Ten Winter Dog Tips

1.   The safest place for pets is indoors. If your pet spends time outdoors, he should have access to a properly winterized doghouse with warm, dry bedding and should never be left outside when temperatures drop below freezing.

 

2.   Puppies, sick dogs, and senior dogs have a more difficult time staying warm and should not spend long periods of time outdoors. Dogs that are particularly sensitive to the cold should go outside only for a few minutes to relieve themselves.

 

 3   

        3.    Thin-coated and some short-coated or small dogs may need a sweater to help keep warm. Just like people, dogs will shiver when they feel a chill. This is a good sign your dog may benefit from wearing a sweater or coat. 

 

 

4. Clean your dog's feet after each walk to remove salt and ice-melting

chemicals that could be ingested or can cause skin irritation/burns.

5.   Use a warm, wet washcloth to remove ice balls from your dog's ears, tail, belly and paws. This can build up in between your dog's toes and against his skin and can be irritating and painful.     

6.   Shovel a small area for your dog to relieve himself. Some dogs, particularly small and toy breeds, can have difficulty "doing their business" if they're standing in several inches of snow.

 

7.   Rubbing baby oil or Vaseline on your dog's feet can prevent ice buildup between his toes and prevent drying and cracking of paw pads from exposure to salt and ice-melting chemicals.

 

 8.   Never let your dog drink from puddles. They could contain antifreeze or other de-icing chemicals that may be toxic. 

9.   Keep antifreeze in tightly closed containers and stored out of reach of your pet. Pets are attracted to the sweet taste, but even a very small amount can be deadly.

 

     10.  Never let your dog off-leash and always make sure he is wearing a current I.D tag. Some dogs will panic in bad weather & become lost, and snow covering the ground can cause dogs to lose their scent and become lost. If your dog is micro chipped, be sure the chip is properly registered and your contact information is up-to-date.

 

 

Comments

[pet health]

Generally pet dogs don't drink water from puddles. But I also recommend not to let them drink from them. It may also infect him with bacteria.

Secondly it is also recommended to have a pet insurance. With a good insurance you can have peace of mind.

- Annabela