How to Keep Your Dog Healthy This Winter
The winter weather can be beautiful, but just as with humans, the drop in temperature can spell danger for dogs. While older pets, or those with medical conditions, are likely to be more acutely affected by the chillier weather, there are some important steps to take to keep all dogs safe, happy, and healthy during the winter.
Be Mindful of Extreme Cold
It’s important to be aware that - despite their furry coats - extreme cold can be very risky for dogs. In such weather delicate parts of a dog’s body, such as their tail tips and ear flaps, can even be subject to frostbite. It’s best to stay indoors when the temperatures drop below freezing, but if you do need to go out with your dog, be aware of the signs of frostbite, such as the skin appearing white or blue.
Even the hardiest of dogs will need some time to acclimatize to a sudden drop in temperature, so when it becomes icy, allow your dog’s body to get used to the change by starting with short walks - or a quick play - outside.
Keep Them Active
And if sub-zero winter temperatures mean that you and your dog need to stay indoors, make sure that your furry friend has enough opportunity for both mental stimulation and physical exercise. As well as interactive toys, get your pet’s mind and body moving with a bit of obedience training (or a refresher course!), playing hide-and-seek with a favorite toy, or even creating a DIY obstacle course for them to tackle.
Ensure You Have Pet Insurance
Pet insurance premiums may seem like a monthly expense you can live without, but having a plan in place is one of the best ways to protect your pet and enjoy peace of mind. There are different types of plans available, so you can choose the cover that best meets your dog’s needs and your budget.
So whether you live in the notoriously chilly Minneapolis or are looking for the best pet insurance in California, where there’s definitely no chance of frostbite in winter, there’s a plan out there to suit you.
Look After Your Dog’s Feet
In icy weather, city streets are coated with substances like rock salt and calcium chloride to help prevent slips. While this is great for us humans, these things can cause damage to a dog’s paw pads. To protect against this, be sure to clean your pooch’s pads with lukewarm water as soon as you come in from a walk - you may find it easier to keep a bucket of water next to the door just for this task. Take care to get in all the hard-to-reach spots, such as between the toes and pads. Applying a paw balm can also be an effective way to prevent cracking.
For long-haired dogs, ice balls can form between the toes and pads. Keeping this hair well-trimmed so that it’s even with the surface of the paw can guard against this.
Keep Anti-Freeze Out of Reach
Ingesting anti-freeze - even as little as a teaspoon - could be catastrophic to your dog, causing kidney failure. If you think your pet has swallowed even a small amount of anti-freeze, it should be treated as an emergency, and a vet or emergency vet should be immediately sought. Signs that your dog may have swallowed anti-freeze include vomiting, drooling, seizures, panting, excessive thirst, lethargy, and a drunken appearance.
As well as being sure that anti-freeze in your home or garage is out of your pet’s reach, watch out where your furry friend is sniffing when out walking, as residue can be left on the streets, too.
Take Extra Care if It’s Snowing
It’s best to keep your dog on a lead if it’s snowing. This is because the snow can disguise areas that aren’t safe, such as deep holes or a pond with a covering of ice. And on this subject, don’t allow your dog to walk on frozen lakes, ponds, or rivers, even if the ice seems thick. Appearances can be deceptive, and the ice may not be able to take the weight of your pet. If the worst happens and your pet does fall through into the icy water below, encourage them to swim back to you and seek emergency assistance if you need to - never be tempted to go in after them.
Final Thoughts
Winter can be a wonderful time for beautiful snowy walks with your dog, and enjoying cozy snuggles on the sofa afterwards. However, it’s important to remember that colder weather can bring dangers, and it’s important to be mindful of these to help keep your canine companion safe, healthy, and happy throughout the season. Use the guide above to be mindful of the hazards and ensure your pet is kept comfortable as the temperatures drop.
Alexandra Bassett is the owner, dog trainer, and behavior consultant at Dog Savvy, a dog training company specializing in game-based dog training and solving problem dog behaviors like dog separation anxiety, leash reactivity, excessive barking, and aggression.
She is certified as Knowledge Assessed by the Council of Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA) and is available for online dog training sessions via Zoom.