Cold weather, low temperatures, snow as well as shorter days are just some of the challenges that can make regular pet walks difficult during the winter. Very young puppies, as well as older dogs, are the most sensitive to extreme temperatures and they are at a significantly higher risk of developing diseases caused by cold weather.
Here are some simple rules you need to follow to protect your pets during winter walks.
The first dangers are frostbite and hypothermia (very low body temperature), and in addition to very young puppies and older dogs, dogs that are already in poor health, such as dogs with thyroid disease or dogs with chronic lung problems, are most exposed to this. These groups of dogs especially need to limit exposure to cold air during the winter months.
Another danger is antifreeze, which has a very sweet taste and smell that attracts dogs. However, antifreeze can be fatal to our pets if swallowed. Keeping a dog away from antifreeze seems very simple to some, but it’s not quite like that. What happens very often is that the dog goes through spilled antifreeze without you even noticing it, and then upon arriving at the home your pet takes it to lick its paws. This can be extremely dangerous and even fatal, as we have already mentioned, so be sure to take extra care of your dog’s movements as well as the care of his paws during the winter months. In addition to antifreeze, many other chemicals such as those used to melt ice can irritate your dog’s paw skin and cause a lot of safety risks.
How best to protect your pet?
Walking and daily recreation are necessary for pets, so with certain precautions you can indulge in winter games on the snow with your dog. Many dogs love snow and do not mind low temperatures, so if your dog is one of the breeds that belong to this category, it would not make sense to deny him that pleasure.
- protect dogs that do not like low temperatures, as well as puppies and older dogs, dogs with shorter hair, dogs of small breeds and dogs with low body weight, with a waterproof coat or sweater.
- protect the paws from salts and toxic chemicals. You can do this by getting dog boots for your dog, and if wearing boots is not suitable for your pet, you can coat his paws with a protective wax-based cream. This cream is often used on sled dogs. Also, it is very important to thoroughly clean your dog’s paws after each walk in order to remove the mentioned cream, but also all other impurities and potentially toxic chemicals that have remained on the paws.
- snow is also a potential hazard in itself as it can hide hazards such as open manholes, holes or larger icy bodies of water through which your pet can fall in and be seriously injured. That is why it is very important to keep your pet on a leash until you reach a dog park or some other area that you know well. Also, due to the snow and cold, our pets’ sense of smell is much weaker, so there is a possibility that the dog gets lost in the snow and is not able to find his way back.
- eating snow – never allow this to your pet. In addition to eating snow, it can seriously lower his body temperature, snow also can contain a number of harmful chemicals or hidden objects that can injure your pet.
- limit the time your dog spends outside to prevent frostbite and hypothermia. If you notice shivering, agitation, slowing down, stopping, whining while you are outside with your dog this is a sure sign that the time has come to finish the walk and return to your warm home.
Source: alo.rs
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