When the weather turns cold and the snow starts piling up, it can make the world look like a winter wonderland. That is until you have to take the dog out for his usual walk, and then that snow looks a whole lot colder, wetter, and deeper than it did when you were sipping coffee watching it come down before. While snow can be daunting for humans, to our canine friends it can be as much fun as it is daunting. Let’s review some basic cold weather dog walking safety tips to make sure you and Fido stay happy and healthy throughout the cold weather!
Winter Dog Walking Rule Number One: Protect Those Paws!
A dog’s paws have a multitude of uses – they are both a mode of transportation as well as a way to explore the environment. It is good to remember that while your dog’s pads are quite thickly callused, that doesn’t mean they are impermeable to the cold (or heat!). What are pads? They’re pigmented skin (usually pink or brown) that covers a layer of fat. The fat insulates your pup from the cold a bit, but it isn’t going to be comfortable for long at the colder temperatures.
Boots Are In
It is very important to remember that NO ICE-MELT PRODUCT IS SAFE FOR DOGS. Most will dry out, crack, or even burn a dog’s paws. They can also be toxic if ingested! To help avoid these issues, you can try putting boots on your dog’s paws to help protect the pads and maintain a more comfortable temperature. It’s like putting on a pair of shoes instead of walking barefoot. They work equally in the winter and in the summer, and help to ease the issues of torn pads, blisters and callusing when used properly. Not all dogs will take to them, of course, but it can be well worth the try if you want to go out hiking on wintery trails.
Another winter dog walking item you can try is a paw protecting balm, which can help create a protective barrier for your pup’s pads. You can find them at your local pet store, or online through your pet supply site of choice. Choose carefully, as you need to be sure that there are no toxic ingredients like xylitol (which is highly toxic to dogs but does have moisturizing uses in creams). Just like putting on a moisturizer when your feet are dry and cracking, a paw balm helps keep your dog’s paws happy for many walks to come.
Keep A Watchful Eye For Frostbite
Winter dog walking is not a walk in the park. When you take your pup out, even with boots and/or balm, it is always a good idea to keep an eye out for signs of frostbite. Frostbite occurs when the skin becomes damaged by cold to the point of dying off. Early signs are your dog keeping off of their paws, holding them up out of the snow, or even biting at their paws. As with humans, frostbite can be alleviated if caught in the early stages, but it can do real lasting damage if the signs are ignored.
As part of your winter dog walking routine, remember: if your own feet are cold in your socks and shoes, you should check your dog’s feet for signs of numbness. If your dog shows signs of frostbite, get them out of the cold and gently bring their temperature back up to normal. Do not immerse them in hot water, and do not try to heat them quickly, as this can damage sensitive tissues! As always, seek immediate vet attention for any serious medical issues.
Baby it’s Cold Outside! Bundle Up!
Your dog may be well suited to the cold if they have a thick coat, good body fat, or are a breed particularly known for cold-hardiness. Just because they’re suited to the cold doesn’t mean that they can stand it forever, though. Keep your dog inside if the weather dips below freezing, or if it is snowing or raining. It’s easy for a dog to go hypothermic even in a sheltered outdoor kennel in sub-freezing temperatures. Make sure that your pup has plenty of warm blankets or a bed at night to keep them from being too cold when they sleep, even if they’re indoors.
Winter Dog Walking Rule Number Two: Watch Out For Hypothermia
The symptoms of hypothermia are paleness of skin, violent shivering, usually followed by severe lethargy. If left untreated, it can lead to coma or death, so take preventative steps as soon as you notice symptoms. PetMD provides these helpful steps for bringing your dog’s temperature back to normal:
- Warm some blankets in the clothes dryer or with a hair dryer.
- Wrap the dog in the warm blankets.
- Wrap a hot water bottle in a towel and place it against the dog’s abdomen. Do not use it unwrapped, as this will burn the skin. A heating pad will also work—turn it to the lowest setting, wrap it in a towel and place it next to your dog. (Do not place the dog on top of the heating pad or leave a heating pad turned on for more than 10 minutes at a time. Always check the temperature of your dog’s skin while using it.)
- Check the dog’s temperature every 10 minutes. If it is below 98°F (36.7°C), seek immediate veterinary attention.
- Once the temperature is above 100°F ( 37.8°C), you can remove the hot water bottle to avoid overheating. Keep the dog in a temperature-controlled room.
- Continue monitoring his temperature every 15-30 minutes until he is awake, walking around and behaving normally.
Give Your Dog Warm Clothes
An easy way to keep your dog’s temperature up in the winter is to use a sweater or vest, made for the size and breed of dog you have. Never use dog clothing on unattended dogs. Like babies, they know how to turn the simplest things into a dangerous item. Gradually acclimate your dog to the clothing, and hopefully, you’ll find something both of you love!
Don’t like taking Fido out for as much winter dog walking as he needs? Call Off Road Paws to help your pupper stay fit and trim during these endless snowy days! Our dog walkers have trained with a veterinarian to recognize the signs and symptoms of most common doggie issues – from a bruised paw to a cold dog, they know the right steps to take to help keep your dog happy and healthy. Call or click today to get your dog walking taken care of for the next snow day!