Keeping your dog safe in winter
With the weather forecast’s recent predictions of ice and sleet this coming weekend, it looks like its set to be a cold and icy winter ahead of us. Just like our post about keeping dogs cool and safe in the summer, it is equally important to keep your pets safe and warm during the cold winter months. The freezing temperatures are difficult for us humans to bear sometimes but it can equally be hard for our pet, especially if your dog is older or is of a sighthound or short coat breed variety as they are unable to self regulate heat in cold temperatures and can find the it very hard to manage. We all look forward to warm, cosy winter nights cuddled up on the couch, humans and dogs alike, but there are still steps we can take to help our dogs through the icy temperatures when they arrive.
It might be necessary to reduce walk times during dropping temperatures. This can depend on your dog’s breed and age. For instance, malamutes, huskies and thick-coated breeds tolerate cold and even thrive in cold weather. They are also active and need the exercise before the nightly cosy wintery cuddles. This doesn’t mean that they are not exempt from the effects of the cold, their paw pads can still get irritated on ice or sleet. Smaller breeds can have softer paw pads and bellies close to snowy or icy grounds which can get colder much easier. This means that smaller breeds can feel the effects of the weather faster. All pets are susceptible to irritation from salt covered roads and paths that are spread by the council when it gets icy. It is good practice to get into the habit of washing pets’ paws in warm water to wash off any walked on salts post winter walks and drying them with a warm towel as pets can tend to lick their paws after walking and the road salt can make them sick. It can also cause chemical burns so it wouldn’t be a bad idea to carry unscented wet wipes on walks to keep your dogs’ paws clean and dry.
Remember that senior dogs feel the cold much quicker and are unable to cope with wintery conditions like younger dogs. In extreme cold, it is probably best to give the winter walk a miss for your senior dog. They much prefer to snuggle up by the fire or there are a number of indoor activities you can do with your dog to help meet their physical and mental needs. A stuffed kong toy to keep them busy or training with some yummy treats would help tire them out indoors. Experts have previously said a twenty minute training session, even just brushing up on their “sit”, “stay” or learning a new trick is the equivalent of an hour walk as dogs are using their mind to work as well as their body.
A winter wellness check up at the vet is also a good idea particularly if your dog is older or going to be out in the cold quite a bit. Some chronic illnesses such as heart or kidney problems or diabetes could make your dog a lot less tolerant of the cold and leave them at high risk at making a condition worse if it is not cared for. Contact your vet for more information on a wellness check up as the weather gets colder.
Be sure to keep your pets warm and bundled up in winter. Invest in a good warm, snug coat for their walks or some breeds like whippets and lurchers might even appreciate a kennel coat or jumper like a snug fleece in the house. Remember to change their coats if they’ve been out in the rain or playing in snow or icy grass as wet dog coats can even lead to hypothermia if left on. This can also the fun part of winter dog ownership and even a simple google search can provide an array of snoods, sweaters and hi-vis coats to get your dog kitted out for cold, winter months. If we do get very snowy as rare as it is in Ireland, it would not be a bad idea to invest in booties to protect from very cold conditions and road salt. Although not all dogs appreciate these, and it might take some practice for your dog to get used to wearing them.
Winter weather can wreck havoc on pet paws. Cracked, injured or bleeding paw pads can be caused from frosty walks so be sure to examine them post winter walks. Some Irish pet companies sell a salve to help protect your dogs’ paws to keep their pads healthy and strong during winter. Another thing to keep in mind to protect your dog’s paws are other things they can be exposed to that they wouldn’t usually be in contact with. Chemicals like the aforementioned road salt and antifreeze can poison your pet if ingested so another reason to clean your doggo’s paws after walks. Clean up any spills of antifreeze or other winter chemicals as soon as they occur as curious dogs can surprise you with what they are willing to taste should they get the chance!
If you have previously adopted a PAWS dog, you’ll be aware of our strict guidelines of keeping dogs as indoor pets as part of our adoption requirements. This is because PAWS are devoted advocates of dogs being kept as family pets and they are never exposed to harsh weather conditions in summer or winter and we stand by this. Dogs are devoted to us and deserve the same treatment of being wrapped up warm indoors and cosy nights by the fire during the cold, winter spells.
We hope these tips assist in getting you and your dog through the winter safely and snuggly and have as much fun as possible!