"Is Your Dog Ready For Winter"
Not All Dogs Are Cold Weather Dogs
Looking Forward to a Healthy and Safe Winter.
With the first blasts of winter weather in the mountains and the Midwest, it is the perfect time to consider the ways in which you can keep your dog healthy over the coldest months of the year.
You first need to remember that, as well as being your pet’s pal, you are his or her protector. That is what you signed on for when you chose him and it is the commitment that you made, along with keeping him healthy with regular vet care and shots, a good diet and plenty of exercise.
If you live in an area that has cold weather temperatures, snow, ice or other conditions, that commitment becomes more difficult over the winter months. It is easy to get lazy when there is a warm fire in the fire place, when you have a cozy afghan over your legs and it is time to go out for that evening walk. No excuses. If you must, think of your pet as a furry kid. You wouldn’t ask a two-year-old to hold it until spring, now, would you? Outside walks don’t end when the leaves are no longer falling. If you are properly dressed, they are good for you, too.
Since the days are shorter during those months, think about some long-life light-weight flashlights that you can hang on leashes and put on your own head on a hat or band. They will help you see where there is a clear path and help vehicles see you in plenty of time. And, once you have these very practical lights, make sure that the batteries are always good. Winter darkness can seem far darker than it is during the rest of the year.
Here are some other tips for keeping your dog healthy over the winter:
- Watch the outdoor temperature regularly – night and day. When it falls below 20 degrees Farenheit, all of your dogs – no matter size or breed – should be indoors. Shorthaired dogs should be kept indoors when the temperature drops below 40 degrees. No exceptions. If your dog is kept outside, check it at least four times a day.
- Keep your dog’s coat well groomed. Matted fur, no matter how heavy, won’t properly protect your pet from the cold. Grooming is as important in the winter months as it is the rest of the year. Consider a tightly woven coat or sweater for small dogs that are close to the ground and for all short-haired dogs. Remember that we have all sorts of breeds as pets that were not geographically native to that area. Keep them cared for accordingly.
- If you use a doghouse, make sure it is the right size. If it is too small, the dog will not be able to get comfortable turning and lying down. If it is too large, it will not utilize the dog’s body heat to keep it effectively warm. The floor should be raised up a few inches off the ground and covered with straw or cedar shavings and should be turned so that it faces away from the wind. Blankets and other fabric mats hold in water and ice and are not a good choice. Create a “doorway” with heavy plastic or another appropriate material and make sure that your dog understands how to use it to get out of the elements.
- If you have an outdoor dog or leave your inside dog out for long periods of time, regularly check the make sure its water is not frozen. Dogs can’t burn calories that they use to keep warm without a supply of fresh liquid drinking water. Don’t use a metal bowl as your pet’s tongue can stick and freeze to cold metal. (Remember that scene in the movie, A Christmas Story, where the kid’s tongue stuck to the light pole – it can really happen.) Instead, use a hard plastic bowl that is tip-resistant.
- Use a damp towel to wipe your pet’s feet and underside on a regular basis, and each time you return for an outdoor visit. Ice-melting chemicals can irritate and burn the pads of your pets feet and will cause serious injury if they ingest it while trying to lick it off themselves. Another way ot protect your dog’s feet is to spray the pads of their feet with non-stick cooking spray, baby or booties if your pet will tolerate them.
- Be aware of any antifreeze or other chemicals in the garage and the driveway. These often taste sweet to pets but are very poisonous (even fatal) if consumed. If you believe that your dog has ingested any antifreeze at all, contact your vet or the emergency vet in your area. There are some antifreezes that say that they are pet safe but they are not the most common. Check them out on the Internet if you feel that they are a better choice for you.
- Dogs that spend more time outside need more food in the winter to maintain their body heat. Indoor dogs who spend less time out during these months due to shorter walks or visits to the yard may need less since they are left active. Always monitor your dog’s weight and adjust it to the season and their lifestyle.
- Allow your pet to get accustomed to changes in weather if you decide to keep them indoors. Don’t try to get them to become outdoor animals overnight and, with young dogs spending their first winter outdoors, check often.
- Keep packed snow away from fences. The increase in the height of the ground creates a perfect platform for dogs who are prone to jumping, and a neighborhood search for your pet over the winter is far more difficult and may result in the loss of your beloved animal.
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