How to Keep Your Dog Safe in Freezing Temperatures! Helpful tips for getting your dog through winter’s freezing nights.
As your dog’s best friend and caretaker, it’s ultimately your responsibility to ensure their safety and well-being, especially during freezing cold winter months. Just like humans, dogs are susceptible to dangers that come with low temperatures, icy conditions, and harsh winds. By taking the time to put a few simple safety measures in place, you can keep your dog safe, warm, and comfortable throughout the winter. In this week’s Training Tip Tuesday post, we will provide you with expert tips and advice on how to protect your dog from frigid cold weather. Remember, your dog relies on you, and only you, for everything from food to shelter and affection. Don’t let him down.
Limit Outdoor Time
When the temperature drops, it’s important to limit your dog’s time outdoors, especially during extreme cold weather. While some heavy-coated northern breeds are more tolerant of low temperatures, most domesticated dog breeds are just not equipped to handle prolonged exposure to freezing weather. Short-coated dogs, small breeds, puppies, and senior dogs are particularly vulnerable to the cold due to their inability to thermoregulate (which is a side effect of 15,000+ years of domestication and selective breeding). Pay attention to signs of discomfort such as shivering, lifting paws off the ground, or prolonged vocalizations, as these may indicate that it’s too cold for your dog to be outside. In cases such as those, or when temperatures drop to dangerous lows, it’s best to keep them indoors and provide them with a cozy and warm environment.
Create a Warm Indoor Environment
During the winter months, your home should be a haven of warmth and comfort for your dog. Make sure to maintain a comfortable temperature indoors and provide your dog with a cozy spot to rest. Avoid placing their bed near exit doors or in cold drafty areas, and consider using a raised bed or adding extra blankets (as needed) for insulation. Indoor dogs may require less exercise during cold weather, so be mindful of their calorie intake to prevent weight gain. Additionally, engage their minds and keep them active with interactive toys and games to prevent boredom.
Dress Appropriately
Just like humans, dogs can benefit from wearing appropriate winter attire. While some dogs have thick fur coats to keep them warm, others may need a little extra help. Small, short-haired, and senior dogs are more susceptible to the cold and may require the added warmth of a coat or sweater during walks or outdoor activities. Choose a well-fitted, insulated garment that covers their body from the base of the tail to the belly, and remember not to leave them unsupervised in their new coat until they become accustomed to wearing it. This not only provides an extra layer of protection against the cold weather, but also helps them regulate their body temperature.
Protect Their Paws
Your dog’s paws are particularly vulnerable to the harsh conditions of winter. Snow, ice, and de-icing chemicals can cause dryness, irritation, and even frostbite. To protect their paws, consider using paw wax or dog booties. Paw wax creates a barrier between their paws and the cold surfaces, while booties provide full coverage and prevent contact with ice, salt, and chemicals. Ensure that booties fit properly, are comfortable for your dog to wear, and that you give your dog time to become adjusted to wearing them on walks. Then, after each walk, take the time to wipe their paws with a damp towel to remove any snow, ice, or chemicals that may have accumulated.
Provide Quality Nutrition & Hydration
During the winter months, dogs burn more energy to stay warm. Ensure that your dog is receiving a balanced and nutritious diet that meets their specific needs. If desired or needed, consider consulting with a canine nutritionist to determine the appropriate amount and type of food for your dog during the winter. Keep their water bowl filled with fresh, unfrozen water at all times, and consider using plastic bowls instead of metal, as a dog’s tongue can stick to metal in freezing temperatures. Last, make sure to monitor their water intake to prevent dehydration, as dogs can still become dehydrated in cold weather.
Keep Away From Freezing Bodies of Water
While the sight of a frozen pond or lake may be beautiful, it’s crucial to keep your dog away from frozen bodies of water when temperatures drop. Thin ice can easily crack and give way, putting your dog at risk of falling through and potentially drowning. Always keep your dog on a leash when walking near frozen bodies of water and exercise caution to prevent accidents. If your dog does fall through the ice, call for professional help or emergency services immediately. We’ve all seen miraculous ice water rescues on TV. However, trying to be the hero and jumping in after your dog may very well put both of you at further extreme risk. In this case, a teaspoon of prevention is well worth preventing a ton of heartache.
Be Prepared For Power Outages
Winter storms can sometimes lead to power outages, leaving your home without heat. It’s important to be prepared for such situations to ensure your family’s safety (because your dog is family too). Have a plan in place to keep your dog warm in case of a power outage. Consider using alternative heating sources, such as a generator or portable heaters designed for indoor use. Keep blankets and extra bedding on hand to provide additional warmth, and if necessary, seek temporary shelter in a heated location until power is restored.
Ensuring your vehicle’s gas tank is full allows you a plan B, and a safe place for everybody to stay warm until help arrives if all else fails.
Beware of Antifreeze
Often used to top off their vehicle’s coolant, and by others to de-ice their driveways in the winter, antifreeze is highly toxic to dogs and can be fatal if ingested. It has a sweet taste that can attract animals, making it a significant and attractive danger to pets. Keep all antifreeze containers securely stored out of your dog’s reach; preferably on a raised shelf or behind a secure door. If you suspect that your dog has ingested antifreeze, seek immediate veterinary care as time is of the essence. Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning include excessive thirst, vomiting, seizures, lethargy, and a drunken appearance. Prompt treatment is crucial to prevent irreversible damage to their kidneys.
Check Your Vehicle Before Starting The Engine
During the winter, cats and small wildlife may seek warmth by crawling under parked vehicles. Before starting your car, bang on the hood or honk the horn to scare away any animals that may be hiding. This simple precaution can prevent accidents and ensure the safety of any animals seeking shelter.
Be Mindful of Your Dog’s Age
Age plays a role in how dogs tolerate cold weather. Puppies and senior dogs have a harder time regulating their body temperature and are more susceptible to the cold. Be mindful of their comfort and limit their exposure to extreme temperatures. Provide them with additional warmth, such as blankets or heated beds, and monitor them closely for signs of discomfort or distress.
Seek Veterinary Advice
Every dog is unique, and their tolerance for cold weather may vary. If you have any concerns about your dog’s ability to withstand the cold, consult with your veterinarian. They can provide personalized advice based on your dog’s breed, age, health condition, and individual needs. Regular veterinary check-ups are imperative to your dog’s overall health and well-being, but when in doubt – it’s 100% worth it to reach out to your vet about specific concerns.
Final Thoughts
Remember, you’re ultimately your dog’s BFF and sole caretaker.
YOU play the star role in keeping them safe and warm during freezing cold temperatures. By following these tips and prioritizing their well-being, you can help ensure that your beloved companion remains healthy, happy, and protected throughout the winter season. Stay informed, stay prepared, and enjoy the winter wonderland with your fuzzy friend by your side.
