Tips To Keep Your Dog Safe For The Winter

When it's cold outside, winter pet safety measures can spare your beloved animal any needless snowy mishaps. Dogs need special care during the winter months to stay healthy. Not only must they deal with the cold as we do, but also snow, ice, and road salt on paws and fur, which could cause potential health issues. When the mercury drops, these eight safety tips can keep your dog happy, healthy and comfortable during the winter months.

Keep dogs inside: Although it's true that Alaskan Malamutes spend much of their time in the snow and ice, most pets get just as cold as we do when outside for prolonged periods of time. Dogs can succumb to hypothermia and frostbite, too. If temperatures drop below freezing, bring your cat inside.
Shorten walks and wipe paws when you get home: During bitterly cold days, you may have to shorten your dog's walks to prevent frostbite or exposure to cold. Use your best judgment; if you don't want to be outside, chances are good that your pet doesn't want to be outside for too long, either.

Road salt may become embedded in the pads of your dog's feet, causing harsh drying, cracks and even bleeding. A dog can also accidentally poison themselves if they lick road salt off their feet, too. Keep a cloth near the door of your home and wipe your dog's feet after any walks.

Take your dog in for a checkup: Make sure your dog is up-to-date on all vaccinations. Older dogs, and dogs with joint issues and arthritis, should also be checked by a veterinarian. They may need their pain medications adjusted to compensate for flare-ups during cold weather.

Learn the signs of hypothermia: Dogs who shiver, whine or appear weak may be suffering from hypothermia. Get them inside and call your veterinarian immediately.

Make sure dogs have collars, identification tags or a microchip: This is a good idea all year round, but it makes even more sense during cold weather. If your dog gets lost, identification tags or a microchip may save a life by bringing them home quickly and safely to you.

Avoid icy areas: Dogs can slip and fall just like people can. Iced-over ponds are difficult to judge; a dog's weight may be just enough to break through the surface.

Clean up antifreeze spills: Antifreeze is poisonous to dogs. A spill can be extremely dangerous to a curious pet! Clean up any antifreeze spills promptly.

Be prepared: Emergency preparedness isn't just for people. You've probably got some bottled water, batteries, flashlights and canned food stored somewhere in your home in the event of a blizzard or power outage. But what about supplies for your pets? Make sure you have plenty of dog food and any medications stored for your pet in the event that a snowstorm makes roads impassable.

When the weather outside is frightful, you can make your pet's experience delightful by taking extra steps to ensure their comfort and safety. Prepare now to keep your dog warm and safe during the cold winter months.