Happy Winter! Or Fall…
Whatever time of year it is, we’re sure you are here because it’s cold outside or Winter Is Coming. This article has a breakdown of tips for keeping your doggo comfortable and, more importantly, safe during cold/snowy weather.
- Short-haired dogs, the elderly, and puppies should be kept indoors at temperatures below 40 degrees. Obviously, they will need to go out to do their business, but you should also consider staying close by to ensure they’re okay, even if you “know their limits” It’s good practice to stay outside or near a window to keep an eye on your dog just in case they need you. Just because they’re out and about five to ten minutes doesn’t mean they won’t get too cold. If there’s snow outside, be sure to wipe the doggo off when you get back inside!
- If it is below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, it is best to keep your “outdoor” pet indoors. If you have no other option than to keep your dog outside for extended periods, offer him a dry, draft-free shelter. It should be large enough for your pet to sit and lie comfortably but small enough to keep him warm. The floor should be lifted off the ground and covered with cedar sawdust or straw. Keep the shelter out of the wind and cover the door with a waterproof bag or thick plastic.
- Watch out for salt, antifreeze, or de-icers that melt the ice on streets and sidewalks. They irritate your pet’s feet and can cause injury if swallowed. After a long walk, use a warm, damp cloth to remove any salt or chemical residue. Be the first in your neighborhood to give your dog a pair of shoes to protect their paws from those harsh, cold chemicals.
- Pets cannot burn the calories they need to stay warm without fresh water. Make sure all external water sources are not frozen.
- Check your garage and driveway for antifreeze. Antifreeze tastes sweet to your pet, and most brands are toxic. Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet consumed antifreeze (or any chemical, really).
- Coat care is critical; matted fur does not protect your pet from the cold. Watch out for ice or salt that can get caught in long hair and remove it immediately.
- Don’t let your pet wander on or around frozen bodies of water. Ice can be too thin to support its weight, and water rescue is difficult and dangerous for both of you.
- Prevent snow piles next to your fence so your dog can escape. Make sure your pet gets microchipped and the registration is up-to-date. If you love your pet, it’s a good idea to microchip your pet.
- If you are flying with a pet, make sure the airline provides the safety and warmth of your pet. Also, some airlines prohibit pets from flying if the temperature drops below a certain point. Call for confirmation ahead of your flight.
- Pets burn more calories in the winter to keep warm. This is important to know, especially when you have a hyperactive dog that exercises a lot outdoors. Think about increasing their food intake by a little bit, and remember that you should feel but not see your dogs’ ribs.
Thanks for coming to our TED Talk! Hope to see you again in the next one!
Oh, and feel free to drop a comment below. Is there anything that we missed? What topic would you like for us to focus on next? We’d love to know!!
Super Dog Apparel signing off 😉