| Winter Tips For Your Pet 1- Cold Kills Just because dogs have their own fur coats does not mean that they cannot get cold. Just like you with your winter coat on, continue exposure to almost freezing or freezing temperatures you will get cold—so does your dog. A dog left out-side in severe cold weather can die quickly from exposure. Except for exercise and walks, all dogs are safer indoors in winter. Bring your pets inside when temperatures start to dip to near freezing. Make sure they have a warm draft-free place indoors with a dry mat or blanket they can lie on. 2- Outdoor Dogs Need Special Protection. Large breed dogs that live outdoors need the protection of a dry draft-free doghouse. It should be large enough for the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but cozy enough to help him retain body heat. The floor should raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The entrance should be turned away from the wind and the opening covered with a waterproof material or heavy plastic. Even outdoor dogs must be brought inside in severe temperatures. 3- Cold Cars Are Dangerous Leave your dog in a unattended car out the winter cold, be prepared to treat them for hypothermia. Small and short coated breeds can be particularly susceptible. If you have to leave a pet alone in the car, you are better off leaving them at home. Pets in unattended cars can also be lost or stolen. 4- Avoid Antifreeze Poisoning In the winter is the most common time to check the antifreeze in your car. As you do, be aware of any spills, where your pet is and where you throw away or store the container. Antifreeze tastes sweet to your dog but it's a deadly poison. This is especially dangerous because once swallowed antifreeze poising is difficult to diagnose and treat. Do not let your pet drink from puddles in the street. Cars that may have a leaking radiator or hose my leave residue on the pavement that could later be collected in to puddles of water by melting snow or ice. 5- Does Your Pet need a Sweater? If your dog shakes and shivers during walks on a cold day, he may need a sweater, Regardless of size many short- coated dogs are very sensitive to cold. This is very true of older dogs. A properly fitted canine sweater can help your dog retain precious body heat and enjoy the time outdoors. 6- Rock Salt / De-Icers Can Burn A thick layer of petroleum jelly on your dogs foot pads can prevent the burning and irritation your dog may experience when they walk outside on sidewalks that have been treated with salt or chemical de-icers. Whenever your pet gets back from a walk or play, make sure you wipe its paws clean of any residue before it licks them and irritates it's mouth. Keeping your pets nails trimmed and the hair between it toes shaved is a good way to prevent foot problems and make treatment easier if they do occur. 7- Avoid Icy Dangers A good grooming is essential if you plan to let your pet frolic in the snow and ice. Long-haired breeds that roll in the snow can get ice stuck in their fur. The ice that gets packed in the fur can cause severe chills and lead to dangerous respiratory infections. When you pet comes in from the outside, the ice or snow will melt all over your rugs and furniture creating a damp and unhealthy home environment. A good toweling and brushing of the dog fur when it comes back in can save you time and work in cleaning up your home later. Don't forget to check your pets paws. 8- Don't Eat the Snow Outdoor exercise and play can make your dog thirsty, but don't let them lick or eat snow or ice. Ingesting snow can cause a terrible stomachache and the salt, de-icers and other contaminants can cause diarrhea and other serious problems. When out in the snow, keep your dog on a leash. Bring along a ball or other toy so that you can use to distract your pet. 9- Watch Your Pets Diet Outdoor dogs and those dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors need more food with a higher protein level in the winter because keeping warm depletes their energy. However, if your dog is a house dog and does not spend much time out doors or need much exercising during cold weather months, it might start to gain unneeded weight. Be careful not to over feed your pet. Quick weight gain is unhealthy. Obesity in pets leads to serious medical problems and a shorter life span. Note: I feed the same dog food year round – In the winter I give them a little more in the summer I give them a little less. I also give each dog 1 Omega capsule daily in the winter. 10- Prevent Cabin Fever Summer and vacation time is over and everyone settles in to work and school, your pet will be spending more time alone. Bored, unattended and unstimulated dogs are most likely to cause problems and develop separation anxiety while your are away. Prevent problems by putting out your dogs favorite toys when you leave for the day and put them away when you get home. Leave a radio or TV on to a talk or news station while you are out. But most spend some quality time with your dog when you arrive home. 11- Household Cleaners And Other Items Don't let your pet become a tragic statistic. Cleaning fluids, detergents, household solvents, make-up and even nail polish can smell and taste sweet to your dog. Once swallowed, they can become deadly. Secure all of these products in a place where your pet can't get to them. If you suspect that your pet may have ingested a toxic product contact your vet immediately. Always keep your vets phone number and the number of the local emergency animal clinic handy, in case of an emergency. 12- Winter and your Dogs Coat Winter is the most common time of the year for your dog to have dry skin and an increase in pet dander. Extra dry skin can drive them insane with all the scratching and digging they do to relieve the itch. Give your dog less bathes in the winter but be sure to rinse all the soap out of their fur. A good moisturizer is also needed. A good diet is also important, a dog food that has a high fat and protein content will go a long way to help keep your pet from having dry skin. Brushing regularly will also help. Note: I give my dogs a bath about every 4-7 weeks in the winter. The moisturizer that I use on my dogs is the same that I use for my hair – I just dilute it 1 to 1 and pour over the dogs fur and let them dry naturally (with out a blow dryer or heat dryer.) |