Winter Tips for Dogs

Special care is needed to ensure the safety of our dogs and puppies in the winter months.  The cold and snow is not only bothersome to us but to most animals also. Some breeds of dogs actually like the cold, but most do not. Here are some helpful tips on keeping your pet safe and healthy in the winter.

Did you know that the salt we use to de-ice our sidewalks and driveways is very harmful to our pets?  The salt can get into cuts in their paws causing them a lot of discomfort. Naturally, a dog's instinct is to lick it's paw when it hurts so then the salt is ingested and can cause stomach and intestinal upset.  There are pet friendly de-icing salts available so try your best to use them in the areas where your pet would be walking.

Paw care in the winter is especially important. Like human hands, their paws become dry and can crack and bleed. Paying close attention to their paws and carefully trimming the hair between the paws and wiping their paws when they come in from outside will help keep their paws healthy.  If your pet's paws become cracked from dryness or salt or for whatever reason, there are many items available specially made for paw care. My first suggestion would be to call your vet and see what he/she recommends. DO NOT put human hand lotion on their paws!  They will lick it off and become ill.  Paw care is important year round. You should check your pet's paws regularly.  You never know when Fido has stepped on something that cut his foot.

***Personal note***Fido was my childhood pet. He was a Beagle that blessed my life with 15 years of love and complete devotion thus beginning my life long love of the breed and all things four legged and furry!

 Fido still needs exercise in the winter months too. I know, none of us likes to take Fido for a walk when it's cold outside and snowing. Do your best to walk your pet as often as you can. It is important year round!  Also, PLEASE carry water for your pet. There are several doggie water bottles available at your local pet store.  It's important NOT to let your pet drink out of puddles in the summer or winter. You never know what is in the puddle that could make Fido sick.  Could be salt from the roads. Could be anti-freeze. Could be bacteria of one variety or another.  With vet bills as high as they can be, better to be safe than sorry.  Also, carry a bottle of water for yourself! I don't want you to get dehydrated either!

 Buy a coat for your pet unless you have a 80-100 plus size dog! Seriously now, if you have a small dog generally if you're cold, your pet will be cold.  If you put a coat on to go outside, then put one on your pet.  There are so many different kinds of sweaters, coats, jackets available almost anywhere that you'll have many to choose from.  The first clue that your pet needs a coat is either it won't go outside to potty, thus making your house smell to high heaven, or it shakes and shivers while outside.

***Special Hint*** Retail stores mark down pet coats and sweaters at the end of the season just like they do human clothes. You could pick up your pets next year's winter coat at bargin prices! If you are into dressing up Fido for the various holidays, they also mark down costumes at the end of the holiday.  It's always good to think ahead!

If you have an outside dog it needs shelter! WARM SHELTER!  That means an insulated dog house with straw and a blanket inside.  Hang something over the door, like a piece of heavy cloth, to block the wind from getting in.  Your Fido MUST have food and a constant supply of water to drink. There are heated dog bowls available that will keep your pet's water from freezeing, You may want to consider purchasing one. If you have any questions about proper shelter for your dog, contact your local dog warden. Yes, the dog warden! These men and women are dedicated to the safety of animals. They will be more than happy to assist you with the information you will need to help you provide the proper shelter/care for your outside dog. The Dog Warden can be your friend or your enemy. The choice is yours to make.

NEVER keep a puppy outside! Their bodies are not equipped to handle the cold...unless you have a 5 month old, 80 pound Saint Bernard! I assume that you understand my meaning here.

When they announce on tv or the radio that old people and pets should be  inside for either heat or winter weather....PAY ATTENTION! They broadcast that stuff for a reason!

Outside dogs will eat a bit more in the late fall to build up body mass to keep them warm in the winter so be aware of that and provide the additional food necessary.

***Personal note*** I do NOT believe in outside dogs. I believe that every dog should be kept inside. I wouldn't put my 2 daughters in an outside kennel or tie them to a shelter area and I won't do it to my dogs!  Although in all honesty, there was a time or two, during the terrible 2's and the early teen years where I would have liked to put them both in a closet! Do I hear an Amen from all the moms out there?!! Thank God they're 17 and 19 now!!

If anyone has a comment or a helpful tip on dog care in the winter or summer months, please email us at mail@skinnylittlebuddysrescue.org or use the Comment Page!  We are always looking for reader comments and suggestions!

Thanks for reading this article. I hope it provided you with some helpful tips on keeping your dog safe and healthy during the winter months.