Comments on: 6 Tips To Winterize Your Dog

By: Henry Simmons

Henry Simmons — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 07:04:33 +0000

Thanks !! very helpful post!

By: BriLarcrest

BriLarcrest — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:50:25 +0000

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.

By: BriLarcrest

BriLarcrest — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:45:22 +0000

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.

By: Samuel B.

Samuel B. — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:40:07 +0000

Thanks, now I know what I need to do to keep my dachshund warm, and more importantly ALIVE! Swiper will be greatful.

By: Blessed2BeeAlive

Blessed2BeeAlive — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:48:26 +0000

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.

By: Jamee Jensen Fry

Jamee Jensen Fry — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 14:36:41 +0000

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!!!).

By: I heart dogs

I heart dogs — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:29:49 +0000

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