6 Winter Preparation Tips for Dogs

As winter rolls in, it's important that we think about our four legged friends, and keep them safe throughout the cold months. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

1. Flea and tick preventative medicine is important to administer to your dog throughout the year, including in the winter. It may be cold out, and you may think fleas and ticks are gone for the winter, but they can still live and thrive in your home. Be sure to continue your monthly preventative measures all year long.

2. Most ice melting rock salt is dangerous for dogs, so be sure to wipe your dog's paws after walks or being out on your sidewalk. Or if your prefer, protect your dog's paws with special boots. There are a lot of cute ones out there, I just have never tried putting my 80 lb German Shepherd in them! Not only is the rock salt irritating to a dog's paws, it can also be absorbed into the bloodstream and make them very sick. PetCo and other pet stores sell pet-safe ice melter, which would be a great product to use on your sidewalk.

3. If you have a dog who mostly lives outside, which I don't agree with, but I know some people do it, at least make sure they have a warm, comfortable dog house to sleep in. I have seen dogs tied to a cable with no shelter, and it's very sad. Dogs like Siberian Huskies do fine in the cold, but if temperatures dip too low, it would be a great idea to bring your dog in for the night. For indoor dogs, provide a warm bed away from drafts and windows.

4. Try not to let your dog off their leash in the snow too much, as they could possibly lose their scent and get lost. Always make sure your dog is wearing their ID tags, in case they do get lost, they can be returned safe to you.

5. Limit baths during the winter as much as possible. Just like humans, a dog's skin can become overly dry with excessive bathing. Also, if you do bathe your dog, make sure they are completely dry before going outside. Between baths, be sure your dog's coat is well groomed, to provide the best insulation against the cold.

6. With Christmas right around the corner, watch for potential hazards that your dog could hurt themselves on, such as electrical cords, tinsel on the tree, glass ornaments, live tree needles, poinsettias, lit candles, Christmas candy and treats (like chocolate, which is fatal to dogs if ingested), and even presents, which your dog could get into.

If you follow these tips, you should get through the winter months without any problems. I'm looking forward to spring already!