It's December! Cold Weather Tips for Dogs

The winter months are upon us, and for many, temperatures are dropping, snow is falling and ice is forming. Make sure you keep your dog safe and happy this winter by following a few tips!

1. In snow and ice, dogs can easily lose their scent and get lost. Make sure to keep the leash secured when walking your dog. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) states that more dogs get lost during the winter months than any other time of the year.

2. When returning inside from the outdoors, make sure to thoroughly wipe down your dog's paws and underbelly. It is possible for your dog to get antifreeze or salt and other ice-melting chemicals on his underside, and if ingested while grooming himself, can cause serious illness. Dogs' paws may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice. Be sure to check for injury.

3. Never leave your dog (or other animals) alone in the car during cold winter months. The ASPCA states the a car can "act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death."

4. Never shave your pets' fur to the skin during the winter. Your dog needs its coat to keep warm in the cold months. If you have a short-haired breed, consider getting a dog sweater. Also, when grooming, be sure to dry your dog's coat completely before walking outside.

5. The ASPCA Poison Control Center recommends using antifreeze with propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. However, always clean up any spills, as antifreeze is lethal to pets. It has a sweet taste that many pets find irresistible! Some signs of poisoning include vomiting, depression and excessive drooling. If you suspect your pet has ingested something poisonous, contact your veterinarian right away.

6. Make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep off the floor and away from drafts. A warm blanket or cozy pet bed is a perfect place.

7. Puppies and older dogs may not tolerate the cold well. Older dogs should only be taken outside to relieve themselves, and puppies may need to be paper-trained indoors if not already housebroken.

8. For dogs spending a great deal of time outdoors in the cold, be sure to increase food intake and ensure a high protein diet to keep him and his fur in great condition. Dogs normally outdoors a lot but kept inside because of the cold may need calorie restriction to avoid weight gain.

9. If your pet is mainly an outdoor dog, be sure you have a heated water bowl so that his water does not freeze over. ThePetStoreOnline.com carries two sizes of heated pet bowls between $20 and $35.

10. Pets can get frostbite, too. Watch for for red, gray or whitish areas on your dog's nose, ears and feet. Also, watch out for "ice balls," or balls of slushy snow that form between your dog's toes. Keeping fur between the toes clipped is a good way to prevent this, and you can remove ice balls gently with your fingers should you notice them.

Sources:
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Top Ten Cold Weather Tips
American Humane, Winter's Here -- Don't Be Left Out in the Cold When It Comes to Your Pet's Safety
Humane Society Pike's Peak Region, Oh, The Weather Outside is Frightful...
Best Friends Animal Society, Winter Safety