With the cold weather upon us it’s a good idea to take the time to
brush up on some common winter hazards and easy ways to keep your canine comfy in the cold!
A common misconception is your dog will be “fine” if left outside.
This is not true. Just like humans, they are susceptible to hypothermia and
frostbite. Puppies, seniors and arthritic dogs are particularly vulnerable so
make sure to use extra precaution when taking them out and be aware of the
signs that your dog has had enough! Shivering, shaking, whining, hesitation
and slow moving are all signals it’s time to go inside. Keep in mind your dog
will most likely feel the cold before you do because of their smaller body
mass and they are closer to the wet ground. So a good rule of thumb is if
it’s too cold for you it’s too cold for your dog!
A few things to have on hand…
It is always a good idea to keep a week supply of food, water, clean bedding and any medications your dog may be on in the event of a snowstorm where you will be unable to get out and/or the stores/Vet’s office is closed
Common Hazards…
Antifreeze often collects in roadways and driveways and it is toxic. Although it smells and tastes good it can be deadly even in small amounts.
Rock Salt used to melt ice on sidewalks and streets can irritate foot pads. Be sure to rinse and dry your dog’s feet after your walk
Frostbite is a real concern. To help prevent frostbite on ears tails and feet don’t leave your dog out for too long.
Dehydration is as likely in winter as in summer months. Be sure to provide plenty of fresh water. Snow is not an acceptable substitute for water. In fact you should avoid letting your dog eat snow because it can very easily hide contaminates.
Illness Just like people, dogs seem to be more susceptible to illness in the winter months. Be aware of any strange symptoms and find out if your Vet has different hours for the winter months.
Watch those Paws!
Towel or blow dry your dog if they get wet from rain or snow. Clean paws too, this helps avoid tiny cuts in cracked pads. A little petroleum jelly may soften the pads and prevent further cracking. Dogs with long fur on the bottom of the paws often develop ice balls between the toes and pads of the feet. This can be very uncomfortable and can cause other problems. To help prevent the ice from forming trim the hair around your dog’s feet
Coats and sweaters….
Not something all dogs will put up with so don’t it if they resist. However If you have a small dog, a short haired or a course haired breed then a sweater is a must for these pooches! Consider a sweater or coat that protects the base of the tail to
the belly.
As a responsible guardian use your good judgment when on your outings with your pal. We don’t want to restrict your fun activities; we just want you to be aware. The city streets are loaded with all kinds of chemicals that can be toxic so just look out for your dog like they look out for you.
A little trivia!
Did you know a normal dog’s body temperature is a few degrees higher than a humans? Now for a snuggle buddy you can’t beat that!
