Bean Town Dogs - Featured Articles

Bean Town Dogs
A Service Guide for New England Dogs

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!)

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.