Dogs have different habits in each season, and owners need to manage them accordingly. Below is an introduction to dogs' habits and key management points in each season.

Poodle

　　1. Spring

　　Spring is the season for dogs’ heat cycles, mating, reproduction, and shedding. Pay attention to managing dogs in heat, grooming their coats, and preventing skin diseases. During heat periods, dogs often experience physiological and behavioral changes. Female dogs in heat tend to wander, so they must be supervised carefully and should not be allowed to roam freely for mating, especially high-quality purebreds to prevent degradation of breed quality. Male dogs often fight to compete for mates and may get injured; injuries should be treated promptly.

　　Spring is also the shedding season. Thick winter coats will be shed. If grooming is not done frequently and timely, dirty skin can cause itching. Dogs will scratch and rub their bodies to relieve itching, which can break the skin and lead to bacterial infections. Dirty coats easily matt and provide favorable environments for external parasites and fungi to proliferate, causing skin diseases. Therefore, in spring, coat grooming and cleaning to prevent skin diseases are essential.

　　2. Summer

　　The air is humid and the climate is hot, so precautions against heatstroke, dampness, and food poisoning are necessary. Dogs are prone to heatstroke in high temperature and high humidity as their bodies have difficulty dissipating heat. Hence, avoid activities under strong sunlight, place dog houses in shady locations, and give dogs cold water baths often during hot weather. If dogs show symptoms such as difficulty breathing, increased skin temperature, or rapid heartbeat, immediately apply a cold wet towel to the head, move them to a cool, ventilated spot, and contact a veterinarian at once. To prevent dampness, bedding should be changed and dried frequently. After washing the dog house, make sure it is fully dried before allowing the dog inside. Dogs wet from rain should be promptly wiped dry with a towel.

　　In summer, dog food spoils and deteriorates easily, which can cause food poisoning. Therefore, it is best to feed dogs freshly cooked food and avoid leftovers. Food that has spoiled or gone bad must be discarded without hesitation to avoid waste. Spoiled food may contain bacterial toxins that cannot be destroyed even by high temperatures. Eating toxic food causes food poisoning and can be fatal if treatment is delayed. If dogs vomit, have diarrhea, or show general weakness shortly after eating, consult a veterinarian immediately.

　　High summer temperatures may reduce dogs’ appetites. At this time, reduce meat, increase fresh vegetables and broth, or appropriately change the diet type, and provide plenty of fresh water. Additionally, regularly clean eyes and ears to prevent skin eczema.

　　3. Autumn

　　Autumn sees strong metabolism and greatly increased appetite in dogs; food intake increases. Summer coats begin to shed, and autumn coats start growing. Autumn is also the second breeding season of the year with many management methods similar to spring. Because food is abundant in autumn, increase feeding amounts and improve quality to build up physical reserves for winter. Groom coats regularly to promote winter fur growth. Due to large temperature differences between day and night in late autumn, ensure good insulation of the dog house at night to prevent colds.

　　4. Winter

　　With cold weather, the focus of management should be on cold protection, insulation, and preventing respiratory diseases. Lower temperatures and exposure to cold air, improper management, lack of cold protection, getting wet from rain or wind after exercise, and damp dog houses can cause colds that may lead to bronchitis or pneumonia if severe.

　　Effective cold prevention measures include enhanced insulation, thicker bedding that is replaced timely, keeping everything dry, and preventing drafts. On warm sunny days, allow outdoor exercise to strengthen physical condition and improve disease resistance. Sunshine on terraces not only provides warmth but also has UV sterilization effects, promotes calcium absorption, supports bone development, and prevents rickets in puppies.