Dogs bring a lot of joy into people’s lives, so it is only right that those people would want to share it with others. It is extremely common to see Instagram accounts dedicated to pets, especially dogs. These accounts help to document the dog’s life and to tell their story to a world that love animals and the happiness they bring. However, not every single account goes viral and get thousands upon thousands of followers, but there are a few things that they all do and have in common to make it to the top.

Nowadays when people get a puppy or adopt their dog, they want to set up an Instagram account for them, which is easy to do. All you need is to download the app onto your mobile phone, sign up with an email address or Facebook account and then you can create a username and a password. Pick something that relates to your dog specifically, so be sure to include their name! Now you’re all set up and ready to get creative with your content. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get started with showing your dog off to the world.

Create a bio

When people choose to follow a dog account, they want to know a little bit about them, such as their name, age, gender or if they have any siblings. Something else that is great to add in is how they came into your life, especially if it was through adoption. Do they have a physical disability that you want to highlight and show how they overcame it? The bio is the perfect place to mention this. Their backstory will help to make them unique to their followers and make them seem more relatable as well. Don’t forget to add a cute picture for their bio as well to make them easily recognisable.

Choose a theme

Scrolling through the images on another dog account can make you realise that there is something the images have in common and it is that they have a theme. Some dog accounts go for a style that is rural and rugged, which works especially well if they are a breed such as a huskie or German shepherd, which has earthy tones in their coats. People will keep this theme consistent by posting photos of them in the great outdoors or running through the trees. Then there are other accounts that want to keep things fresh with bright colors in the background and objects such as balloons, blankets and toys. There are a number of filters on Instagram and choosing to use the same one each time can help to keep the theme constant throughout all your images.

Keep it high quality and consistent

There is nothing worse than looking at blurry images and trying to make out what’s going on. To avoid this, make sure you are producing high quality images and edit your videos before posting. When starting out and trying to build a following it is best to focus on the content you are putting on your dog’s Instagram page to make a good impression. You want people to enjoy the crystal-clear photos that show off your dog’s personality, as well as their shiny and luscious coat. Luckily, you don’t need to spend a lot of money on a photographer’s camera because most mobile phones have great cameras already built into them, you just need to know how to work them. Practice makes perfect and it will help you to decide what settings you like the best and how you want to edit your photos before posting them.

Another thing to do if you are looking to build a following quickly is to post consistently but add variety too. No one wants to see the same photo over and over again, so switch up the composition and the setting behind your dog. Another good tip is to post once or twice a day. That way you aren’t bombarding people with spam, but they also won’t forget about you anytime soon.

Engage with the community

Don’t just wait for your followers to find you, go out there and explore the vast community of dogs on Instagram. Start off by liking other people’s images and photos of their dogs, writing little comments about how cute they are or how you think they would get along with your dog. Not only will they see the comment, but their followers will too, and they might be inclined to check out your content and give you a follow. Just make sure that you aren’t spamming people as Instagram has a limit on how much you can like and comment within an hour before your account is put on hold.

Show them off!

The whole reason to create an Instagram account for your dog is to show them off, so make sure you keep your camera or mobile close to capture those funny and adorable moments to share with the world. There are so many accounts that have blossomed because their owners showed off their personality and how they are different to other dogs. Throwbacks to the puppy days are great to throw in every now and then to remind yourself and others of how far your dog has come and how sweet they used to be as well. They are guaranteed to bring in the engagement from followers!

The main thing to remember when creating an Instagram account for your dog is to have fun with it. Document the good and bad times along the way so that you always have something to look back on with fondness.

Is there anything better than showing off your beloved pooch on social media for the world to see? Not only does it show how much you love them, but it allows others to see their fun quirks, amazing personalities, and how sweet they look when they’re falling asleep. It isn’t uncommon for people to create Instagram accounts for their dogs, with some even having thousands upon thousands of followers who are wanting to see the sweet snaps.

Get started with hashtags

All the famous accounts on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook had to start somewhere and it took time to amass the following they have, but there is one thing that helped them out. Hashtags. When used correctly hashtags can allow your image of your dog to be viewed by a much wider audience who are interested in that particular hashtag. Something that is interesting to note is that the hashtag #dog has been used on 193 million posts on Instagram, so there is definitely some competition on there. If you are looking to add some hashtags to images of your animal on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook, then make sure to include some of these:

• #puppy – for when you want to show off how sweet they are.
• #dogsofinstagram – this is a great hashtag that can be used for a dog of any age or breed on Instagram.
• #dogsitting – this hashtag can be used by the people looking after dogs and capturing the moment for all to see.
• #doglover – to show people just how much you love canines and to engage with other likeminded people.
• #dogoftheday – do you have a number of dogs in your household? Why not dedicate a day to each one to share the love?
• #Puppylove – is there a better way to show off one of the sweetest stages of a dog’s life? We think not.

Something else that would be great to include in your hashtags in the breed of dog that you own. Not only will people who love that particular breed find your photo, but it will also allow you to see what other people are posting and see the hashtags they use to get their photos noticed.

Hashtag trends

While the hashtags mentioned above are quite general and can be used for any image or video, there are some that are much more specific. These are trends within the online dog community that show off some of the more interesting and funny sides to dogs, which are definitely worth taking a look at, or taking part in.

The #funnydog is a really popular hashtag across social media. Does your dog ever do anything that causes you to laugh so much that your stomach hurts and tears fall from your eyes? Dogs can do some of the funniest things and a lot of the time these hilarious canines will go viral. This hashtag is often used to help others smile with joy and to show how entertaining dogs are when they want to be. Just a quick look on twitter will show people retweeting funny dog videos such as one that shows a ‘Beware of the Dog’ sign before panning to show a sweet canine showing his teeth in a grin with his eyes closed. A funny dog can brighten anyone’s day.

One thing that is bound to make your heart feel warm and fuzzy is taking a look at the #pupsquad hashtag. These images and videos will often show puppies running around and playing with their parents, snuggling up to one another when it’s time for a nap, or even just getting them altogether for a hilarious photo shoot. Show off how great everyone gets along with this fun hashtag!

Ever look at your pooch and wonder how they could be comfortable in some of the strange positions they lie in? Now you can what other people’s dogs do with the #howisthatcomfortable hashtag, which shows dogs in positions that only contortionists would be able to achieve. The funny thing is that the dogs don’t seem fazed by it at all and will often fall asleep or play with their toys at the same time. Not only do dogs like to sleep a lot, they also like to bark at their owners when they aren’t getting their own way. The hashtag #barkinthepark will show dogs getting overexcited to play with their ball at the park, or even throwing a tantrum when they don’t want to leave yet.

How to get people to follow you

Now that you know the hashtags to use and follow, how do you get people to follow you? Easy, make sure that you are active on whatever platform you choose to show off your dog. Posting videos and images everyday while using the hashtags will send your content to a wide audience that is interested in content like yours. A great idea is to also include industry hashtags. These are the ones that are also used by corporations, charities and business that are in the dog industry, whether they are selling food or promoting adoption. For example, the hashtag #adoptdontshop is used by nearly everyone that has adopted a dog to spread awareness and give animals a second chance to have an amazing life.

Using these hashtags will allow your content to be seen by those actively browsing those terms on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, and in turn you will find that your following will begin to increase bit by bit. Just be sure to keep posting those cute and funny snaps to catch their attention!

There have been a number of dogs whose names have become famous such as Lassie, Toto and Beethoven, and who could forget Marley from the film that made everyone cry in the cinema? The likelihood of finding a dog called Fido in the 21^st century is incredibly low, and it would never make it to the top 100 names to call a dog, but it used to be popular for male dogs. In fact, it was so popular that it is now a generic shorthand for ‘dog’. “There’s a man walking with Fido by his side.” It is unlikely that is the dog’s name but anyone who hears ‘Fido’ knows what it means, but where did it come from?

The Origins

Dogs are often seen as being man’s best friend because they are loyal and faithful. Something that is so interesting about the name Fido is the linguistic origin. The University of Notre Dame Latin dictionary says that fido is defined as “to trust, believe, confide in”, with other books about the origin of names saying that it means “I am faithful.” The equivalent of calling a dog Fido is to call them “Trusty” or “Faithful” which is what they are. There is another reason why dogs are nicknamed Fido and it has to do with the beloved 16^th president, Abraham Lincoln.

President’s Best Friend

Abraham Lincoln is often seen as one of America’s most beloved presidents and has a lot of emotional appeal for citizens. After all, he is credited with preserving the Union during the Civil War that took place, as well as introducing emancipation proclamation that ended slavery in the country. He is charming since he had a very humble beginning and was an incredible spokesman for democracy, being just twenty-one years old when he moved to Illinois where he became a lawyer. It was often said that he had a distinctive personality, in which he had great humanity and humour, so it isn’t surprising that he was liked.

Once Lincoln took the bar examination and became a lawyer he opened a practice with partner, William Herndon. In his home there would often be cats or dogs that were pets for the children, but Herndon stated that they were therapeutic for Lincoln. Unfortunately, Lincoln suffered from depression, which often made it difficult for him to work sometimes. It was these animals that helped him to pull through the darkness and out of his despair to get back to work.

Herndon said, “If exhausted from severe and long-continued thought, he had to touch the earth again to renew his strength. When this weariness set in he would stop thought and get down with a little dog or kitten to recover; and when the recovery came he would push it aside to play with its own tail.”

In fact, Lincoln loved animals so much that he was an outspoken advocate for animal rights as well as human rights. Out of all the animals Lincoln owned, there was one that he had a special fondness for.

Fido and Lincoln

Their story started five years before Lincoln was nominated for his run as president, when he lived in Springfield, Illinois in 1855. Lincoln found Fido as a rescue, who was a medium sized dog that was said to resemble a yellow retriever and a shepherd pup, but his true ancestry is unknown. He had floppy ears and the two of them quickly became inseparable, with one not seen without the other. It was said to be a common sight to see Lincoln walking down the street with Fido walking behind him, a parcel tied with string around his neck. One of their regular stops was Billy’s Barbershop where Lincoln would get his haircut and Fido would wait patiently outside.

While Lincoln loved his dog, his wife Mary Todd wasn’t too fond of animals and disliked when Fido tracked dirt through the house, although it is something that all dog owners can relate to. After all, it isn’t easy to get dirt out of carpet. However, she tolerated him because she knew how much Lincoln loved him, even when Fido was allowed to jump on the furniture and pester people for food at the dining table. Before moving to the White House she said, “The public will not tolerate a dog, even the president’s dog, if that animal soils the White House carpets, or damages the heritage furniture in that mansion. Those items are public property and are held in trust by the President and should not be despoiled by any animal.”

To the White House

When the time came for them to move into the White House, Mary convinced Lincoln that it would be best to leave Fido behind. Lincoln decided to leave Fido with a local carpenter called John Eddy Roll until he returned from his term in the White House. The President left a number of rules for the new family and said that he should be allowed inside the house and fed titbits while at the dinner table, something nearly everyone is guilty of doing. Unsurprisingly, he two sons were upset, and so Lincoln decided to take photographs of Fido at a professional studio so the boys could always have him nearby, meaning that Fido was the first Presidential dog to have his photograph taken.

Soon after the photos of Fido were published in newspapers and Fido became the top name for people to call their dogs. After the assassination of President Lincoln, Fido was brought out by John Roll to meet the people who were grieving to offer them peace and that was exactly what they felt. While Fido met an untimely demise a year later after being killed by a homeless man by accident, Fido left a legacy behind him and the name alone if now a symbol for common dogs in the US.

There are a lot of people out there that claim being a “parent” to a dog is not the same as being a parent to a child, but there are studies and research that has shown getting a puppy is just like raising a baby. In fact, dog trainers often warn that people need to be aware of how much training and hard work goes into raising a puppy. With a baby you will encounter restless nights, constant crying for food and attention, teething problems and needing to potty train them, all of which can be attributed to having a puppy as well. Getting a dog is a huge commitment and people need to be aware of what it entails, so here are some of the ways that raising a puppy is just like raising a baby.

Sleeping in the day and awake at all hours of the night

Puppies are still in their growing phase and will often expel a lot of energy just walking around, so it is no surprise that they will sleep for the majority of the day. However, when they aren’t curled into a cute little bundle, they can cause mayhem when they are awake and make a lot of mess if they aren’t being watched. As soon as you take your eyes off them they are chewing something that isn’t their toy and making you chase after them. You will often find that they will sleep during the day and come alive at night time, which will result in loud cries for attention that will leave you feeling sleep deprived.

With a baby you have to make out what they want by the cries that they make, and parents soon learn what different ones mean. There is a distinct one that means their diaper needs changing and another that means they are hungry, and the same can be said for puppies. One minute your puppy will want to go outside, then they want to come back in, then they want to play and eat, and it can become quite tiring for the owner.

Toilet training and teething

When deciding to get a puppy, make sure that you aren’t attached to your carpet or flooring because it is guaranteed that they will go to the toilet inside. Like with a baby, puppies have to be trained to go to the toilet outside. That means teaching them it is bad to go inside and when you see them squatting down you must rush them outside. Soon they will realize that if they want to go to the toilet they will have to bark or cry at the back door to let you know. Until they have learnt this, make sure to check behind furniture for any droppings that your puppy has tried to hide from you. They can be sneaky like that.

Like with babies, puppies go through a teething phase. This can often be helped with chew toys, but even when offered these they will still try and chew anything left in the open. Make sure to hide your favorite pairs of shoes and any exposed wires that could hurt them if chewed. Puppies can be playful, but during the teething phase they will often see your hands as something extra that they can grab hold of. With any luck the phase will pass quickly, but it is clear to see why they are so similar to babies in this respect.

They will be spoilt and never leave you alone

Most people will want to spoil their babies with new outfits and toys, and the same can be said for puppies. As they are the pride and joy in people’s lives, they will want to treat them to fur lined beds and buy them a new toy whenever they have been good and refrained from chewing the house apart. Owners take pleasure in the joy on a puppy’s face when they are enjoying themselves, so it only makes sense that they would want to spoil them. However, this comes at a price.

The more attention you put on your puppy, the stronger the bond will be, and you will soon find that they won’t want to leave you alone. They will become your shadow, following you from room to room and crying outside the bathroom door when you close it on them. It is good to incorporate boundaries and get them used to being on their own, so they don’t develop separation anxiety. As well as this, you won’t be trying to wrestle the toilet roll or towels out of their mouths while trying to remain seated.

While people will worry about if they have given their puppy enough food or if they need to go to the toilet again, as well as making sure they aren’t up to mischief, most will admit that the puppy months are some of the best. It is when they are the sweetest and able to curl up in your lap for an afternoon nap, giving the fluffiest cuddles imaginable.

Something to remember is that puppies will grow up much faster than a baby will, and by the time their first birthday roles around you will realize they are no longer small and innocent. Enjoy this stage with them and look forward to the terrible twos, because just like babies, puppies have them as well. One of the biggest similarities between babies and puppies is that life is never dull with them around, so enjoy the ride!

Nearly everybody has heard the phrase “money can’t buy happiness” at least once in their life and for the most cases it is true. Having good people around you and living a life that makes you happy as an individual is much better than focusing on the materialistic things. Diamonds and jewellery won’t make every woman happy, just as golf trips and sports cars won’t make men happy. But there is something that can be bought that will bring joy and laughter into everyone’s life, and that is a dog.

Whether you want to buy a puppy or an older dog, spend hundreds of dollars or give a donation and adopt, there is nothing better than spending money on an animal that will give you unconditional love. There are so many benefits to owning a dog and science has even proven that people who own dogs suffer from fewer ailments and medical problems, as well as having a more fulfilled life. If you are looking to spend your hard-earned cash, look no further than adopting or buying a dog.

Never feel sad again

It is hard to look at a happy dog’s face and not want to break into a smile when you see them. All they want in life is to give and receive love from their humans, which often comes in the form of an enthusiastic tail wag when you walk through the door after work and a lot of licking on your face when you give them attention. A study that was conducted in 2009 by Miho Nagasawa at the Azabu University in Japan found that people’s level of oxytocin was heightened after interacting with their dogs. Oxytocin is a neurohormone released in the body that make you feel happy, so just a few minutes petting your dog could make your day a whole lot better.

As well as this, playing with your puppy or dog can increase the amount of dopamine and serotonin in the brain, which are associated with pleasure and tranquillity. Not only will you feel good, but you can imagine how happy your dog will feel after a lovely belly rub and chewing on the new toy you bought them.

Helping with your health

Believe it or not there are some great health benefits to owning a pet as well. Not only do you and your beloved pooch get to experience unconditional love, but the bond you share can go a long way to lowering blood pressure. This in turn reduces the risk of different illnesses that you could be susceptible to without a dog to help calm you down after a stressful day. Something that is interesting to note is that children who grow up around dogs lower their risk of developing eczema later on in life. The study also found that the opposite it true if you own cats, with children 13 times more likely to develop the skin condition. So, if you were deciding between a cat or a dog, it is better to go for the latter.

Aside from that, dogs can also help to boost the amount of exercise you do, which means you can lose those last few stubborn pounds. Dogs need walking everyday and it is an inexpensive hobby to have. A study took place that found those who walk their dog participate in more physical activity than those who don’t, walking an average of 300 minutes per week compared to the 168 minutes of people who don’t own a dog. Why not make things more interesting for the both of you by riding a bike alongside them or even try skateboarding? Just be sure that they don’t pull you off if they see a squirrel on a tree.

They will become your best friend

As it turns out, dogs don’t need to be able to talk to become your best friend. Buying a dog means that you are committing yourself to a friendship that will last as long as the dog stays by your side. For some breeds it may be eight years, and, in some cases, it has been in the late teens! Once you have a dog in your life that gives you love it is hard to imagine it without them and not hearing the patter of feet on the floor boards. Dogs will certainly be the most loyal friends that you have and will do anything to give you the affection they think you deserve, even if it means crawling over you when you’re trying to watch a movie on the sofa. Although it may become a bit much when they want to go to the bathroom with you as well.

Becoming the owner of a dog opens up a whole new world where the two of you can take trips to the dog park to socialise with other dogs and humans, as well as exploring the countryside on day trips out. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, then you could always take them backpacking with you around a country of your choice and get back to nature. Forget about the world of technology, leaving behind the emails and texting, and go back to a simpler mode of interaction.

Most people say that buying a dog or adopting one is the one thing that made them appreciate life more. It is the little moments that count, and you can’t forget about how exciting life becomes when there’s a creature that is dependent on you and wants to give you all their love. If you are looking to invest in anything, then invest in a life long friendship that you are sure to remember forever.

Dogs are some of the most loyal and attentive creatures in the world. They are always there to offer you comfort when it is needed, as well as being man and woman’s best friend. Whatever breed and size they come in, each one has their own personality and a lot of love to give, especially in certain situations. Not only are dogs happy to see you when you walk through the front door, but they are fiercely loyal and offer protection when they think their humans need it.

When it comes to reading body language, dogs are the best at it, but did you know that they are able to tell when a woman is pregnant? Sometimes it is even before the woman herself knows it and there is a very scientific reason as to why.

Sniffing It Out

The bond between humans and dogs can be extremely strong, especially as they are around each other most of the time. One of the first ways that they can recognize that something is different with their female owner is by using their incredible sense of smell. Jeff Werber is the president and chief veterinarian of the Century Veterinary Group in Los Angeles, and he explained how they can do this. “We have 5 million receptors in our noses, dogs have 200 million. Dogs can detect when a seizure is coming on, when a person is hypogylcemic, and they can detect cancer and fear, so there’s certainly scents they can pick up on.”

While dogs may not be able to know exactly if a woman is carrying a child, they can sense that there is something different due to smelling the hormonal changes in a woman’s body. This can often cause them to be careful and more curious when they notice the change in scent. Peter L. Borchelt is a New York-based certified animal behaviorist and said that because dogs are sensitive to people’s moods, they can sense when women are more emotional and anxious, which can happen during pregnancy.

Changes in Your Behavior

If you can notice a change in the way you are moving and behaving, then the likelihood is that your dog can notice those changes as well. An example of this could be when you are struggling to stand up from your position on the couch, making a groan due to the size of your belly. Dogs often spend their time following their humans around the house which means they are likely to notice how you might be waddling instead of rushing around like you normally are.

A symptom of pregnancy is often morning sickness and needing to go to the bathroom in the middle of night. If the light is being switched on more than normal, or you seem to be spending longer behind the closed door, your dog is going to possibly be confused and curious about what you are getting up to. Borchelt went on to explain, “If they were people, they would say, ‘Gee what’s going on, something’s different here but I’m not sure what nor why,’” which is exactly what a human friend would say.

They Can See You Getting Bigger

Dogs have incredible observation skills, which they have retained since the days long ago when dogs were wild and depending on if the breed is used as a guard dog, they will be very aware of their surroundings. While another person might not notice a bit of weight gain due to pregnancy, these intelligent creatures will because they know you so well. When your stomach starts to get bigger they will note the changes of how you sit and walk, especially if they are normally glued to your side.

If they like to lie in your lap, they will be able to see the growing bump up close and personal. Borchelt said that it is possible the dog will be able to hear the infant’s heartbeat, although he says it is very hard to prove scientifically. If it is in fact true, then it would explain why they become more territorial and protective of not just one, but two humans.

Dynamics Start to Shift in the “Pack”

Over the century’s humans have turned dogs into domestic animals and it can be easy to forget that they still like to operate in packs. After all, the reason for them not listening to commands sometimes is that they think they are the alpha dog in their family. Something that can sometimes happen when dogs notice more attention being put on the woman is that they sense a shift in the hierarchy, which causes them to want more attention. Of course, the way they react is all down to the personality of the dog itself, with some becoming bossy and protective if they are bold or gentle if they are calm. This gives them a chance to become the alpha and assert some dominance.

However, on the other hand they may notice the husband or partner being more protective of the pregnant woman and this can cause some dogs to act out. While they may not attack people outright, they could start urinating around the house to mark their territory or chew any new items for the baby, such as toys or clothing. This is often brought on by the sudden change in family dynamics, but they will eventually calm down and return to normal.

In times like these it is important to remember that the dog is a member of the family as well and giving them some more love and attention will give them the reassurance they need. Then you can all welcome the new addition into the family with open arms and paws.

In the northern hemisphere the seasons are starting to change, with the first day of fall just passing us by. Soon, winter will follow it and for some places it will drop below freezing. When it comes to the colder month’s humans don’t think twice about putting on several layers before braving the icy chill in the air, so why do we scoff at people who decide to do the same for their dogs?

Some people still hang on to the stereotype that people who dress their dogs in coats and sweaters are overindulging their pets. However, when owners notice their dogs shivering when the heating isn’t on in the house or when they’re out on their daily walk, they worry about their wellbeing. After all, if we are cold then what is the likelihood that our pets are too?

Do All Dogs Need to Wear Coats?

While dogs do come equipped with an external layering system to keep them warm, there are some dogs that are better off than others. Take huskies and Alaskan malamutes for example, which have incredibly thick fur after being bred to survive to colder months when pulling sleds. However, those that are short-haired, are very young or old, and have medical conditions may benefits from the warmth that a cozy sweater can offer.

Each dog should be assessed on their breed, size and age when considering if they need a coat. It is also important to remember that even dogs with thick fur may need a little help due to the lack of fur under their bellies. When it comes to long-haired dogs wearing coats owners must be careful that they don’t overheat or look uncomfortable, so always keep an eye on them.

If your beloved pooch suffers from an illness such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease, which can weaken their immune systems, make sure you keep them warm in the winter. Illnesses like these can often impair hair growth, leaving them prone to the elements.

What Kind of Coat Does My Dog Need?

When it comes to choosing the right coat for your dog there are a lot of things to take into account. There are a variety of materials they come in such as wool and fleece, which are the most popular, but there are also water-resistant fabrics. These can come in handy if you like to brave the rain and snow with your dog, making sure they stay dry in these conditions. Sometimes the coats can have wool on the inside as an insulator and be water resistant on the outside, but make sure that your dog isn’t allergic to any of the materials. A mixture of wool with cotton or acrylic can be the best option for most dogs.

The sizing of sweaters tends to come in the following options; small, medium, large and extra-large to accommodate most breeds, and it is important to choose the correct size. One that is too tight will make it uncomfortable for your dog to move and could cause chafing under the arms, whereas one that is too big won’t provide adequate protection from the weather. The best way to make sure you get it right is to measure your dog around the neck, the largest part of their chest and from their neck to their waist. If you can, bring your dog along to the pet store and try a couple on in store before making a purchase.

In the case of sweaters, the simpler they are the better. Anything that will rub against your dog such as zippers, buttons and tags should be avoided, especially if they are easy to reach for your dog to chew off. However, a great addition to a sweater can be high-visibility stripes that allow your dog to be seen when it is dark out, which is perfect in the winter months when the sun rises later and sets earlier than normal.

Bonus Tip: Be Careful of Their Feet!

Protecting their bodies from the cold is great, but you can go one step further and protect the pads on their feet from the cold too. Humans don’t realize how cold the ground outside can get during the winter months, especially when there is snow as well. Dogs that have furry feet can collect snow and ice between the pads which can be very uncomfortable.

If you are one of the people that want to make sure their feet stay intact, then make sure that the boots you buy are comfortable and won’t rub against the dog’s paws. Another reason to buy boots for your dog is that the surfaces in winter are often covered with antifreeze and salt that can be toxic, especially if the dog licks their paw after a walk.

It may take a while for your dog to get used to them, but in the mean time you can enjoy watching them hop around before it doesn’t feel strange anymore. However, if they really can’t stand wearing them, you can always bathe their paws in warm water for a few seconds once the walk is over and dry them thoroughly.

Wrap up Warm Together!

While dogs won’t care what style or color you dress them in, you can have a little fun if you want to and match them to your coat. Sure, some people will look and stare, but does it really matter if you’re both comfortable and warm? Life is for living and we can guarantee they will love all the fuss you give them during and after their walk.