Winter’s Here - How to make winter comfortable for your dog.
Winter’s Here – Don’t Forget the Dog
Winter has really settled in here. The grass stays wet, the mountains are snowcapped, and the chimneys are all chugging. Mornings are frosty, the sun clocks out early, and even the most energetic dogs start to spend more time curled up than out chasing birds and rabbits.
But just like we dig out the thermals and stack extra wood, our dogs need a bit more looking after in the colder months too.
It’s easy to forget, but dogs feel the cold just like we do—especially the older ones, or the lean little dogs without much in the way of fluff. You’ll notice them hunching up more on walks, choosing the sunny side of the fence, or lingering a bit longer by the fire. Some might get stiff joints, slower starts in the morning, or seem a little grumpier than usual. That’s normal—but it’s also a sign to slow down and help them ease through the season.
A warm, dry bed (off the ground and away from draughts), a bit of extra brushing for those thicker winter coats, and shorter but more frequent walks can go a long way. Dogs are good at getting on with things, but they’ll appreciate the extra effort.
With colder weather, dogs often burn more energy just staying warm—especially working dogs or those still active outdoors. That means mealtimes matter. This isn’t the time for cheap fillers or empty calories. It’s the time for real food—protein-rich, satisfying, and something they’ll actually want to eat when the bowl hits the floor.
That’s part of why we started making our own pet. We wanted something real, something you could feed with confidence, knowing exactly where it came from and what’s in it. No imported mystery meat. No long list of things you can’t pronounce. Just duck or turkey, cooked slow and kept simple and the vitamins and minerals your dog really needs.
Stock Up While You’re Out
For those local to us, it’s now easier than ever to grab a few cans while you’re doing the grocery run—you’ll find us at Rangiora Pak’nSave. No fancy packaging, just good dog food made here.
So this winter, take care of yourself, your whānau—that means the dog too, of course.
