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How to Keep Your Dog Healthy and Safe in Cold, Snowy Weather

We tend to think because Fido has a fur coat, he is ready for the fiercest storm and can handle frigid temps and snow with no extra care.  We see snow dogs in blizzard conditions on television and think our pups can handle anything, never knowing what care is given behind the camera. The truth is your dog has the same needs as people when the mercury drops.  Here are a few ways to make sure your pup stays healthy, happy and safe this winter.

Yes, God gave your dog a fur coat and some breeds tolerate cold temperatures better than others (Malamutes and Huskies, for instance), but when the weather turns cold that coat may not be enough.  Short-haired breeds may not tolerate cold temps anymore than you do.

Also, like people, the very young and elderly dogs are more at risk in extreme temperatures.

Shelter - All year long you provide shelter for your pup, but in the winter, just a dog house or lean-to may not be enough.  On nights the temps dip near freezing, even your outdoor pup needs to be brought inside.  That might mean a garage, enclosed porch or your home.  

Limit Time Outdoors - In extreme temps, when you and your pup go outside, consider shortening the length of your walk or run.  Just as that cold air can hurt humans, it can affect your dog's lungs.  

I'm not usually an advocate of dog sweaters, but they are useful if you live in a cold climate, especially if your pup has short hair. That fur coat might only be as effective as a light jacket.  Should you use a dog sweater, remember to take it off when you go indoors.  Think of it like leaving a coat on after you come inside.   It is not long before you are way too warm. 

If you live in a snowy area, your dog's paws pick up snow, ice and anything that they have walked through, including antifreeze and deicing products.  Place a bowl of water just inside the door.  When your pup comes inside, rinse his feet off and dry them.  This is for your dog's comfort and safety.  Antifreeze and deicing products contain toxic active ingredients.  As your dog grooms his paws, he will ingest them.  

Also, trim the fur between the pads on your pup's paws.  Less fur reduces the amount of illness or discomfort as outside "stuff" won't be as likely to mat on your pup's paws.

Even double-coated dogs like warmth.  My husky loves laying on the warm waterbed as the weather cools.  Uncarpeted floors become cold and stay cold in cold weather. Something as simple as a dog bed will keep Fido  warm and more comfortable, especially if he is an older dog with sore bones and muscles. 

Avoid bathing your pup in cold weather, but if it has to be done, bathe him indoors and keep him inside until totally dry.  

Never leave your pet in your car in extreme temps.  The air in your car, all sealed up, continues to cool and retains the coldness in the same way your cooler keeps cold drinks cold.

Some dogs will need more food in the cold months.  

If you have a big snowfall, shovel a path to and including an area for your pup to do his business. Your pup will love that he can smell where he has gone before.

Since snow blocks scents, it may be harder for your pup to smell his way back home, should he wander.  Make sure he is wearing his tags which include his name, your name and number and the number of a close friend or relative in another area of the country.  If you and Fido are separated in a severe weather situation and his rescuer cannot contact you, they can contact the second number; someone you would also be contacting in an emergency. 

Just remember, if you are uncomfortable, the possibility that your pet is uncomfortable exists.  If going out unprotected would be dangerous for you, it could be dangerous for your pup as well.

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