Cold weather makes all of us shiver, including our dogs. When temperatures dip, man's best friend needs a little extra care to stay healthy and happy.

Grooming:

Lots of dogs love the snow, but the salt and sand used to remove ice buildup can cause burns and irritation to tender foot pads. Make it a habit to wipe your pal's feet off after playtime outside. Have a small foot bath and towels ready for washing feet when outside playtime is over.

Keep the hair between the toes clipped to lessen snow buildup. When snow becomes encrusted in fur, a warm wet cloth can help loosen the ice. Be sure to dry your pet down with warm towels after a romp in the snow. Keep your pet brushed to improve circulation.

The Danger Zone:

Beware of antifreeze spills. Antifreeze, made of 95 percent ethylene glycol, is an extremely toxic poison. If your best friend licks at an antifreeze spill, go to the veterinary hospital immediately, for mere tablespoons can kill your pet. Initial symptoms such as staggering, vomiting, confusion, listlessness, and excessive drinking and urination manifest within thirty minutes of ingesting antifreeze. Consider switching to propylene-glycol-based antifreeze.

Leaving your dog in the car for long periods of time will cause hypothermia. Remember the car will chill down rather quickly once the heat is turned off.

Outside playtime is great fun, but it can turn deadly if your pet falls through ice on a pond or lake. Even though your pet may be having tons of fun in the snow, beware of frostbite on the feet, ears, and nose. Using a leash is essential to controlling your exuberant pet. Be sure to wear shoes that grip to avoid falls as you walk your pet.

Keep pets away from wood stoves, fireplaces, and portable heaters.

Shelter Suggestions:

The best shelter for your dog is inside where it's warm. Provide a warm bed, preferably placed on carpet rather than cold tile or linoleum.

Older dogs and puppies need extra care during the winter months. The arthritic dog will benefit from a hot water bottle in his bed and a ramp to help him navigate steps.

If your dog is an outside dog, make sure he has a warm house to shelter in. The house should be just large enough to provide standing room and turning space, with the floor raised a couple of inches above the ground. A door or wind flap is essential to keep in warmth and keep out the cold. Provide warm, dry bedding materials that can be easily changed when wet or soiled. Stacking bales of hay around your dog's house works as an excellent insulator. Keep in mind that an excessively large dog house will not retain the dog's body heat, making it cold and uncomfortable. During excessively cold temps, bring your dog inside.

The Comfort Zone:

Your dog will need to eat more protein if he is very active or lives outside. Consider an extra meal at noontime or increase portions at regularly scheduled mealtimes. If your indoor pet is less active, keep an eye on his weight, possibly even cutting portions.

Outside dogs need to have a constant supply of unfrozen, fresh water in a non-metal container. Indoor dogs will need extra water bowl fillings due to the dryer air.

Use a humidifier to supply moisture to the air. This helps to alleviate dandruff, dry skin, dry noses, and respiratory problems.

Indoor dogs, particularly short hair breeds, can keep warm in a dog sweater or doggie coat when going outside. Consider using protective booties to protect your pooch from frostbite when walking on cold surfaces.

Have a heart and protect your dog during the cold winter months. Your best friend is counting on you for help!

Learn more about this author, Linda G. Hull.
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