As the temperature drops and winter sets in, it’s crucial to ensure that our furry friends stay warm and protected. Dogs are sensitive to cold weather and run the risk of contracting conditions like frostbite and hypothermia.
However, simply keeping them inside won’t ensure their safety and well-being. You’ll need to take other measures to ensure your four-legged companion’s comfort throughout the winter. This blog will equip you with the practical tips required to do so.
Come along, and you’re welcome to take notes.
Measures to Keep Your Dog Safe During Winters
In this segment, we’ll cover some proactive actions that you can practice to ensure your dog’s safety and comfort during winter.
Keep Them Inside When It’s Cold
This goes without saying because if your doggo stays outside for long, they can suffer from extreme cold, frostbite, or hypothermia. Moreover, be well-versed with the common symptoms of these conditions so you can promptly take them to the vet and get the medical attention they need.
Plus, if your dog is old, they can have a hard time regulating their body temperature. Keep them inside and help them with a warm and snuggly bed.
Manage Outside Time Wisely
You want to protect your dog from the hazards of the cold weather, but you can’t keep them inside the entire winter, right? Moreover, outside time is crucial for their mental and physical stimulation.
So, when you are going outside, mind the snow, keep the trips brief, and make sure your dog is blanket-upped, leashed, and chipped.
Protect Their Paws
Dog paws are very sensitive to cold. After a walk or a potty routine, snow and ice can get trapped in their paw pads and toes, which may lead to frostbite.
Apart from that, the de-icing salts and chemicals used to melt snow can irritate or burn their paws, leading to sores or infection. Therefore, wipe their paws after every outside trip, trim long hairs, and use boots or traction socks to protect their paws.
Handle Antifreeze Responsibly
If your dog ingests even a small amount of antifreeze, it can be detrimental to them. It contains ethylene glycol, which is toxic to dogs and can damage their kidneys, liver, and brain.
So, be responsible when using antifreeze, wipe the spills, store it out of reach, and know the common signs in case your dog ingests it. The common signs include drooling, excessive thirst, lethargy, vomiting, seizures, panting, etc.
Maintain Their Coat and Hair
It’s crucial to keep up the grooming during the winter to avoid flaking and itchy skin. Pay special attention to paws and in between the toes, regularly trimming the hair. Plus, wipe their paws every time they come from outside strolls.
Regularly comb the hair to maintain the coat, and consider getting a sweater or jacket to keep them warm. Furthermore, maintain the bathing schedule with adequate moisturizing to avoid dry skin.
Be Prepared for Emergencies
The heaters used to warm indoors can potentially burn your dog or be knocked over and cause a fire. So be cautious where you place these heaters and other appliances.
Furthermore, be prepared for such emergencies and keep a first aid kit handy in case you are not able to visit the vet due to bad weather or snowy, dangerous roads.
Parting Words
With snowscapes and chilled weather, winters can be a magical time, but it brings unique challenges for pet parents. By taking some proactive steps, you can keep your beloved four-legged companion safe and snuggly during winter. Keep in mind the measures discussed above so you and your furry friend can enjoy the cold weather without the worry. Happy winters!