by JM Van Horn

Created on: January 20, 2009   Last Updated: October 02, 2010

When the seasons change and the temperatures begin to drop, you need to take the same precautions for your dog in the cold weather as you do for the family. People tend to forget about their four legged friends, thinking that their fur can help keep out the effects of the cold. Here are a few helpful hints to make sure man's best friend stays warm and healthy during the winter months.

The dog's coat is their best protection against the cold temperatures during the winter months. Though you may shave their thick coat to keep them cool in the summer, it is important to keep it thick and long in the winter. The thick hair will help insulate the dog's body like parkas do for humans. If your dog has a double coat and is going to be living outside during the winter months, put them outside towards the middle of the fall season. This will help the dogs with double coats the chance to develop a thick undercoat needed to keep them warm. Outside dogs tends to burn up more calories to help them keep warm as the cold weather rolls in. Make sure to provide extra food for your dog so they can keep their energy up.

When it comes to puppies, they should never be kept outside in the cold weather. Their body has not had the chance to build up their resistance and they will have a hard time keeping themselves warm. Make sure to keep them inside in a heated environment.

You need to take extra precautions with your dog if they do not have long hair or are toy or miniature versions of the larger breeds. These dogs will get cold faster than the ones with double coats or more mass. To help protect your pet from the elements, it is a good idea to find a sweater for them when they venture outside for any length of time.

Though your dog may like to go outside and play in the snow, it can cause problems for them down the road. Make sure to check over your dog when they have been outside in the snowy condition. Small balls of snow can turn into hard ice crystals quickly and develop in their paws, behind their ears and tail. This can be quite painful for the dog if they are left there for any length of time. The best solution for this is to wash the area with a warm wet cloth to help the ice crystals melt. If you are going to send the dog back outside, make sure their coat is dry before they enter the colder temperatures.

Cold weather conditions means two things, salt on the sidewalk and chemicals, like anti-freeze, on the driveway. Make sure to clean your dog's paws when they come inside from their walk and never let them roam around in an area where these potential hazards are on the ground. You do not want to find yourselves being exposed to veterinarian bills because your dog decided to lick the ice that was coated in harmful chemicals.

It is helpful to shovel away the snow in a small area for your dog to take care of their business. Now your dog will not have to scamper through the snow until they find an area when they can be comfortable. By doing this, it will be easier on your when you are cleaning up after them.

Remember dogs are warm blooded creatures that may only appear better suited for the cold than us. If there are weather advisory in the areas, make sure your dog has adequate shelter or bring them inside to help protect them from the elements. If you follow these few tips, your dog will thank you.

Learn more about this author, JM Van Horn.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.