Time spent outdoors with your dog in spring, summer and fall could be wonderful. Visiting your favorite downtown coffee shop on a cool spring morning, going to your favorite dog park on a brilliant summer evening, or taking a walk along the river as the leaves change color are all great when the weather is good. However, in much of the country, as winter approaches, previously hospitable conditions can quickly develop into cold and dangerous for each humans and puppies.
Winter brings unique challenges for dog owners, as dogs still need activity and socialization during the colder seasons. Studies have shown that dog owners are almost 50% less likely to walk their dogs when it gets cold. Knowing the basics of winter safety is crucial to maintaining a healthy lifestyle for your dog.
I’m lecturer at the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, who survived the polar vortex along with her dog while living in Michigan early in my profession. Even though I moved to sunny California, I saw how quickly low temperatures can develop into dangerous for pets.
Racial and age differences
Not all dogs have the same ability to take care of cold weather. A brief-coated dog like a Chihuahua is way more susceptible to the dangers of cold weather than a thick-coated Husky. When the weather drops below 4 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius), a well-acclimated Husky may feel comfortable while a Chihuahua will shiver and be prone to hypothermia.
Additionally, if your dog is used to warm weather but you select to move to a colder region, your dog will need time to acclimate to the colder weather, even when he has a thick coat.
Age also affects cold resistance. Puppies and older dogs cannot withstand the cold in addition to other dogs, but each dog is exclusive – each dog can have individual health conditions or physical characteristics that make it more or less resistant to cold.
When is my dog too cold?
AP Photo/David J. Phillip
Pet owners should find a way to recognize the signs that their dog is freezing. Dogs will shake and some may make noises or whimper. Dogs may keep their feet off the cold ground, bury themselves, or try to find warmth of their surroundings after they feel uncomfortable.
Like people, dogs can get frostbite. And as with humans, symptoms can take several days to appear, making them difficult to assess at this time. The most typical places for frostbite in dogs are the ears and the ends of their tails. Some of the initial symptoms of frostbite include discoloration of the skin, which is paler than usual or turns purple, gray and even black; red, blistering skin; edema; pain in place; or ulceration.
Other severe symptoms of hypothermia include lethargy or lethargy and if you happen to notice them, see your veterinarian immediately. An excellent rule of thumb is that if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your dog.
Taking the dog A sweater or jacket AND paw covers it could actually keep them protected from the elements and keep them comfortable. Veterinarians also recommend monitoring your dog closely and limiting time outdoors when temperatures approach or drop below the freezing point.
Road salt hazards
Road salt for removing ice on streets and sidewalks it could actually also harm dogs. When dogs walk on salt, the sharp, rough edges of the salt crystals can irritate the sensitive skin on their paws.
AP Photo/Jim Cole
Dogs often lick their feet after they are dirty, wet or irritated, and in the event that they ingest salt in this way, gastrointestinal disorders, dehydration, kidney failure, seizures and even death can occur. Even small amounts of pure salt can interfere with critical body functions in dogs.
Some firms produce pet-protected salt, but in public places it could actually be difficult to tell what form of salt is on the ground. After walking your dog, wash his feet or shoes. You also can trim the fur of the paws to prevent snow or salt from accumulating in the fur. Applying a skinny layer of Vaseline or balm for paw pads on the skin of the pads of the paws also can help protect your pet’s paws from irritation.
Stolbovsky/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA
Risk of freezing
Antifreeze or ethylene glycol, present in most vehicles to prevent fluids from freezing when the weather gets cold. Some people pour antifreeze down the toilet after they are away from home to prevent the water in the toilet from freezing.
Antifreeze is an especially dangerous chemical for dogs and cats since it tastes sweet, but could be fatal if ingested. If an animal ingests even a small amount of antifreeze, the substance causes a chemical cascade in its body that causes serious kidney damage. If left untreated, your pet can have everlasting kidney damage or death.
There are safer antifreezes on the market that contain ingredients apart from ethylene glycol. If your dog ingests antifreeze, contact your veterinarian immediately for treatment.
When temperatures drop below freezing, the smartest thing pet owners can do is to limit time spent outside to a minimum. Try some classes in the constructinghide and seek games with low-calorie treats, fetching and even an interactive obstacle course. Food puzzles also can keep your dog mentally entertained while indoors.
While winter brings some unique challenges, it could actually still be an enjoyable and healthy time for you and your canine companion.