Protect Your Dog From The Cold

Winter's cold air brings many concerns for responsible dog owners. Dogs cannot talk to us when they’re sick. As a responsible dog owner, it is important that you pay special attention to your dog's well-being during the winter season. Here are some tips to help make sure that your dog stays healthy and comfortable during the winter months.

• Keep pets away from antifreeze solution, and promptly clean up any antifreeze spills. Antifreeze is highly toxic! Antifreeze tastes good to pets, but even a small amount can kill your dog. Though exposure to antifreeze is a risk all year, the risk is especially high during the colder months. Keep your eyes on your dog at all times - and keep antifreeze out of reach. If you suspect your dog has had ANY exposure to antifreeze, get to a vet right away.  

• Doggie coats keep your dog warm when it’s cold out. This is important for dogs with short coats, who are not naturally built for the cold. They need an extra layer to keep warm outdoors, and a coat will provide that protection. Some dogs may be built for the cold, but most aren't. Doggie coats provide protection against the cold and much more. They're really useful throughout the winter months.

• Do not leave your dog outside unsupervised without a heated shelter. Just because your dog has fur, it does not mean he can withstand the cold. Though some dog breeds (like Huskies and Malamutes) are better suited to cold weather, all dogs should have access to a warm shelter at all times. Duncan is a Husky and loves the cold weather, but even he has a time limit for being outside, before having to come in. Most dogs do best living indoors. While I don't agree with dogs being kept outside, if your dog must live outdoors, provide a heated shelter. Pets that get too cold can develop hypothermia or even frostbite. Ear tips are especially susceptible to frostbite. Short-coated dogs (Greyhounds, Dobermans, Boxers, Pointers, Boston Terriers, Pit Bulls) should not go outside without a coat or sweater in very cold weather, except to relieve themselves. Small dogs or those with little to no hair should have sweaters or jackets for protection against the cold. Some of the most common breeds that will benefit from protective clothing are Chihuahuas, Miniature Pinschers, Whippets, and Greyhounds. Remember, not all dogs will tolerate clothing, so don’t push it – just make an extra effort to keep them out of the cold.

• If your dog will tolerate it, consider foot protection booties. This can keep your dog’s feet safe from harm, such as dangerous objects hidden by the snow or salt on roads and walk ways. Additionally, booties can help give your dog a better grip and prevent slipping on ice. If your dog frequently lifts up its paws, whines or stops during its walks, it is demonstrating that its feet are uncomfortable cold.

• Dogs with long fur on the bottom of their paws often develop ice balls between the pads and toes of the feet. To prevent ice balls from forming, trim the hair around your dogs feet. Apply a small amount of Vaseline, cooking oil, or PAM spray to your dog's feet before taking him for a walk in the snow. The oil helps prevent ice balls from sticking. Make sure you use edible oil; most dogs will lick their paws after you apply the oil.

• If your pet walks on salted sidewalks or streets, be sure to wash his paws off after your walk. Salt is very irritating to footpads. Gently rub the bottom of the feet to remove the salt as soon as your dog is off the road.

• Many animals are less active during the winter, and don't burn as many calories as in the warmer months. Reduce your pet's diet during the winter, to avoid excessive weight gain. You may wish to consult with your veterinarian about the right winter food portions for your pet.

• When walking your dog near ice, use extra caution to avoid slipping. Always keep a close watch your dog and be sure he says nearby. Do not allow your dog to run across frozen bodies of water - he could fall into icy water if the ice is too thin!

• If you use an indoor or outdoor fireplace, always keep a safety guard around it in order to protect your dog away from the flames and soot. Do not leave a fire unattended.

• If your dog is in the cold and begins excessively shaking or shivering, get him back to warm shelter as soon as possible. If you suspect your dog is developing hypothermia, bring him to a vet immediately.

• Avoid letting your dog eat snow or anything else on the ground. Dangerous objects or chemicals may be hidden in the snow. Also, eating snow this can cause stomach upset and even hypothermia. Always keep fresh room temperature water available at all times.

Since your dog's normal temperature is a few degrees higher than yours? Winter is the perfect time of year to snuggle up – so have fun and stay warm!