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Does your dog shiver after just a few minutes outside, or do they love playing in the snow? During the cold winter months, dogs feel the chill just like humans, especially breeds that are less tolerant of cold weather. However, some dog breeds have a natural ability to withstand colder temperatures better than humans. To keep your furry friend warm in winter, it's essential to understand their breed and health, and remember to dedicate time to protect your pet during freezing weather.
Steps
Winter Care for Dogs
Proper Dog Grooming. Avoid trimming, shaving, or cutting your dog's fur, as their coat serves to keep them warm. Follow proper grooming practices, thoroughly brushing and detangling their fur during winter, as matted fur cannot effectively protect against snow and cold rain, nor provide proper insulation. Proper grooming also helps prevent dandruff in dogs during the dry winter months, especially if your pet is prone to this issue.
Bathing your dog indoors. Ensure your furry friend is completely dry before heading outside. It's advisable to bathe your pet less frequently during winter, or even skip this grooming routine altogether. Keep in mind that a dog's coat takes much longer to dry in cold weather, which helps prevent them from catching a severe cold.
Trimming the fur around the paw pads. This helps prevent snow and ice from accumulating between their toes. After outdoor walks, check your dog's paws for cracks, scratches, and foreign objects. If possible, protect their paw pads by applying Vaseline or E45 for moisture, but be cautious of the mess it might leave on your floors!
Avoid overfeeding your dog. Your pup needs regular, high-quality meals during the cold season to store energy and maintain body heat. However, indoor dogs generally don't require extra food in winter, as it could lead to weight gain.
Maintaining your dog's health during winter
Preventing winter illnesses in dogs. Just like humans, dogs can fall ill in freezing weather, particularly from colds or weather-related conditions. Common ailments include respiratory infections in damp climates, frostbite necrosis, and toxin ingestion.
Keeping your dog warm and dry. This helps prevent respiratory infections, such as kennel cough (similar to a cold in humans). If your dog shows signs of a respiratory infection, take them to a veterinarian immediately. Note that if you have multiple dogs, especially in close quarters like a kennel, the illness can spread more quickly.
Brian Bourquin, DVM
Veterinarian and owner of Boston Veterinary Clinic
Veterinarian and owner of Boston Veterinary Clinic
If you feel cold, your dog likely feels cold too. One way to keep your dog warm is by using a Velcro jacket, which is easy to put on and take off. Depending on the weather, such as snow, ice, or salt on the ground, you might also consider dog boots.
Frostbite can be a concern for some dog breeds, especially hairless varieties. Check their ear tips and tail. If these areas feel cold, appear white, red, or gray, and/or feel dry and hard, it could indicate frostbite.
Store harmful winter chemicals out of your dog's reach. Antifreeze has a sweet taste that attracts dogs, and they may lick it if accessible. Just four teaspoons can be fatal for a dog weighing under 5 kg.
Monitor your dog's existing health conditions. Arthritis and chronic osteoarthritis can worsen in cold weather. Consult your veterinarian about medications, treatments, and ways to ensure the health and warmth of pets with arthritis during winter.
Take shorter walks in harsh weather conditions. Avoid walking your dog the same distances as you would in warmer weather. Shorter walks still meet their exercise and mental stimulation needs without risking your dog (or you) getting too cold.
Be cautious of icy surfaces, which can be slippery for both dogs and humans. Sliding on ice can lead to strains and sprains, so avoid encouraging your dog to play on icy patches, especially with games like fetch.
Always leash your dog during winter walks. In case of emergencies, such as snowstorms, sudden ice patches, or your dog falling into a frozen lake, you may not be able to rescue them. Carry a fully charged phone to call for help if needed.
Prepare shelter for outdoor dogs during winter
Understand your dog's sensitivity to cold weather. Some breeds struggle with low temperatures, while others thrive in freezing conditions. Dogs that can't handle the cold should stay indoors. However, even cold-adapted breeds need warmth and shelter if living outdoors.
Prepare adequate shelter. Ideally, dogs should stay indoors during winter, only going outside for exercise and bathroom breaks. This ensures they don't get cold while you're away or asleep. Puppies, in particular, should not be left outside as they can't regulate their body temperature like adult dogs.
Ensure proper insulation for outdoor shelters. When setting up an outdoor shelter, elevate the floor 10-15 cm above the ground. Use insulating materials like straw or bubble wrap beneath the floor to prevent cold air from rising. You can also place hot water bottles under the floor for extra warmth on harsh days.
Protect the shelter from drafts. Wind exacerbates cold conditions, so outdoor dogs need extra protection. If they live in a kennel, install an arched door to reduce wind exposure. Position the door away from prevailing winds and insulate the kennel, especially on the windward side, to minimize heat loss.
Bring all outdoor dogs inside during prolonged harsh weather; even a garage can be warmer than their outdoor shelter. Remember, multiple layers of insulation make a shelter warmer. Consider using duck-feather blankets and covering them with plastic for added protection.
Inspect the kennel daily to ensure it remains dry and draft-free. Cold and damp conditions pose more risks than dry cold. Additionally, check that the bedding is warm and dry. Dogs lying on dirty bedding can fall ill or develop skin infections.
Keeping outdoor dogs warm during winter
Ensure the bedding is warm and placed in a suitable location. Bedding plays a crucial role in keeping dogs warm throughout winter. If the dog lies on the ground or another surface with gaps, place a mat underneath. Elevate the bedding a few centimeters above the ground to prevent heat loss from contact with the cold floor.
Provide extra warmth during freezing nights. This is especially important for older dogs and those with arthritis. Consider using heated dog beds or hot water bottles. Once dogs get used to the warmth, they will seek it out and even prefer sleeping in cozy spots.
Clean and replace bedding regularly. This helps prevent fleas, microorganisms, and dirt buildup. It's particularly crucial in winter when pests seek warm shelters.
Use specialized dog clothing in specific situations. These garments help keep your dog warm during freezing winters. They are particularly suitable for small breeds, short-haired dogs (like Greyhounds and Whippets), and older or sick dogs. Common signs that your dog needs clothing include shivering, similar to humans.
Use dog boots to protect your pet's paws from snow and salt. Salt can irritate their paws, and snow can make them extremely cold. Boots provide warmth and prevent contact with irritating salt. However, unless trained from a young age, some dogs may resist wearing boots.
Tips
- Place a hot water bottle under your dog's bed for quick warmth.
- Limit your dog's time outside in freezing weather. If your home has a pet door, monitor how long they stay outside to prevent overexposure to the cold.
- If you feel cold, your dog likely does too. Choose a sleeping spot for your pet that you would find warm and comfortable.
- Before putting a coat on your dog, warm it in the dryer for 10-15 minutes. This enhances the coat's warmth and keeps your dog cozy outdoors.
Warnings
- Never leave your dog outdoors during winter. Dogs need time to adapt to temperature changes. If you plan to keep your dog outside in cold weather, gradually acclimate them during autumn to help them adjust and stimulate thicker fur growth.
- Avoid leaving your dog outside for extended periods in freezing conditions.
- Do not leave your dog in a cold car. When the heater is off, temperatures drop rapidly, turning the car into a refrigerator with poor air circulation and extreme cold.
- If your dog falls into a frozen lake or river, call for help immediately. Do not risk your life trying to rescue them.
