Keeping Your Pup Healthy in the Cold

With Winter in full swing, you may be concerned for your canine companion and their tolerance for the chilly weather. If you are curious about how cold is too cold, how to safely take your dog outside in freezing temps, and other aspects of Winter in relation to your pup, you’ve come to the right place.

Read on for a quick guide to keeping your pup healthy in the cold!

Know the Limits

Any time the temperature drops below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit), you should only allow your dog outside for limited periods, and only within eyesight. If, for some reason, they have to be outside for a longer amount of time, make sure you are outside with them! This will allow you to intervene should it be too cold, or your pup starts acting affected.

While some breeds are more suited for the cold, all dogs are vulnerable to a point. Some are at more risk than others, including those that are young, old, or have short coats.

Protect the Paws

Even if your dog has a thick coat and seems to thrive in the cold, there are still areas of their body that are vulnerable to the cold. One of the most prominent areas is their paws. Paw injury and frostbite are not uncommon during the winter.

A simple solution to these unfortunate possibilities is dog boots. That’s right, there’s more use to dog boots than just funny videos. They actually do a great job of protecting delicate paws from ice, snow, and other Winter hazards!

Layer

What do you do if it’s cold outside? You put on extra layers, right? Well, your dog can benefit from the same! If your dog is particularly at risk of harm from the cold, consider investing in a comfortable, well-fitting coat for your pup.

Avoid Ice

Ice of all kinds can be dangerous to you and your dog. Slipping and getting hurt is a real possibility. Worse, frozen bodies of water can be deceptive to your pup. Falling through the ice into the frigid waters can be more than dangerous, it can be fatal. As such, it’s best to keep your furry friend leashed when outside. Accidents happen, so taking precautions is vital!

Stay Active

Being overweight causes tremendous health risks and problems in many dogs. While it’s tempting to cut back on exercise during the winter, remember that physical activity is very important to your dog’s health and well being.

If it is truly too cold to get outside for exercise, set aside time for active play inside. Neglecting to do so could lead to weight gain, health complications, and even a reduced lifespan.

Winter is unavoidable, but the risks to your pup don’t have to be! If you have more questions about cold weather, your dog’s specific risk factors, and other Winter-related subjects, we encourage you to reach out to your veterinarian. There’s no such thing as being over prepared when it comes to the health and well being of your furry friend!