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 Winter is coming and while we all know the long list of things we need to do to winterize our homes, cars, and even ourselves, there are a few things we can do that will make winter more enjoyable for our pets.
One of the most important is to take care using anti-freeze which is extremely toxic to dogs and cats. Unfortunately, antifreeze is sweet-tasting and pets will lap it up if they find even a few drops in the driveway or on the garage floor. One-half teaspoon of antifreeze per pound of dog body weight is enough to cause the clinical signs of poisoning. The poison attacks the nervous system and the kidneys; the symptoms are depression, lack of coordination, vomiting and diarrhea, increased thirst, and seizures. The toxin is rapidly absorbed; symptoms can begin within an hour of exposure.
If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze, call your veterinarian immediately. There is an antidote available, but time is of the essence; the poison can be fatal if the kidneys are damaged. Most antifreeze available now is non-toxic, check the label.
Salt used for de-icing roads and sidewalks is great for us, bad for your pet’s pads. It dries out your dog’s pads. To prevent problems, wash your dog’s toes and pads with warm water after walks to remove any salt residue and dry them thoroughly.
Dog booties are available to protect paws, but many dogs do not like to wear them. Baby oil rubbed on and between the pads helps keep pads pliable and eliminate ice build-up when snow and slush cover the ground, streets, and sidewalks.
One way to prevent snow and ice from causing problems is to keep the hair between your dog’s toes and pads clipped short, even with the bottom of the foot. When hair is left too long, snow sticks to it, forming ice balls that are uncomfortable and hard to remove. Long hair between the pads also reduces traction, making it easier for your dog to slip and hurt himself on the ice.
Good nail care is important, too. Nails that are too long also reduce traction. They force the dog to walk on the backs of his feet, splaying his toes. The greater the space between his toes, the more snow will pack up between them.
When the temperature drops, dogs with short single coats of hair may benefit from wearing a coat. Dogs with double layers of hair such as Labs rarely require extra help.
Sometimes cold weather can bring on problems with dogs not wanting to go out to go bathroom. This happens mostly with young dogs and toy breeds. If necessary, shovel snow from the area you want her to use. If she will not relieve herself then and there and isn’t trustworthy loose in the house, confine her to a dog crate when she can’t be supervised. For most dogs, even stubborn ones, this refresher course in housetraining 101 reminds them that they’re expected to be ladies and gentlemen whatever the weather.
Does your dog spend time most of his time outside during the winter? That’s okay as long as he has the right equipment. Start with a small, cozy, insulated dog house. Bigger is not better! The house needs to be small to trap and hold your dog’s body heat which will help keep him warm through the night. It should be just large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around and lie down in comfortably. Put the house in a sheltered location out of the wind. Take advantage of the sun’s warmth by putting it on the east or south side of your home. Place it on a low platform, a pallet will work, to keep it off the frozen ground. The house should have a door or heavy flap over the entrance to keep out drafts. Frostbite can occur in dogs, especially on the ears and scrotum so extreme temps do warrant an invite in for the night.
Want to put bedding in the house for your dog? Good idea as long as it stays dry. Straw is a great insulator but needs to be changed when it gets wet.
Not sure how to keep fresh water available when it’s 20 below? Remember this- metal objects conduct and lose heat quickly so switching to a heavy plastic dish will help. Dark colors absorb heat from the sun and a deeper dish will freeze less quickly than a wide, shallow one. A more efficient solution is an electric bucket heater or birdbath de-icer. Just make sure the cord is covered and can’t be chewed.
Like people, animals’ bodies become accustomed to the climate they live in. Getting used to the cold is harder when we’re exposed to frequent changes in temperature - one minute warm, the next minute cold. It’s usually recommended that a dog meant to live outside should be kept outside much of the time. This doesn’t mean, though, that your dog must stay out constantly during periods of extreme cold or very bad weather. Please do bring your dog in when it’s not fit outside for man nor beast!
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