Does your dog love the winter, or would they
rather cuddle up under a cozy blanket? You should be prepared to protect them
when they venture out into the frigid weather. When
temperatures drop and snow starts to coat the ground outside. Caring for your dog
in the winter will require some thought and preparation. Hypothermia can happen during the colder
months.
It occurs when a canine spends too much time in the cold;
gets wet in chilly temperatures; or when poor health or circulation is exposed
to the cold. In mild cases, the dog will shiver; and ears and feet grow chilled.
As hypothermia progresses, the dog may show signs of
depression, lethargy, and weakness. As the condition worsens, muscles will
stiffen, heart and breathing rates slow down, and there is little response to
stimuli. Severe hypothermia is life threatening.
Remember, that many dog owners live with the misconception
that because their canines have a coat of fur. They can tolerate the cold
better than humans. This isn’t the case. These fur-coated creatures are used to
the warmth of indoor shelter. Cold weather can be as hard on them as it is on
humans. Winter is a time when our dogs need extra care. Learn how to keep your
favorite canine safe from the harsh winter climate:
1.
A blizzard
checklist: If you live in a part of the country that’s prone to the
occasional blizzard, it’s critical to have a checklist handy. This will help
ensure you have everything your dog may need in case you’re stranded for a few
days.
The same list you might have for yourself will apply well to
your pet (blankets for warmth, battery-operated flashlights in case you lose
power, clean water, plenty of food, medications, and something to stay
entertained). You may want to keep all these things in one place. If you’re
thinking about leaving before the snow, make sure you have all these things
together in case you need to get out quickly.
2.
Adjust the
calories: A dog’s diet is precisely calibrated to give him all the
vitamins, minerals, and calories he needs to thrive. When a canine’s activity
level changes drastically (as it can in the winter) adjustments need to be made
to ensure adequate nutrition.
Dogs are unique in their approach to snow. Like humans, some
like it and others don’t. Adjust their calorie intake according to their level
of outdoor activity. If you’re unsure of what’s best for your canine and his
activity level, consult with your vet to come up with a plan.
3.
Block off heat
sources: Dogs may seek out sources of heat in your house as nice
place to cuddle up, or take a quick nap. These spots present burn risks for
canines because they aren’t aware of how hot they can get. Owners should make
these places inaccessible to their dogs during winter months.
4.
Limit the baths: Moisturizer
is your best friend during the winter, but your dog doesn’t have the same
luxury. Baths tend to dry out their skin the same way it does yours. While it’s
not the most serious of problems, dry skin can cause an animal some discomfort.
It’s not advisable to cut out baths altogether from December
to March. Some animals have allergies, and require regular baths. You may want
to cut back on the frequency of baths, and speak with your vet to find a
shampoo that’s more moisturizing than the average one during the winter.
5.
Make it easy: When
it comes to the treats you give
your dog, there is a inexpensive, calorie-conscious ways to do that. Instead of
rewarding good behavior with store bought treats, use the meal time food they
are already consuming to get the behavior you want (like coming in from the
cold). They won't notice the difference, but you will notice the cost savings.
6.
No off-leash
time: While your dog might love running around outdoors off leash,
it can be especially risky when the temperatures drop. Falls through ice may
occur if a body of water isn’t fully frozen. Canines are at an increased risk
of being hit by vehicles (including snow plows).
7.
Protect the
paws: A dog’s legs, tail, and ears are most susceptible to
frostbite.[i]
While there’s not much you can do for the tail and ears (besides keeping your
walks short or only during daylight hours).
Booties will provide some welcome warmth to your dog’s paws,
and protect your dog from harmful chemicals like deicers. If your dog licks his
paws after walking on deicer, he may be at risk of getting sick. For dogs that
refuse to wear booties, you can use a towel to wipe their paws after a walk. If
you notice your dog stepped in salt, rinse the area as soon as possible.
“He taught me to appreciate the simple things: a walk in the woods, a
fresh snowfall, a nap in the shaft of winter sunlight.” (John
Grogan)[ii]
[i] Frostbite begins when
the dog’s body gets cold. The body automatically pulls blood from the
extremities to the center of the body to stay warm. The dog’s ears, paws or
tail can get so cold that ice crystals can form in the tissue and damage it.
The tricky thing to remember about frostbite is that
it’s not immediately obvious. Watch for signs of pale or grey skin; the skin
may also turn hard and cold. As frostbitten areas warm, they can be extremely
painful. Severely frostbitten skin will eventually turn black and fall off.
[ii] Sources used:
·
“15 Winter Care Tips for Your
Dog” by Dr. Ashwani
Singh
·
“7 Tips for Caring For Your Pet This Winter” by John Gilpatrick
No comments:
Post a Comment