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Do’s & Don’ts For Keeping
Your Dog Warm and
Safe In cold Weather |
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When humans feel the the colder weather coming , we automatically change our routines, turning up the heating, dragging the jumpers and big coats out of the cupboards for the approaching cold, damp even freezing conditions. But we must also remember to do our dogs the same service, Just because they have fur doesn’t mean that their coat is in any way adequate to deal with freezing weather. There are some hardier weather prepared dogs out there and Staffys / other Bullies aren't one of them. They do not have the extra fur or extra padding on their paws to endure these prolonged freezing weather conditions. But fear not it doesn't take long to sort out this problem and get your best friend/s ready.
A Healthy Dog in The Winter Months
You may find they need to eat more during the winter months, to allow them to generate enough of their own body heat. Consulting a veterinarian on how to increase the dog’s caloric intake, without overfeeding, is the best way to accomplish this. If a dog ever begins to shake or shiver from cold temperatures, make an effort to slowly, but steadily, warm him/ her, as persistent shivering is a sign of hypothermia, which can be very dangerous to both dogs and humans.
A dog’s temperature is always slightly warmer than the average human’s temperature so when get a little too cold, take a few moments to prepare for your pooch. A few precautions are all that’s generally needed to make sure that you and your dog are comfortable on winter days.
The following is a list of Do’s and Don’ts to help you give your dog the cold-weather care they deserve.
Do's
- Do provide proper shelter:
- Do provide indoor dogs with a warm sleeping area away from drafts.
- Do use caution around bodies of water. Keep pets away from rivers, ponds and lakes as they begin to freeze. Continue to use caution even when the water appears completely frozen.
- Do keep hair around paw pads trimmed. Less hair will help keep paws free of ice and snow, which can quickly ball up between footpads and create uncomfortable walking conditions for pets.
- Do check paw pads for small cuts and cracks. Consider dog boots for dogs that react negatively to walking on ice and snow – especially dogs that react to snow removal products.
- Do clean your dog’s paws after walks to remove salt and snow removal chemicals, which can be toxic to pets.
- Do check your dog’s ears, tail and feet for frostbite. Just as dogs are sensitive to hot summer pavements, cold winter walkways may cause pain or contribute to frostbite. A dog that continually lifts individual legs off the ground during a winter walk may feel the effects of frostbite. Frostbitten skin may appear red or gray. If you suspect frostbite, wrap your dog’s feet in a blanket or towels to gradually warm them and contact your veterinarian.
- Do keep puppies and older dogs indoors except for short periods of time. As with humans, young and old dogs are more susceptible to the effects of the cold.
- Do keep dogs on a leash – especially during bad weather or snowstorms when they can lose their ability to find their way by smell.
- Do pay attention to snow removal. Avoid piling snow near fences and creating an escape route for curious pets.
- Do keep identification tags updated in the event your dog runs away.
- Do clean up antifreeze spills immediately. Many dogs like the sweet smell and taste and, unfortunately, even very small amounts can be lethal to them. If you suspect that your dog has ingested antifreeze, take your dog to your veterinarian immediately. There may be time for Antizol-Vet, an anti-freeze antidote, to help your dog. Also consider using an animal-friendly anti-freeze.
- Do maintain your pet’s grooming schedule. Regular brushing keeps your dog’s coat supple and prepared for the cold. However, when you bathe your pet, be sure to dry his coat thoroughly before allowing him outside.
Don'ts
- Don’t suddenly house an indoor dog outdoors. Dogs require a month or more (as seasons change) to become accustomed to lower winter temperatures.
- Don’t keep your dog outside in all conditions. Pay attention to the thermometer. If it dips too far below freezing, it’s too cold for any dog – even those accustomed to being outside.
- Don’t treat all dogs alike. Breeds such as Huskies or Alaskan Malamutes have the genetics to be able withstand long periods of time outdoors in cold freezing weather. On the other hand, breeds such as The Staffordshire Bull Terrier or the English Bull Dog, do not have the same protective fur or extra padding on their paws to endure these prolonged freezing weather conditions.
- Don’t leave pets alone in cars during cold weather months. When the engine is off, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold.
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A Staffy-bull-terrier Frequently Asked Questions |
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Do’s & Don’ts For Keeping Your Dog Warm and Safe In cold Weather
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