If important, give shorter baths with warm water and dry your dog as quickly as possible. Never bathe a dog in cold water, as this will chill him or her, and the low atmospheric temperature will give him or her little chance to warm up.
If your dog won’t wear dog booties, be sure to clean off the salt and snow removal chemicals after every walk; the chemicals can be toxic and the salt will become an irritant.
More food for a dog is only justifiable for dogs living outdoors all of the time and for dogs who are especially active during the winter months. Talk to your vet about your dog’s particular energy needs. Be sure that your dog has constant access to clean, unfrozen water, indoors and outdoors. Heated bowls can be purchased for use outside.
If you suspect frostbite, wrap your dog’s extremities in blankets or towels to warm them gradually and see the vet immediately. [4] X Research source
If you suspect frostbite, wrap your dog’s extremities in blankets or towels to warm them gradually and see the vet immediately. [4] X Research source
If your dog does ingest antifreeze, see a vet immediately, as treatment needs to be given within hours to save your dog’s life. Another toxic problem during winter is rat bait, used in greater amounts due to everyone living in close proximity over winter. Keep all toxic items well out of the reach of dogs and other pets and clean up any spills immediately.
Even if you are indoors, keep exercising. Play indoor games with your dog, such as fetch, tug-of-war, hiding toys, and if it’s possible to let them run around inside, then do so. Run them up and down the stairs for agility practice. Keep in mind that if your dog has some joint or hip problems they may not be able to run, so just let them walk up and down the stairs.
Keep dogs away from icy ponds or bodies of water. The ice may look firm, but if the dog falls through he could drown. Unfortunately, people trying to rescue their dogs also drown, so sad as it is never be tempted to try to rescue your dog.
Dogs that are great in the cold include Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies and Chow Chows. [6] X Research source Dogs that find it harder include Dobermans, toy dogs, low hair or hairless dogs, and Greyhounds. Any shaven or excessively clipped dog will fall into this category as well because the thick winter coat is a dog’s insulation.
If you have an outside dog (such as a sled dog), ensure that it has access to a shelter and bedding inside the shelter. Fresh straw provides a suitable layer of insulation against the cold of the ground for an outside shelter. Be sure to change it regularly though. An outdoor dog shelter should have a sloped roof, insulation, and heating, especially for very cold climate locations. [7] X Research source For rainy winters, ensure that the entrance way is protected so that rain cannot get into the shelter.
On top of the false floor, ensure the dog has plenty of warm bedding. Whilst blankets are good, make sure the dog has deep straw on top of the platform. Provide a minimum of 6 inches (15. 2 cm) of compacted straw, but consider banking it up around the walls, and providing extra loose straw so that the dog can circle around and create a nest to snuggle down into. This will help keep the heat in around the dog’s limbs and also reduce drafts. Remember, if it’s not warm enough for you to spend the night in, then the kennel isn’t warm enough for your dog.
You can easily improvise a platform with a sheet of hardboard resting on some books or bricks. A custom-made bed with cushioned insert, blankets, and old clothing make good, warm bedding.
Older dogs, in particular, stiffen up in the colder weather. Keeping heat in around their joints can greatly aid their comfort. Again, simple things can help, such as placing a thick blanket over the dog once they have settled down for the night. If your dog is well past the chewing stage in his life, then look for bags of cherry stones which you can microwave and are designed to keep human joints warm. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, heat the bag up in the microwave and lay it over the stiffest or most swollen of the dog’s joint, then cover him with a blanket, which will give him extra comfort. [10] X Research source Animal Physiotherapy. McGowan. Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell There are a variety of pet electric blankets or heat mats available, and another type of mat to investigate is a whelping blanket. These are designed to keep young puppies warm and provide a gentle background level of heat which is safe to be lain on for long periods of time. When choosing a heat mat, always carefully read the instructions to see if the pet can lie directly on it without the risk of thermal burns. Some mats designed for veterinary use are not safe to be laid on directly and require that they are covered with a blanket to avoid burns. [11] X Research source Animal Physiotherapy. McGowan. Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
If your dog is having difficulty wearing booties, use positive reinforcement training. Put a bootie on one foot, feed a treat, then remove it. Repeat daily and gradually increase the amount of booties until the dog is used to having them put on.
Dog jackets, snuggies, and sweaters can be purchased or made (knit, sew, crochet, or quilt) for any sized dog. For wetter winters, you might like to attach a rainproof layer over the top but make sure that it is breathable. Make sure any dog clothing is dry before use. If the dog goes outside in a wet coat, the wind will cause the water to evaporate and drag the dog’s body heat with it, thus making it cold. It is a good idea to have several items of clothing so that you can have some in the wash, some drying, and some ready for wear. Where possible, remove the clothing when your dog is inside, unless the temperature in the house is very low. If a dog wears clothing all the time it won’t feel the benefit when it goes outside.
