As the winter chill sets in, we all start to feel it. It's important that all members of the family are kept warm, but not too warm! Dog's naturally have an ability to regulate their temperature in hot and cold climates, however depending on their age, aliments and their coat condition, they may need help to keep themselves warm in the cooler months.

The most important thing is to understand your dog's coat. For example, a breed such as a Husky who has a thick double coat, designed to protect the dog from sub temperatures, don't need assistance in keeping warm. However a breed such as a beagle or an older dog with a lighter coat will feel the cold a lot more.

Ways that you can help to keep your dog warm include:

• Keeping them out of the cold. When possible, having your dog indoors will help them to keep their body temperature up. If using heating in your home, you should be setting the temperature to simply take the chill out of the air. Having the room too warm can cause your dog to overheat.
• Placing a coat on your dog. There are lots of stylish options available now for dogs in lots of different sizes to fit all different body shapes. If your dog needs to stay outside, be sure to go for a waterproof option to avoid a wet coat being stuck on your dog. 
• Booties are great to keep your dogs feet warm if you are walking them. As with the heat of the concrete, dogs feel the chill of the cold ground. 
• Providing a windproof shelter. Should your dog need to stay outside, ensure they have a safe, sheltered and protected area to keep them out of the elements. 
• Warm bedding, including thick blankets to snuggle into or heat mats that can be placed under your dogs bedding (to act like an electric blanket) are a great way to keep your pooch snug. Especially if they are elderly and suffer from arthritis, this is a great way to warm their cold joints. 
• Check for drafts in your house. As your dog may be on their bed located on the ground, it's important to make sure there are no cold drafts coming under the doors or around the windows that could be affecting them. Cover any drafts to help keep the cold out. 

Things to AVOID that could pose a danger to your dog include:

• Overheating is very easy to do, especially when you are cold yourself and want to have the heater nice and high. There are varying suggestions on what the 'ideal' room temperature is for a dog and again this will vary depending on their coats and body condition. You want to set the room temperature to have the chill out of the air. 
• Hot water bottles or wheat bags are a danger to pets. They can easily be burst by a tooth or claw and can cause burns. If you are needing to heat your pets bed, stick to a pet heat mat only. Electric blankets are not safe to be used either. 

​Origin:
Their name is a bit of a giveaway – the PWD originated in Portugal.
The breed was created from mixing a number of working dogs from the Iberian Peninsula, to create the perfect dog companion for fisherman.
 
Purpose:
The PWD was used as a working dog for fisherman and were capable of many different tasks including herding and catching fish, transporting messages between ships as well as retrieving items from the water.
 

Coat care:
When in full coat, the PWD requires a good brush every few days. A distinct clip the PWD are known for is the ‘lion clip.’
Originally this was used to help them move through water and dry quickly, with fur only kept around their vital organs to avoid them suffering in the cold water.
They are a great option for allergy sufferers as they as considered a hypo-allergenic dog. Their coat is slow growing and does not require frequent clipping.  

Health & Temperament:
The PWD is a great family pet. They are a fun loving dog who is loyal to their pack. They have plenty of energy to burn and can be very playful but also very relaxed and calm natured when their needs are met.
As their name is history suggests, they love water! Water play and exercise included in their routine will keep them very happy and pleased. They are very intelligent and easy to train, responding best to calm pack leader.
The breed isn’t prone to many health issues although hip dysplasia can occur.
Their average life span is between 10 – 14 years.    

This quick and easy biscuit recipe is sure to be a winner with all doggies!  

  Ingredients 

• Pumpkin Puree - 2/3 cup
• Peanut Butter - (ensure it contains no Xylitol) 1/4 cup
• Eggs - 2 large 
• Whole Wheat Flour - 2 1/2 cups​

    Method

1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees C. Line a baking tray with baking paper and set to the side.
2. Mix together in a bowl the pumpkin puree, peanut butter and eggs until all combined.
3. Slowly add in the flour while mixing, ensuring not to overmix. If your dough is still a bit sticky, keeping adding small amounts of flour until it is no longer sticky.
4. Lightly flour your clean and dry benchtop or chopping board. Transfer your dough to this surface and kneed (approx. 3 - 4 times) until it comes together.
5. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to approximately 1/2cm thick. Using cookie cutters, cut out your cookies and place them onto your lined baking tray.
6. Cook in the over for 20 minutes or until golden broken.
7. Allow cookies to completely cool before offering to your pooch or storing away. These cookies are best kept in an air tight container. ​