Depending on where you live in the country, you may expect the next few months to be cold, wet, and snowy. Just like just like snow and freezing temperatures can present some serious concerns for you, there are also concerns for your dog that you want to be aware of.
Knowing the winter dangers for dogs and taking steps to avoid them can keep your dog comfortable and safe all season long.
How to Keep Your Dog Healthy This Winter
Most of the winter challenges for dogs involve hypothermia, frostbite, scratches, and irritating toxins in the environment, all of which your dog could be at risk for from trips outside on walks or errands where dogs may have prolonged exposure to the cold. This does not mean that you need to forego outdoor experiences altogether, but stay aware of the best ways to keep your dog comfortable while you do them:
- Limit Time Outside - Even if your dog enjoys spending all day bounding through the snow, do not leave them outside for long periods and never without supervision. Except for those that were bred for winter weather, such as huskies or Newfoundlands, many dogs’ fur is not enough to keep them warm once temperatures get near freezing and exposed areas like paws, noses, ears, and tails can be especially susceptible to frostbite.
- Keep Your Dog Dry - What insulating properties fur has are quickly diminished if the fur becomes wet due to melting snow or puddles. Damp fur can keep her dog cold even after you have come back home into the warmth of your home. Consider using a raincoat that covers your dog's underside while outdoors and keep towels in your car or by your front door to give your dog a pat down after he has gotten wet.
- Bundle Up for Walks -If your dog will wear them, dog coats and boots can help keep out the cold, especially for dogs with short hair or smaller dogs that are closer to the ground since they are more susceptible to cold.
- Don't Leave Your Dog in the Car - Car temperatures can drop more quickly than outside temperatures, bringing on hypothermia quickly. Do not leave your dog in the car for any extended length of time without the heater running.
- Check Paws - On walks, sharp ice can scrape and road salt on sidewalks can irritate your dog’s paw pads. Perform a quick check of your dog's paws after any trip outside and consider wiping them down with a warm wash if ice or salt has built up. You will also want to keep fur between pads trimmed short so that it cannot collect ice.
If temperatures drop below freezing, it is best to avoid outdoor exercise with your dog altogether. On these days let your dog outside only for short bathroom breaks and instead keep them busy inside the house or at a local doggy daycare. You can try a game of tug-of-war, hide and seek, training sessions, or a puzzle toy with food to keep your dog stimulated and active even when it is too cold to go outdoors.
