neben ihr läuft ein Hund Frau fährt mit ihrem Fahrrad auf einem Schotterweg zwischen Feldern hindurch und neben ihr läuft ein Hund

3 tips for autumn: how to keep your dog warm & healthy

Cold, wet and gloomy: autumn also has its dark side. Imagine having to brave the autumn weather without clothes - sounds uncomfortable, doesn't it? But what's it like for your dog? Do you wonder if your dog is cold? Does he need a coat? Or how you can best support his immune system in autumn?
 
We'll tell you the 3 most important autumn tips. You'll find out what makes the ideal autumn clothing for your dog, how you can boost their immune system and the most important things to know about autumn coat care. 

Tip 1: Choose the right clothing

As the saying goes, there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad equipment!

Does my dog need an autumn coat?

Whether your dog needs a dog coat is completely individual. Four-legged friends without an undercoat, with very short fur and with a very low body fat percentage freeze quickly and are usually happy to have a suitable coat.

Dogs without an undercoat , such as greyhounds, Dobermans and Dalmatians, are less protected from the cold by their fur. Their fur does not insulate them enough to protect them from the autumn temperatures. A dog coat can help keep your dog warm on walks.

Breeds with very short fur, such as Chihuahuas, French Bulldogs and Boxers, get cold more quickly than long-haired breeds. As they have less fur to protect them from the cold, a dog coat for autumn is a good investment. Not only does it help to store body heat, it also protects against wetness and wind.

Fatty tissue acts as an insulator and energy store. Dogs with a low body fat percentage, such as Whippets and Italian Greyhounds, have less natural protection against the cold. This can be compensated for in dogs by an autumn coat.

Older dogs with joint problems are also more likely to suffer from the cold, wet weather and like to wear a snug, cosy coat.

These are the advantages of dog coats for autumn:

  • Protection from the cold: an autumn coat will keep your dog warm, especially in cool and windy weather
  • Protection from the wet: Ideally, a dog coat should be waterproof and protect against rain. If your dog's coat stays dry during walks, you minimise the risk of colds.
  • Comfort: A well-fitting coat ensures that your dog enjoys being outside and having fun on walks even in uncomfortable weather.
  • Health: A coat can help prevent joint pain and illness, especially for older dogs or dogs with health problems.

The perfect dog coat for autumn adventures

Once you have decided that your dog needs a coat, all you have to do is choose the perfect dog coat. Make sure that the coat fits well and is made of breathable material. A waterproof dog coat is particularly practical for keeping your dog dry during sudden rain showers. It not only protects against the cold, but also against moisture and dirt. If you live in an area where it gets colder in autumn, the dog coat should be well lined.

Safety tip:

As the days get shorter, many walks will have to take place in the dark. Reflective dog coats or fluorescent waistcoats are a good investment to make your dog visible at dusk and at night. This way you can ensure that your dog is seen in time by both drivers and other walkers.

  • Choose a dog coat with reflective stripes to increase visibility at dusk.
  • Luminous collars or tags can make your dog even more recognisable in the dark.

Tip 2: Strengthen the immune system

Just like humans, dogs are more susceptible to colds and other illnesses in autumn. A strong immune system is therefore particularly important. A healthy diet is the basis for a strong immune system.

Feed your dog high-quality dog food that is specially tailored to his needs and age. A natural complete food menu should provide your dog with everything he needs every day and be rich in vitamins and minerals. Omega-3 & 6 fatty acids also boost the immune system and help to keep the coat and skin healthy.

  • Ensure a healthy diet and natural ingredients
  • For an extra vitamin boost, you can supplement your dog's diet with fresh fruit and vegetables if you're in a hurry.
  • WOW tip: If you don't have any fresh fruit and vegetables to hand, our 100% fruit and vegetables are perfect for spicing up your dog's food.

Exercise is an important factor for your dog's health. Even when it gets colder outside, daily walks and playtime should not be neglected. Try to find and maintain a routine that is good for you and your dog. A dog coat for autumn can help your dog to enjoy being outside even in low temperatures. Make sure your dog's joints stay warm, especially for older animals or dogs with arthritis.

Our tip against boredom: You can also have lots of fun with your dog indoors! You can encourage him to learn new tricks with delicious treats or keep him busy with a sniffer rug.

Tip 3: Make grooming a priority

When it's cold and wet, grooming should be a particular priority. If your dog's coat remains dirty and wet after a walk, this can not only be unpleasant for your dog, but can also cause problems. Irritated skin, rashes and ear infections can cause trouble for your furry friend in autumn. That's why you should dry your dog thoroughly after every walk.

Hund liegt draußen auf dem Boden und hinter ihm lehnt ein Fahrrad an der WandHund liegt draußen auf dem Boden und hinter ihm lehnt ein Fahrrad an der Wand

Regular brushing is important to remove loose hair and prevent matting, especially in long-haired dogs. After walks, you should remove leaves and dirt from the coat to prevent skin irritation.

You should also take paw care seriously: Clean your dog's paws after every walk to remove dirt and small stones. Also use paw balm to keep the skin supple and protect it from dryness and cracks.

Don't forget to groom your dog's ears and eyes. Check and clean their ears regularly to prevent infections. Dogs with floppy ears are particularly at risk. Also keep the eyes clean by removing any dirt or crusting around the eyes.

In autumn, your dog's coat can quickly become dirty and wet. Regular brushing helps to remove loose hair and stimulate the skin. Dry your dog well after every walk to prevent skin irritation and colds. A dog coat can keep out a lot of dirt and moisture.

Attention: unfortunately ticks are also active in autumn, so check your dog carefully after every walk!

Autumn is a wonderful time of year that you and your dog can enjoy to the full if you follow our tips. A well-fitting autumn coat protects against the weather and a strong immune system and proper care are key to keeping your dog happy and healthy in autumn. With these tips, you'll be well prepared for all autumnal challenges and can enjoy the colourful season together.

Stock up on the most important boosters for your dog's immune system right HERE !