How to Care for Your Dog in Cold Weather

Brrr... Here in the North the weather is downright unfriendly! We humans bundle up every time we step outside the house, so how can we protect our dogs? The cold is a big hazard - but there are more!

But let's begin with the cold. I realize some dogs need to live outdoors. Some dogs actually prefer to live outdoors and love nothing better than to burrow down into the snow for a nice nap. Those are dogs with heavy, thick coats of fur, such as Huskies. Our short haired dogs are a different story. They just can't take it.

Last winter we rescued a short haired dog who had been used as "bait" in dog fighting and then "thrown away" along a remote highway. The vet who treated his injuries thought it best not to neuter him when he was already stressed from the injuries - until he realized those parts were frostbitten. He also had less severe frostbite on his nose and ears.

So, the first thing is: Give your dog a warm place to burrow in if he has to stay outdoors. An insulated dog house and a heated pad to lay on will help him survive. Be sure he can be out of the wind and rain or snow. Of course, the best plan is to bring him in the house - or at least give him a warm bed in a heated garage.

Dogs love to go along in the car, and that's wonderful. But if you're going to be going where you'll have to leave the dog for more than a half hour, make him stay home. The cold car is like a refrigerator and the metal absorbs the cold - So while he's out of the wind, he can still freeze to death.

Puppies and old or ill dogs cannot tolerate cold at all. Take them outside just long enough to relieve themselves and bring them back in.

If you have a house dog who gets regular baths, be sure he's completely dry before going out for a walk on cold days. Take the walk before the bath! If your dog goes to a groomer, alter the hairdo so that he is not shaved to the skin in winter.

Beware of winter poison!

If you take your dog walking on city streets, be sure to wipe off his belly and feet when he comes in. This is not just to save your floors and furniture! The chemicals used for de-icing could be fatal to your dog. That includes spilled anti freeze as well as sidewalk and street de-icer. Those chemicals will be on your dog's paws if he's walked through them.

Winter is not the time to run free!

As much fun as it is to let your dog off leash and watch him run, doing so in winter is not a good idea, especially during a snow storm. Snow affects a dog's sense of smell so he can easily become lost and disoriented. Be sure your dog's tags are current and well attached - just in case.

Remember, staying warm burns extra calories. If your dog has been out hiking with you all day, he needs some extra protien in his dinner.

A note about cats...

This site is about dogs, but many dog lovers also love cats - or at least care about their welfare.

Cats need to be indoors and out of the cold too - but many are not. If there are cats in your neighborhood, be sure to bang on your car hood each time before you start it. Cats in search of a warm spot to nap often crawl up under hoods, where the fan belt can either kill them, or remove body parts!

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