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| Winter Safety Tips |
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Click to go: Articles > Winter Safety Tips
Small Dogs
We sometimes forget the obvious. Smaller dogs have less body mass so they
have less protection against harsh winter weather. They are also close to
the ground (as are all dogs compared to humans!). More than decoration,
dog boots, dog sweaters and dog coats are must haves. A raincoat in
particular, helps protect your dog's skin and coat from pelting rain and
snow. A cozy dog sweater raises your pet's body temperature. From time
to time we hear our non-pet owning brethren scoff that dog's don't have
sweaters in nature and they're unnecessary. Well, people aren't born with
sweaters either and probably wouldn't last more than a few seconds
running starkers in winter. It's important to note (so that you at least have
a well rehearsed response to scoffers), many of the popular breeds that we
cherish in our New England climates aren't endemic to this region or
they're essentially "man-made" breeds not occurring in nature. Small dogs
aren't the only ones in need of this extra warmth. Shorthaired breeds, dogs
who are sick or older dogs may need a warm dog sweater. Puppies may also
need this winter protection in cold weather.
We sometimes forget the obvious. Smaller dogs have less body mass so they
have less protection against harsh winter weather. They are also close to
the ground (as are all dogs compared to humans!). More than decoration,
dog boots, dog sweaters and dog coats are must haves. A raincoat in
particular, helps protect your dog's skin and coat from pelting rain and
snow. A cozy dog sweater raises your pet's body temperature. From time
to time we hear our non-pet owning brethren scoff that dog's don't have
sweaters in nature and they're unnecessary. Well, people aren't born with
sweaters either and probably wouldn't last more than a few seconds
running starkers in winter. It's important to note (so that you at least have
a well rehearsed response to scoffers), many of the popular breeds that we
cherish in our New England climates aren't endemic to this region or
they're essentially "man-made" breeds not occurring in nature. Small dogs
aren't the only ones in need of this extra warmth. Shorthaired breeds, dogs
who are sick or older dogs may need a warm dog sweater. Puppies may also
need this winter protection in cold weather.
| Have fun in the snow with your pet. Just don't stay out there too long. (And no hot chocolate for dogs when you come inside, either!) |
Outdoor Pets and Metal Dishes
Remember that classic scene from "A Christmas
Story" and the Tongue Dare? Well, tongues on
objects can freeze in seconds in cold weather and
your pet's tongue on a metal dish left outside is no
exception. Try using a plastic or ceramic dish which
will safeguard against such a catastrophe. It wouldn't
hurt to check outside water periodically.
Remember that classic scene from "A Christmas
Story" and the Tongue Dare? Well, tongues on
objects can freeze in seconds in cold weather and
your pet's tongue on a metal dish left outside is no
exception. Try using a plastic or ceramic dish which
will safeguard against such a catastrophe. It wouldn't
hurt to check outside water periodically.
- Make sure all "outdoor" dogs have a warm, dry doghouse, with a flap-type door
and straw to snuggle in. In this weather, there is no such thing as an "outdoor"
cat! - Bring ALL pets into the house when the temperatures drop!
- Feed your pets a little more. Like people, they burn more calories in the cold,
both to keep warm and because exercise is more strenuous when running
through the snow. The more your pet is outside, the more extra fuel he'll need. - Be sure your pet has plenty of fresh water to drink. Pets, like people, lose
moisture through breathing, and the effects of cold temperatures are magnified
by dehydration. Keep water bowls free of snow and ice. - Notice that your skin is drier and flakier during the winter? Your pet's skin may
dry out, too, causing his coat to lose insulating ability. If you notice flaking skin
("doggie dandruff") or a lusterless coat, ask your vet about adding a tablespoon
or two of vegetable oil to his food. - Keep an eye on your pets when you put them outside to "do their business."
Wind chills cut through short fur just as fast as they do through your street
clothes, and even tough paw pads can be frostbitten. Use pet sweaters and
boots that fit well but leave plenty of freedom of movement for walking,
running, playing, and…er, going, if your pet will tolerate them, and don't leave
animals outside too long! If the pet is shivering or limping--even if having a
great time playing-- get him or her into the house immediately! If you don't,
you may end up carrying him/her.
| Dogs with long fur on the bottom of their paws often develop ice balls between the pads and toes of the feet. To prevent ice balls from forming, trim the hair around your dog's feet. Apply a small amount of Vaseline, cooking oil, or PAM spray to your dog's feet before taking him for a walk in snow. The oil helps prevent ice balls from sticking. Make sure you use edible oil; most dogs will lick their paws after you apply the oil. |
- When the snow starts piling up, shovel paths and a bathroom area in your yard.
Some people make a game of it with their dogs, adding to the paths each time
they go outside to form runs and mazes that they can enjoy together. - If your dog insists on going "walkies" regardless of the weather, don't go too far
when it's really cold, and clean off Fido's feet when you've been walking on
plowed streets and salted sidewalks. Salt and road chemicals can burn those
pads, and they don't do the digestive tract any good when licked off paws,
either. Don't use salt or chemicals in dog pens or play areas! - Everybody has heard about the dangers of anti-freeze and windshield de-icer,
but until pets quit dying from lapping up spills in their owners' driveways, the
message bears repeating. These products smell sweet, taste good to your dog
or cat, and even as little as a teaspoonful can kill (depending on the size of the
pet--or child). Symptoms include an appearance of "being drunk:" lack of
coordination, vomiting, depression, and increased water intake and urination.
Call your vet immediately if you suspect anti-freeze poisoning; these chemicals
kill in a matter of 4 - 8 hours or less! Even if the pet seems to be getting better,
irreparable kidney damage may have already occurred. Of course you're careful
yourself or use an animal-friendly anti-freeze, but be aware that others aren't
always as knowledgeable or conscientious. Keep your pets away from any spills
you might encounter when you're out and about. - If you see an animal left out in the cold, please speak to its owner, or notify
your local police or animal welfare agency! Difficult as it may be, when talking to
neglectful pet owners, don't be accusatory or belligerent. Get your point across
conversationally, if you can, and in a friendly manner. Ignorance is curable by
education.