For pet lovers, nothing gets quite well than watching their dogs experiencing snow for the very first time. Not all dogs can play and easily survive in the cold weather. Some dogs have thick coats that help them withstand cold temperatures while others have thin coats that do not give adequate warmth.
There is no rocket science to understand if you feel too cold even in your winter coat; it will also be too cold for your dog. And you need to take care of the dog following certain winter safety tips. Continue reading the post to know how you can take care of the dog during winters.
Know How to Warm Them Up
In case your dog seems cold, make sure to cover him using a towel or blanket. You can also make use of a blow dryer or low setting mode, but while doing so, be very careful of the paw pads and see that it does not get burned. Rather, you can eat some rice in a sock. If you feel that your dog gets cold easily, get your stock of coats, sweaters, and booties ready in advance.
Know the Limit of Your Dog
As stated before, some dogs are more susceptible to cold weather conditions than others. Elder ones, short-coated, and even the young breeds are more prone to get cold quickly. Thus it is important to adjust the amount of time they stay outside.
In case the dog enjoys staying outdoors and you remain outside for some extra time, make sure to outfit your dog with a sweater or wrap it with a coat to keep it warm. You must keep in mind that frostbite and Hypothermia possess the biggest risks to dogs in winters. Install an invisible dog fence so that the dog does not go out of your region and get back into the shed when feeling cold.
Close Check on the Rock Salt and Antifreeze
Rock salt is not toxic, but what it is important to pay attention to is that it can upset the stomach if ingested and irritate the paws badly. Similarly, antifreeze tastes sweet, but it is toxic.
Make sure to look for the green or blue-colored substances on driveways, cars, and sidewalks, and make sure to keep your dog away from those spots. It is best suggested to wipe off the paws even before they come inside to eliminate any residue of antifreeze or salt that they might lick. Doing so will also keep the paws warmer.
Never Overlook the Exercise
Idle time for your dog, especially during the winters, can lead to destructive or nervous behavior because of pent-up energy. Once your dog is acclimatized and all set of the winters, make sure to take him outside for some walk and for some play.
You can also create a small agility course made out of piles of snow. In case the conditions are too cold or full of ice, you can also move to an indoor gym and give your dog a puzzle feeder to keep him/her busy or moving.
Look After the Dehydration Part
Though it is a very common misconception, your dog can still get dehydrated in winters and in swelteringly hot outside as well. Make sure to always carry a bottle of water while going for a walk, and don’t forget to feed enough water to your dog.
The best way to check out the dehydration is to grasp the dog’s loose skin gently on the back of the neck. In case the skin springs back to a place, consider your dog is hydrated. But if not, then it’s high time for you to drink a lot of water ASAP. Dehydration in winters can cause severe damage to the body’s internal organs, and the dog might also get seizures.
Safeguard Dog Paws in Winter
In case your dog has cracked paw pads, experts suggest using a moisturizer that has cow udders as ingredients. This will easily soothe and soften the paws. Post application, make sure to keep your dog busy with the puzzle feeder or treat it so that the dog does not lick it off right after the application.
In order to protect the paws of your dog during winters and safeguard the paws, keep your dog in booties. Apart from this, make sure to clean the paws every time he comes inside the house.
The above mentioned tips will certainly help you to take care of your dog during winters. You can write to us to know more about the experts’ pet safety tips, advice, and best suggestions in the white comment box below.
Photo by Tadeusz Lakota on Unsplash