Winter Weather Pet Safety + Awareness
Winter Weather Pet Safety + Awareness
Tips to Help Your Pet Thrive this Winter
Winter Weather
Pet Safety + Awareness
Tips to Help Your Pet Thrive this Winter
All photos featured in this blog were taken and provided by @gus.and.mia
Your dog needs special care and attention during the winter months, but that doesn't mean you have to hibernate until the season is over! Below are a few tips to help your dog stay warm, safe and healthy all season. Plus, we threw in a few bonus tips for how to not go stir crazy when you're stuck inside on those extra bitter days.
Did you know exposure to extreme cold can lead to frostbite, even in dogs with thick coats?
- Frostbite can occur at any temperature of freezing or below
- Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia and call your vet immediately if you think your dog may have either
- How susceptible your dog is to frostbite will vary based on breed hair type, dog size, existing health issues, age, environment, etc.
- Areas most commonly affected by frostbite on dogs: ear tips, tail, toes, nose and scrotum
- Frostbite can be identified as skin discoloration, taking on pale, blue or gray color in early stages
- Once warmed, those areas that have frostbite damaged may appear swollen, red and blistered
- Moisture (a damp or wet coat) can increase your dog's chances of getting frostbite in extreme cold
- Check your pet's paw pads regularly during the winter months to check for damage
Keep your pet away from antifreeze, rock salts and deicers
- Antifreeze, rock salts and deicers are toxic to dogs
- Rinse their paws with warm water after a walk to ensure there are no chemicals for them to lick or bring into your home
- Using a paw salve before walks can also help protect against salt and chemicals
- There are several brands that offer pet-friendly antifreeze and deicers, we encourage researching thoroughly before using
- Environmentally safe alternatives include sand (use sparingly) and bird seed (which is biodegradable and the birds will love it)
- If your dog will tolerate them, booties provide the best coverage and protection against all the above
- Leave a towel by the front / back door so you can easily wipe them off before entering the house
Just like you, your dog needs a different skincare regime in the winter to help protect their skin against cold weather
- Cold weather may leave your dog with excessively dry, flaky and itchy skin
- Make sure they have an Omega 3, Omega 6 fatty acid rich diet or consider adding a skin and coat supplement
- Feed your dog a high protein low carbohydrate diet as it can help control inflammation and skin irritations
- Try a natural approach by rubbing organic coconut oil into their skin and vitamin E oil to dry areas on their nose or paw pads
- Brush your dog more frequently as it stimulates oil-producing glands in their skin
- Be sure that your dog's bed or place of rest stays dry as moisture allows mold to grow
- Keep your dog out of the basement, mud room, or cold damp areas of the house where mildew can grow and end up in their coat
- Consider a humidifier in your home during the winter months - you'll both benefit from more hydrated skin
- Be aware that if your dog has excessive dandruff or scaling, they could have a bacterial infection requiring veterinary attention
- If your dog has particularly thin fur or is shivering, there are adorable pet-friendly sweaters available to provide an extra layer of warmth
Maintain your dog's grooming, especially in the winter months
Just like you, your dog needs a different skincare regime in the winter to help protect their skin against cold weather
- Cold weather may leave your dog with excessively dry, flaky and itchy skin
- Make sure they have an Omega 3, Omega 6 fatty acid rich diet or consider adding a skin and coat supplement
- Feed your dog a high protein low carbohydrate diet as it can help control inflammation and skin irritations
- Try a natural approach by rubbing organic coconut oil into their skin and vitamin E oil to dry areas on their nose or paw pads
- Brush your dog more frequently as it stimulates oil-producing glands in their skin
- Be sure that your dog's bed or place of rest stays dry as moisture allows mold to grow
- Keep your dog out of the basement, mud room, or cold damp areas of the house where mildew can grow and end up in their coat
- Consider a humidifier in your home during the winter months - you'll both benefit from more hydrated skin
- Be aware that if your dog has excessive dandruff or scaling, they could have a bacterial infection requiring veterinary attention
- If your dog has particularly thin fur or is shivering, there are adorable pet-friendly sweaters available to provide an extra layer of warmth
Maintain your dog's grooming, especially in the winter months
- Grooming helps keep your dog's seasonal allergies (dust mites, dander, wool, mold) at bay
- Request nourishing shampoo and splurge for the moisturizing conditioner add on for sensitive skin
- Remember that a healthy coat on a dog can serve as a temperature regulator all year round, keeping your dog warm and insulated in the winter and cool in the summer
- Keeping your dog's toe hair groomed will allow them better traction walking on icy road conditions
Low temperatures can increase joint stiffness and discomfort, especially for senior dogs or those suffering from arthritis pain
- Keep your dog warm and soothe joint ache with heated blankets (heated dog beds are even a thing now!)
- If you don't want to invest in a heated dog bed, try putting a towel or blanket in the dryer for a few minutes to warm it up
- Use a heating pad on your dog's hips and shoulders to help soothe aches brought on by the cold
- Consider adding a hip and joint supplement to their routine during winter months to aid in joint pain
- Remember that similar to humans, even dogs need to warm up their muscles before playtime
- Make sure fireplaces have proper safety screens and never leave your dog unsupervised with a fire burning
- Make sure your dog doesn't fall asleep too close to a space heater or put their bed up against a heater that could start a fire
- If your dog refuses to step out into the cold for walkies, try playing with them first indoors to "warm up" those muscles or drape a warm towel over them before heading out
- Keeping your senior dog moving as much as you can during the winter, a dog in motion stays in motion and a dog at rest stays at rest
Low temperatures can increase joint stiffness and discomfort, especially for senior dogs or those suffering from arthritis pain
- Keep your dog warm and soothe joint ache with heated blankets (heated dog beds are even a thing now!)
- If you don't want to invest in a heated dog bed, try putting a towel or blanket in the dryer for a few minutes to warm it up
- Use a heating pad on your dog's hips and shoulders to help soothe aches brought on by the cold
- Consider adding a hip and joint supplement to their routine during winter months to aid in joint pain
- Remember that similar to humans, even dogs need to warm up their muscles before playtime
- Make sure fireplaces have proper safety screens and never leave your dog unsupervised with a fire burning
- Make sure your dog doesn't fall asleep too close to a space heater or put their bed up against a heater that could start a fire
- If your dog refuses to step out into the cold for walkies, try playing with them first indoors to "warm up" those muscles or drape a warm towel over them before heading out
- Keeping your senior dog moving as much as you can during the winter, a dog in motion stays in motion and a dog at rest stays at rest
Follow the 'winter walkies' rules
- Adjust your walk time slowly in the weeks leading up to Daylight Saving Time
- Try to limit walks and play time to 30 minutes in the snow; know your own dog's limitations and tolerance
- Stay clear of bodies of water, thin ice can be very dangerous for both you and your pup
- Check temperatures and wind chill before going outdoor on walks
- If your dog is willing, wear booties on feet to prevent slip outs and injuries on icy roads
Protect your dog's paw pads from winter weather
- Paw balm / paw salves create a barrier that prevents the winter elements from damaging pads
- If your dog will tolerate wearing them, paw booties provide the best protection from salt / chemicals
- Keep up with your dog's toe hair grooming to reduce the amount of moisture and chemicals that can get caught between toes
- Paw pads and skin need to be hydrated during winter months so make sure your dog has plenty of water available
- Check paw pads and webbing between toes regularly for: redness, cracks, wounds, discoloration, and debris from walks
Be creative and find ways to mentally stimulate and exercise your dog inside
- Mentally stimulate your dog with indoor puzzle games, there are various levels of difficulty and sizes available
- Teach your dog a new trick - they will both mentally and physically exert energy and enjoy the quality time with you
- Take advantage of the time to perfect basic commands like "stay" while you walk into another room and "come/here"
- Kong toys, wobble toys, and dental sticks are great way to keep your dog busy for a little while
- Take your dog to an indoor dog park or if your town has one, an agility course
- Get creative with items you already own:
- Scatter small trainer treats in a towel and roll it up, watch your dog use their snoot to unroll the towel and find their reward
- Using a cupcake or muffin pan, place a treat in each cup and place a tennis ball over it - your dog will have to remove the tennis ball to retrieve the treat, replace treat and repeat
- Try the toilet paper roll or painter's tape challenge from Tik Tok
Be creative and find ways to mentally stimulate and exercise your dog inside
- Mentally stimulate your dog with indoor puzzle games, there are various levels of difficulty and sizes available
- Teach your dog a new trick - they will both mentally and physically exert energy and enjoy the quality time with you
- Take advantage of the time to perfect basic commands like "stay" while you walk into another room and "come/here"
- Kong toys, wobble toys, and dental sticks are great way to keep your dog busy for a little while
- Take your dog to an indoor dog park or if your town has one, an agility course
- Get creative with items you already own:
- Scatter small trainer treats in a towel and roll it up, watch your dog use their snoot to unroll the towel and find their reward
- Using a cupcake or muffin pan, place a treat in each cup and place a tennis ball over it - your dog will have to remove the tennis ball to retrieve the treat, replace treat and repeat
- Try the toilet paper roll or painter's tape challenge from Tik Tok
Be prepared for winter storms
- You don't want to be caught without dog food (or worse, dog treats) if the roads get shut down during a winter storm so stock up on supplies as you head into the season
- Add some of the dog puzzles to your holiday shopping list
Please always bring your pets inside + speak up if you see a pet being left outside without proper shelter!
SAVE 25% OFF WAG SOURCE SKIN +COAT AND HIP AND JOINT CHEWS WITH CODE: WSWINTER25
Subscribe to
Maverick's Musings
Follow Us
@wagsource
Subscribe to
Maverick's Musings
Follow Us
@wagsource
Disclaimer: The blogs/articles on our website are written for suggestive or informational purposes only and are based on personal experiences. They are not written by a licensed veterinarian or intended to be medical advice for you or your pet. Outside of Wag Source, we are not paid or affiliated with any product, service or business in this post and own all rights to the images contained herein. Please consult with a veterinarian or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health related questions or concerns you may for your pet. We assume no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this site. The information contained in this site is provided on an "as is" basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness.