Post by DogGoneGood on Nov 15, 2008 17:27:57 GMT -5
Winter Safety Tips:
There are several things to keep in mind when it comes to safety for your dog during the winter months. These things depend on where you live as well, so take the information that applies to you and leave the rest if you must.
1. THE COLD: Some dogs are built for the cold and some aren’t. Also, some dogs who are built for the cold aren’t built for how cold it gets in some areas! If you live in a climate with freezing cold winters, it may be worth your while (and your dogs!) to invest in some winter clothing if your dogs coat isn’t built for the winter months. Most toy breeds, specifically short haired ones (like Chihuahuas) can’t stand being out in the snow for more than a couple of minutes. There are coats, booties etc. available for these dogs. Just because a dog isn’t small though, doesn’t mean it can handle the cold! The shorter the coat on a dog, the less protection against the cold and snow! Dogs with thick, double coats like Malamutes, whose coats are built to protect them from all the elements that come with winter. Limit the amount of time your dog is spending outside if he can’t handle the cold, and invest in the proper gear like coats and booties (and a dog house if he has to stay outside for any amount of time while you’re away!) to help protect your pooch from the cold.
2. ICE AND SNOW: For dogs with thicker and longer coats, it is more likely their fur can become packed with snow. Specifically any shaggy areas may be covered in “snow balls”, and ice and snow can cling to and build up between their toes which can not only be really cold on his feet, but also can cut and damage the toes! If your dog is out in the snow for any period of time, even just for play, make sure that when you bring him inside you brush the snow out and towel dry him. While the long fur can help protect against snow, it may be a good idea to keep fur between the toes slightly shorter to help prevent ice and snow building up between his toes. If you are uncomfortable with trimming it yourself, bring him to a groomer and ask specifically to keep it long enough to keep his feet warm, but short enough to help keep the snow and ice out!
Also, snow can quite often get a thick layer of ice on the top when it gets really cold out. Anyone who’s walked through this type of snow (or played in it as a kid… or an adult; hey, I’m not judging!) knows this type of snow can be painful and can even cut you! This applies to your dog as well! Supervision is the best prevention and know what the conditions are outside when you take your dog out to play!
3. ANTIFREEZE: To a dog or cat, antifreeze can be a tasty treat. It’s also DEADLY poisonous to them! www.resteddoginn.ca/antifreeze.php has a lot of great information regarding antifreeze poisoning, including this list of safety tips:
• When changing antifreeze keep your pets indoors.
• Avoid spilling antifreeze on the ground and don't drain radiators into ditches or storm drains.
• Keep the new antifreeze in its original container.
• To store used antifreeze before disposal, put it into a clearly labelled, sealed container. Recycle or dispose of it at a garage with appropriate facilities for disposing of antifreeze. It can also be disposed of on Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days. For information about collection in B.C. call the tool free number: 1-800-667-4327. In Vancouver call 732-9253.
• Keep antifreeze off the floor and away from pets.
• Wipe up and wash away any spills.
• If your pet returns home covered with an unknown substance, wash it off immediately.
• Winter auto window washing fluids and products to prevent freezing in plumbing can also contain ethylene glycol. Check the ingredients, and if it contains EG, treat it the same as antifreeze.
• There is a safe alternative - switch to non-toxic Propylene Glycol formulated antifreeze.
4. DEHYDRATION: Most people don’t consider dehydration as a winter risk because, after all, isn’t snow a form of water? While this is true, the amount of snow it would take to eat vs. the amount of water you can pour in a bowl for your dog is quite the difference. You’d have to eat a lot of snow for it to equal the same amount of water. Other risks of eating snow include that it can give your dog a tummy ache due to how cold it is (who hasn’t experienced that as a kid?), and snow also consists of pollution and bacteria. The pollution is more worrisome than the bacteria contained in snow because a dogs acid content in it’s stomach is so high it will most likely kill off any bacteria (not to mention the world is swarming with the same types of bacteria and worse that a dog can encounter, than the amount in snow is the least of your worries). The cleaner the air is where you live, the less likely the snow will contain large amounts of pollution. Despite the risks, most dogs enjoy eating snow and I wouldn’t say you should discourage this act. Just don’t rely on snow eating to replace thawing out that water dish and refilling it for them. Water isn’t as readily available during the winter months as it is in the summer due to it turning into ice, and that is my main concern for dehydration. It is a real pain to have to dig the water dish out of the snow every morning, bring it inside and run it under hot water to melt the ice that’s formed (solid) in the bowl, and then refill it with drinking water, bring it back outside and try, again, to put it somewhere it’s not going to get covered in snow again. But it’s something that has to be done to keep your pup fully hydrated during the winter!
5. PAW PROTECTION: Ice can do a real number on a dogs paws. I mentioned ice and snow getting packed between a dogs toes and causing damage that way, but even if they aren’t prone to it getting stuck between their toes it’s still a risk to walk on icy roads. Ice can be extremely sharp and cut a dogs paws easily. If you live in an area where salt is used to “eat” the ice on sidewalks, that is another concern. The ice not only “eats” the ice, but also your dogs paws! Keep those paws clean and protect them during the winter! Two types of products are available for paw protection; booties and a type of salve you smear on the dogs pads to protect them from salt and ice damage.
So remember; keep your pup warm, safe, and hydrated during the winter months and he’ll be able to fully enjoy the snow and play in it with great enthusiasm, as most dogs do. If your dog doesn’t enjoy the snow, I suggest reading the “rainy day games” thread for ideas on how to keep him happy indoors!