6 Tips To Winterize Your Dog
Winter weather is here, at least in many areas of the country, bringing with it biting cold and snow.
There are a few things to keep in mind as the temperatures drop when it comes to the safety of your dog.
The Humane Society has some provided some helpful tips to keep away the winter woes.
* Don’t leave dogs outdoors when the temperature drops. Most dogs, and all cats, are safer indoors, except when taken out for exercise. Regardless of the season, shorthaired, very young, or old dogs and all cats should never be left outside without supervision. Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks.
* No matter what the temperature, windchill can threaten a pet’s life. A dog or cat is happiest and healthiest when kept indoors. If your dog is an outdoor dog, however, he/she must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The house should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.
* Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet’s water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal; when the temperature is low, your pet’s tongue can stick and freeze to metal.
* Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, who may crawl up under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car’s hood to scare them away before starting your engine.
* The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet’s feet. Wipe the feet with a damp towel before your pet licks them and irritates his/her mouth.
* Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that may attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze (and all household chemicals) out of reach. Better yet, use antifreeze-coolant made with propylene glycol; if swallowed in small amounts, it will not hurt pets, wildlife, or your family.
For those Dogsters wondering if your dog needs a coat, I went to Dogster’s vet blog and checked with Dr. Eric Barchas. So, do dogs need to wear coats?
It depends on the dog, and it depends on how cold it is.
As a rule, smaller dogs are more likely than larger dogs to need extra warmth. Their small bodies cannot hold heat as well.
Likewise, dogs with short, thin coats are more likely than those with long, thick coats to need extra warmth.
Therefore, a Chihuahua who lives in Los Angeles might need a sweater if it dips below 50 degrees (Fahrenheit). A husky who lives in Fairbanks might never need a sweater.
Also, remember that pets, like people, warm up with activity. I may take off my jacket when I am hiking a trail up a hill, but put it on again when I reach the top. A dog playing fetch usually won’t need a coat. A dog being carried in a purse usually will.
Given the complexity of the situation, your best bet is to use common sense and pick up on your pets’ cues. If they are reluctant to go outside, or if they show signs of being cold (such as seeking warmth or shivering), then you should consider bundling them up.
According to The Humane Society, the happiest dogs are those who are taken out frequently for walks and exercise but kept inside the rest of the time.
* The snow cutie above is Dazzle.
These tips are extremely helpful as I prepare my golden retriever Martha for the winter months ahead. I didn’t realize there was so much to look into beyond the blistery weather outside such as an alternate winter diet. You may also want to check out another article which I found to be extremely helpful on webvet.com.
Here it is: http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/1336
Great tips, but the only tip we need for 3 Great Danes is…”Put another log on the fire!” (winter is NOT their favorite season!!!).
We’ve always kept our pets inside & though we do not have any right now, we are looking into possibly getting some in March/April. We normally have large animals, so this is a good topic, as we are hoping to get a small dog.
I do not know why I didn’t think if it, however our neighbors always seem to have their dogs outside, however I haven’t heard them barking, so they are probably inside for the cold fall/winter months. This is probably why I’m sleeping better @ night: knowing their dogs are inside: as I’m not hearing them bark.
I think the dogs are out in the yard during the days, while they are gone: because they are often found wondering around our very small town. No, local dog pounds to pick them up either.
Mind you we just moved here, so we do not entirely know of our neighbors habits.
Thanks, now I know what I need to do to keep my dachshund warm, and more importantly ALIVE! Swiper will be greatful.
This covers mostly animals that live outside. I am glad coats are discussed, I always monitor our dogs that do need coats. they are dressed in layers so they can strip down relative to the temperature. One or two tee-shirts, a sweater, and a coat are used for real cold temperatures, and for a long duration outside (like a walk), but since they move a lot on a walk, I am prepared to remove a layer or two if they start to pant.
But what was not addressed was icy feet. One important thing to remember is that ice can build up in between the toes, so you must check the paws for ice. Often the dog will stop and bite its toes, or limp if the ice has packed up in its feet. Also, for long haired dogs, it is best to keep the hair in between the toes as short as possible to reduce the amount of icy build up. Request that you groomer trim the hair on the bottom of the paws as short as they can (but NOT “clean,” this means “remove all the hair from the entire foot.” You only want the paw pads trimmed!). Or, if you do you dog’s grooming yourself, very, very carefully trim the hair coming out between the toes, and if you are comfortable and safe enough, trim or use a small clipper to get in between the toes.
Opps, another note: You should only increase the calorie intake if your dog is still getting exercise! Exercising in the cold weather does burn more calories. this does not mean to increase the calorie intake for a dog that is going to spend the winter snuggled up in a blanket by the fire, only to go outside from time to time to potty then come right back in.
Monitor your dog’s weight and adjust accordingly. Winter is time we all tend to put on weight because all we want to do is eat and hibernate, and we don’t get out as often as we do in the other seasons.
Thanks !! very helpful post!