The summer sun has faded and there’s a chill in the air lately when you step out with your pooch for your morning walk. Although cold weather can bring lots of opportunity for fun and frolicking outdoors with your pup, there are a few things that you can do to help make those icy days safe and comfortable for your furry best friend.
Get Grooming
Treating your dog to a thorough bath and brush is a great first step to prep for colder weather; removing dead hair, mats and tangles from your dog’s fur actually helps them better regulate their body temperature by allowing the hair to do its job (trapping warm air) more effectively. A quick foot trim is also a good idea for those pups that have fine hair, since it prevents snow from forming painful clumps as they walk.
Weather-Proof those Paws
Humans wear boots during cold weather, of course, but what about dogs? A dog’s thick pads and furry feet mean that it’s no problem for them to go barefoot for most of the year, but road salt and icy conditions can really increase the ‘ouch’ factor for your pup. While breeds like Huskies and Malamutes have natural protection against the elements, other dogs might benefit from booties or paw protectors like Musher’s Secret to keep their tootsies healthy. Anti-icing agents might also cause blisters or burns, so get in the habit of rinsing your pup’s paws in warm water each time you come home from an outdoor adventure.
Stay Warm to Be Cool
Outdoor activities like snowshoeing or cross-country skiing can be phenomenal fun for both you and your pup, but some of our canine companions need a bit of extra insulation to participate on those frigid days. Small dogs can’t generate as much body heat as larger dogs, and their close proximity to the cold ground means that they become chilled more quickly (especially if they get wet). Short coated or slender breeds might also need some extra help to keep warm! If you’re adventuring outdoors for the day (or if it’s especially frigid), fit your dog with a warm, waterproof insulated jacket and keep a close eye on them for signs that they’re getting too cold, like shivering and fatigue.
Hydration Equals Health
When winter weather approaches, the epidemic of dry skin arrives too. It’s important to keep a close eye on your dog’s water bowl, since increased furnace use and dry outdoor air can definitely make any dog or human feel more parched than usual. For dogs who aren’t big drinkers, adding water to kibble or offered canned food are great ways to increase your four-legged friend’s water intake. It’s especially important that your dog has access to fresh water if they’re spending lots of time outdoors, since a dehydrated dog can get cold and tired faster than you might think.
Frostbite Free
That brisk winter air can be refreshing, but in severe winter temperatures, your dog’s skin is just as susceptible to frostbite as yours is! A dog’s ears, nose, and belly area are typically more thinly-furred, so check these areas often to prevent your furry friend from turning into a pupsicle! If you do suspect frostbite, bring your dog indoors right away and allow the affected areas of skin to warm up slowly on their own, or warm them by holding them between your hands. Never rub frostbitten skin or immerse it in hot water – it can damage the skin cells in those areas even more! IT helps to keep an eye on the thermostat, too; most breeds should stay safe and warm indoors when cold weather becomes too severe.
The arrival of cold weather doesn’t mean that your dog’s outdoor fun is over, but as we humans get ready to hunker down and bundle up for the winter, it’s good to remember that our best friends need a little extra preparation too.
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