Winter is here and Connecticut is really feeling it this weekend. Temperatures with the wind chill topped out at 15 degrees! Nobody likes extremely cold weather and if you are a dog owner, winter can be a challenge. The season comes with several dangers, many of which can be detrimental to your dog. Despite winter’s chill, The Perfect Pup is still open for training, classes, and daycare. Contact us to learn more and read on to learn three tips for winter dog care.
Three Tips For Winter Dog Care
- Watch those paws. – Many snow and ice control chemicals can be harmful to dogs. After heading out for winter walks, it is important to wipe their paws with a towel and warm water when you get back home. Besides being toxic if ingested, certain chemicals can also irritate the sensitive skin on a dog’s paws. Ice balls can also form in the fur between your dog’s toes which is very painful. Purchasing dog boots may mitigate this problem and will also keep your dog’s paws warm. If you usually just let your dog run around your yard, you should invest in pet-safe ice melt which can be found at many home improvement stores.
2. Keep your dog leashed in the winter. – Though it might be tempting to let your dog frolic in the snow, winter can be a very dangerous time to do so. Without the control of a leash, you don’t have the ability to stop your dog from running into dangers such as plow trucks and thin ice on ponds. Also, if your dog decides to take off after something and you can’t catch him, he might be stuck outside overnight in the freezing weather.
3. Limit their time outside. – Even cold weather breeds like Huskies and Malamutes are susceptible to frostbite. Frostbite in dogs often affects their paws, ears, and tail so limit your time outside as much as you can. Dogs that are smaller and that have shorter hair will get cold quicker. Very young and old dogs are at a higher risk because they cannot regulate their body temperature as well. You can purchase a dog coat or sweater to make winter walks a bit happier and safer.