Winter Care Tips For Dog Owners

Winter Care Tips For Dog Owners

Our fur babies have a coat of fur but it doesn’t mean that they can tolerate the cold better than humans. This is a common misconception of many dog owners. The truth is, like us, these fur-coated creatures are used to the warmth of indoor shelter and cold weather can be as hard as it is on us humans. Now, when the winter comes, let us know some extra care for our beloved dogs.

Here are 7 winter tips to keep in mind as you explore the winter landscape with your faithful four-legged friend. But first, here are two serious cold weather conditions that we should keep in mind.

Preventing Winter Health Risks

Frostbite

Frostbite begins when the dog’s body gets cold. The body automatically pulls blood from the extremities to the center of the body to stay warm. The dog’s ears, paws, or tail can get so cold that ice crystals can form in the tissue and damage it. The tricky thing to remember about frostbite is that it’s not immediately obvious. Watch for signs of pale or grey skin; the skin may also turn hard and cold. As frostbitten areas warm, they can be extremely painful. Severely frostbitten skin will eventually turn black and slough off.

Hypothermia

A second serious winter weather concern is hypothermia. This occurs when a dog spends too much time in the cold, gets wet in cold temperatures, or when dogs with poor health or circulation are exposed to cold. In mild cases, the dog will shiver and her ears and feet may grow cold. As hypothermia progresses, she may show signs of depression, lethargy, and weakness. As the condition worsens, her muscles will stiffen, her heart and breathing rates slow down, and she will not respond to stimuli. Severe hypothermia is life-threatening.
Protecting your dog from frostbite and hypothermia is essential, so learn how to recognize the signs that your dog needs to come indoors to warm up.

Now, here are the 7 winter tips that are essential to know for our fur babies.

1. What’s The Temperature?

Some dog breeds are blessed with thick fur that keeps them warm naturally, even in very cold temperatures, but dogs with thin coats may need to wear a sweater or coat when out for winter walks.

A good coat should reach from the neck to the base of the tail and also protect the belly. But remember that coats will not prevent frostbite on the ears, feet, or tail … so even with a cozy coat, don’t keep your short haired dog out too long in freezing temperatures.

If your dogs have thin coats and need to wear a sweater, here’s the perfect store to look for: winter dog jackets, a dog’s winter clothing with zippered closure, dog pajamas, and puffer coats. Here’s the link: https://puppiesgear.com/product-category/dog-coat/
https://puppiesgear.com/product-category/dog-clothes/

2. Limit Outdoor Time In Winter

Your family pet may love to spend time outdoors but in winter even the furriest dog can get cold.  Ears, paws, and tails are all susceptible to frostbite. Take your dog out frequently for walks, exercise, and play … but when the temperature drops, don’t leave him outdoors for long periods of time.

A good rule is to go out with him and when you’re ready to come in, he probably will be too. If he’s outside in your yard by himself, check often to make sure he’s not showing signs of feeling cold.

3. Cozy Bedding

In addition to limiting your dog’s time outdoors on cold days, don’t let your pooch sleep on a cold floor in winter. Choosing the right bedding is vital to ensure your dog stays warm.

Warm blankets can create a snug environment; raised beds can keep your dog off cold tiles or concrete, and heated pet beds can help keep the stiffness out of aging joints. Place your dog’s bed in a warm spot away from drafts, cold tile, or uncarpeted floors, preferably in a favorite spot where she sleeps every day so that the area doesn’t feel unfamiliar.

4. Protect Your Dog From Heaters

Dogs will often seek heat during cold winter weather by snuggling too close to heating sources. Avoid space heaters and install baseboard radiator covers to avoid your pet getting burned. Fireplaces also pose a major threat so please make sure you have a pet-proof system to keep your heat-seeking pal out of harm’s way!

5. Snow Removal

Snow can be a lot of fun but it can also be dangerous for your dog. Snow piled near fences offers your dog escape routes that even well-trained dogs often can’t resist. When you clear snow in your yard, pile it away from fences to prevent your dog from climbing over.

Snow and ice often accumulate on rooftops and if the sun is out or as temperatures rise, this accumulation can slide and injure your dog. If you can’t clear the snow from the roof, keep your dog away from the roof overhang to prevent injury.

6. Watch Where Your Dog Plays

Although your dog is likely having a great time outdoors, take frequent indoor breaks for water and warming, and don’t ever stay out too long. If you’re walking or playing in unfamiliar areas, keep your dog close. It’s easy for her to venture onto unsafe surfaces such as frozen ponds or lakes. These may be covered in snow and not easily visible.

7. Avoid Exposure To Toxins

With winter comes antifreeze. Antifreeze tastes sweet and dogs (as well as some children!) will readily lick or drink it. Antifreeze is extremely toxic and just a small amount can be fatal. Keep your dog out of the garage and off the driveway where she may encounter antifreeze or other harmful chemicals.