Having a canine companion makes life better. Taking your dog for walks and playing fetch are great ways to bond with your pet, but you might find that things get challenging when the weather gets cold. Knowing how to keep your dog safe in cold weather allows you to provide them with the care they need to stay healthy.
Dress Your Pet For Warmth
Your dog might have a fur coat, but they may still benefit from an extra layer on the coldest days of the year. This is especially true for short hair breeds and smaller dogs that may lack enough fur to stay insulated in cold weather. On warmer days, your dog may only need a light sweater. But, freezing temperatures could require a thicker coat for your pet. Make sure to find a coat that fits your dog snugly but comfortably to help protect their body from frigid wind.
Remember to Protect Their Feet
Most concrete surfaces stay colder than you might realize when you take your dog for a walk. When you dress your pup for outdoor activities, remember to add some dog booties. These foot coverings help to keep your dog’s feet warm and prevent frostbite on their delicate paws. Wearing booties outside can also protect your pet from sharp shards of ice during inclement weather.
Provide a Warm Place to Stay During Your Time Away
Although your pet may be fine spending hours outside during warmer weather, things can rapidly change in the winter. While every dog needs shelter outside, this might not be enough when the temperatures drop. Arranging for your pet to stay at a veterinarian-operated daycare and boarding program allows you to know they are comfortable and happy when you are working or away on vacation.
Use Pet-Safe Ice Melts
Sadly, many pet emergencies involve dogs accidentally ingesting products that cause them harm. During freezing weather, choose pet-friendly ice-melting products that are less likely to cause poisoning or digestive distress. You’ll also want to keep antifreeze out of your dog’s reach and remember to use caution on walks. Since other people might not use pet-friendly products, you’ll want to avoid walking on sidewalks and other surfaces with unknown substances.
Know Where to Go For Emergency Care
The cold weather season is a time when your pet might get exposed to toxic substances or accidentally get too cold. Always keep a close eye on your pet to identify potential symptoms of distress such as being unusually lethargic. If your pet displays new or serious health symptoms, then reach out to your emergency veterinarian right away. Hypothermia and other conditions can take a dramatic turn within a matter of hours or minutes, and getting your dog to the vet as soon as possible is critical for their health.
Dogs tend to thrive when they have continuity in their care. Choosing a veterinarian that offers emergency care along with boarding services ensures that your pet is always comfortable during every season of the year. As you plan for pet care in the winter, remember to establish a routine that helps your pet get to know their care providers and feel warm at home and in their doggie daycare program.
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