Season Changes and Your Dog

Can the changing of the weather affect your dog?

Yes! Did you know the change of seasons and temperatures can have an impact on your dog's behavior??!

With schedules that change during school, sunrise and sunset time differences and new social patterns, some dogs can regress in their training or revert to former bad habits during these periods.

Dogs are acutely aware of the world around them, and when something changes, they notice. Dogs get used to a routine and schedule and may wonder what's going on if that routine is disturbed.

To help with this change, try to keep your dog’s schedule as similar to their summer schedule as possible. When the time change happens, try keeping your dog’s schedule at the same time all year round, even if the clock says it’s a different time.

If this isn’t possible, gradually change their scheduled eating time in 15 minutes increments until it is an hour earlier or later than it’s been to coordinate with the new time schedule.

Can dogs get sick from weather change?

Yes to this as well! Just like you and I can get sick easier with the change of weather, so can your dog. The highest risk is when your dog spends a lot of time outside in cold temperatures. If you let your dog out to go to the bathroom or run around, make sure to keep a close eye on them and bring them in after 5-10 minutes, or maybe even less depending on how cold it gets where you live.

If you need to let your dog out for a longer period of time, make sure they have access to food, water, and a warm place to get out of the elements and especially the wind like an insulated dog house with a pad and an entry cover. Never let your dog stay outside for an extended period of time if the weather is lower than 45 degrees.

Have any questions about helping your dog adjust during season changes? Contact us and let us know! (925) 362-0733

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