Winter Pet Safety

Do you love to snuggle with your pooch in the winter?  That might be because his body temperature is a few degrees warmer than yours!  Dogs are like our own personal heaters, which offers a great excuse to snuggle up on the couch.   But what about when you want to enjoy the great outdoors with your best friend?  Use the following safety tips for a safe & enjoyable winter excursion.  (Do you have a cat?  See our Winter Cat Safety article – winter holds dangers for feline friends too.)

• Paw Priority: Keep an eye on those paws!  Salt and other chemical winter ice melters can wreck havoc on sensitive paws.  Watch your dog for signs of favoring or limping.  Sometimes snow will simply become compacted in between the paw pads and need to be picked out.   Sharp and jagged objects can also be hidden under snow drifts to when in doubt, stick to plowed or shoveled surfaces.  Dog booties are a great option to protect your dogs paws, that is, if he’ll tolerate them!  If not, just use common sense.  Don’t stay out for too long, keep an eye on the paws!
• Off Leash Dangers: Do not allow your dog to roam off leash after a snow storm. Dogs depend heavily on their sense of smell to return to their owners, and snow on the ground can completely cover scents.  Dogs go missing frequently when there is snow on the ground simply because they can’t find their way home.  Always be sure to have your dog wear ID tags – 24/7.
• Accessorize: Smaller dogs, and those with short hair should wear a jacket or sweater for longer excursions.  Not all dogs will tolerate wearing a jacket and if that’s the case, make trips outside short, and spend the rest of the time indoors!   But remember, most dogs, even those with long fur and jackets, cannot spend long amounts of time in freezing temperatures.  Do not assume that wearing a jacket means that your dog can be left outside for hours.  If you want to spend a lot of time outside, be sure to take frequent breaks in heated environment to warm up.
• Hydration:  Keep your dog well hydrated!  The more water your pup drinks, the more she will be able to regulate her body temperature.  This goes for humans too, so be sure to drink water before you head outside & frequently when you’re out and about.
• Eating Snow: Yeah, it’s cute when dogs eat snow.  Unfortunately, chemicals, salt and even antifreeze can be masked by snow.  (One teaspoon of antifreeze is lethal, and dogs LOVE the taste.)   Eating snow can also lead to hypothermia.  If your dog is eating snow, make sure she has access to fresh water.  She may just be dehydrated.
• When to call the vet: Hypothermia occurs when your dog’s temperature falls below 100.5.  Symptoms will include excessive shivering, lethargy and lack of coordination.  Frostbite is tissue damage caused by prolonged exposure to the cold.  Common areas affected are the tips of the ears and the paws.  Look for symptoms of pale skin that is cold to the touch.  If either of these are suspected, call your vet immediately.

Once you come in out of the cold weather, be sure to wipe off your dog’s paws with a warm, damp towel.  This will remove any residue from their paws and give you a chance to look for signs of irritation or frostbite.  Now, go grab a blanket and snuggle up with your best friend!

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