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Does your dog love this chilly winter weather, or is he happiest snuggled up in his dog bed with a fluffy blanket?
doesn’t
mean that he won’t feel the effects of this cold weather. Dogs can feel these low temperature,s so takeextra precautions to ensure that your dog doesn’t suffer from these extreme climate conditions.
Dangers in the cold – Frostbite
Even though he has a fur coat, your dog can still suffer from frostbite. The extremities like the tail, paws and ear tips are most susceptible and can occur when the wind chill and temperature drop below zero degrees. Symptoms of frostbite may not be immediately visible but may develop over several days after the exposure. Look for the following symptoms, and seek immediate veterinary help and advice.
- A colour change of the skin with a blue or grey tinge
- The skin is cold or feels brittle
- Swelling or pain
- Ulcers or blisters on the affected skin
- Dead or blackened skin
Paw care is a necessity
Check for snow between the paws.
As part of your winter dog care routine, checking between the toes after walking in the snow is important. This is more important if you have a long-haired dog, as the snow can get stuck between the toes. When this happens, it can turn to ice and be painful.
During winter, consider trimming the hair between their toes
Rock salt between the toes
At this time of the year, the gritter vans are out in full force to prevent icy roads and footpaths. The rock salt used can be an irritant to your dog’s feet, as can antifreeze if any has been spilt onto the roads where you walk. When you return home, wash and wipe his paws and towel dry.
If they are uncomfortable walking outside on salted or frozen pavements, consider buying dog boots to protect their feet and pads. Dog Paws need protecting in the snow
Keep your dog safe and well away from antifreeze.
Antifreeze is highly poisonous to dogs and often fatal. If you suspect your dog has drunk any antifreeze from a puddle or similar source and starts to stagger, vomit or have seizures, contact your vet ASAP.
For dogs with short hair, an elderly dog or maybe one that doesn’t like the cold, consider shorter walks as part of your winter dog care. Playing mental and physical games is just as good as going for a long walk. You may also want to read our article on how to exercise your dog in winter.
If it’s feeling cold for you, it is for your pet too
When the temperatures plummet and it’s freezing cold outside, please let your dogs stay inside the home. Dogs that are expected to remain outside run the risk of both hypothermia and frostbite. If your pets remain home while you are out at work, keep your room temperature at around 18 degrees C.
Keeping Warm
The best way to ensure your dog is happy when out walking in the cold and bitter weather is to try and keep them warm and, more importantly, dry as much as possible.
Hypothermia
The most obvious consequence of cold weather is hypothermia – when your dog gets too cold. The first symptom is shivering, followed by lethargy, lack of coordination, breathing difficulties, collapse, and cardiac arrest. Mild hypothermia – shivering – can be treated simply by taking your dog back into the warmth, but once it has progressed past that stage, you will need to get your dog to the vet. Never leave your dog in the car in cold weather. The temperature can drop quickly and with little warning. Short-haired dogs, puppies and older dogs all feel the cold and will welcome a warm jumper or jacket to wear on walks.
Winter Dog Care Prevention treatments
Cold and dry weather can harm your dog’s skin, causing dryness and flakiness. Provide a coat and skin supplement added to his food. Fish and coconut oil are beneficial to keep him in tip-top form.
If you find his paw pads are dry, cracked or chapped, add a coating of petroleum jelly. Massaging a small amount before you take your dog for a walk in the snow will protect his pads and seal in moisture. A good tip is to apply it at night before they go to sleep, and if need be, let him wear some bed socks to prevent him from licking his pads. Herbal moisturisers made from Calendula or St. John’s Wort ingredients may also aid in healing and soothe a dog’s sore feet pads. It is worth checking out Dorwest Herbs
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