Snow, sleet, ice, and wind... there's a lot to prepare for when it comes to winter weather. Just like we're affected by the cold, our dogs are, too. Here are a few simple measures you can take to make sure your dog stays happy and healthy throughout the winter.
Avoid Thin IceToo often we hear stories of dogs that had to be rescued from icy waters (and those are the lucky ones). It might look like fun to slide across that frozen pond, but ice can easily crack, and your dog - and you - could fall in. Slipping on ice can also lead to muscle strains and other injuries.
Protect Your Dog's PawsLook at the Iditarod sled-dog teams, and you'll notice that their paws are covered by booties. Mushers know that the race may be lost because of injuries and abrasions from running on ice. Even if your dog isn't dashing through 1,000 miles of frozen Alaskan wilderness, winter conditions can still do damage. Different retailers offer dog boots or paw protectors that work well to keep your pup's feet safe.
Trim Foot FuzzHair on the feet of long-haired dogs can form ice balls between pads and toes. Keep them well-trimmed, cutting the hair so that it is even with the surface of the foot.
Clean Your Dog's FeetCity streets are coated with deicing substances, such as sodium chloride (rock salt) and calcium chloride, which make sidewalks safe for pedestrians, but can damage paw pads. Make sure you wash off your dog's feet. Some people keep a bucket next to the door to rinse their dog's feet as soon as they come in from the cold. Use warm water and make sure to reach spots between the toes and pads. Some dogs will also need a moisturizer for dry skin.
Learn how to make your own paw balm for the winter
here.
Limit Dog's Time OutsideDogs can suffer from frostbite, especially on delicate earflaps and tail tips. In extreme cold, it's a good idea to keep dogs inside, with the exception of the heavy-coated northern breeds that thrive in low temperatures. If it's not possible to keep the dogs indoors, be aware of the major signs of frostbite, which include skin that appears white or blue.
Stay IndoorsEven a big fuzzy dog that lives indoors will need some time to acclimate to freezing temperatures. Short romps outside will help your dog's body get used to the change in the weather. Keep indoor activities fun with
these ideas. Toys like the DogTwister Interactive Game give your dog a fun way to get both mental and physical exercise.
Bundle Your Dog UpSure, most dogs have their own coat, but you wouldn't want to go out in a blizzard in a light spring jacket. Make sure small, delicate, and short-haired dogs, even large ones like Greyhounds, have an appropriate winter wardrobe. Bonus: You can have fun dressing them up.
