Table of contents
Winter can be a lovely season with spectacular snow scenes and cold, crunchy fields instead of mud.n With winter comes dark evenings, and just like any other season, it is dangerous for your dog
As I always tell my scouts, bad weather is just a lack of preparation. This includes what we wear to walk our dogs in the winter and being aware of other dangers it brings.
Antifreeze
Antifreeze is very common in the colder months, and even just a tiny amount can be very harmful to your dog. The trouble is that dogs love the smell and taste of antifreeze because it is sweet.
Be alert if spilt antifreeze is on the pavements, roads, and puddles.
It is essential to wash and wipe your dog’s paws after every walk just in case they have picked up any antifreeze.
If you think your dog has consumed antifreeze, you should seek professional medical help as soon as possible.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a considerable problem for both humans and dogs in the winter. This is particularly the case on stormy, windy days when a cold wind will penetrate and quickly reduce your body’s core temperature. Therefore, it is vital that you dress appropriately for the cold weather and layer up.
While most dogs can cope with the cold weather, some dogs with short or thin hair, such as greyhounds and whippets, will struggle in the cold and benefit from a coat. If this is the case, you may wish to consider getting your dog a coat. When purchasing a coat, make sure it is a good fit and that your dog can move and do its business without it restricting it.
When out on walks in cold, damp, windy weather, it is vital you keep an eye on your dog for any signs of shivering. Then, it is time to get them home.
Frostbite
Checking your dog’s paws when out on walks during cold weather is essential. If snow and ice are under the floor, you need to ensure that iceballs do not start forming between the toes on your dog’s paws. This is especially relevant with long-haired dogs. It can also lead to frostbite, which is very uncomfortable for your dog.
If you notice that your dog is licking its paws or holding its head in the air and whining, it is most likely because it is too cold (after all, it doesn’t have shoes), and so it is time to head home and relax in front of the fire.
Frozen ponds
Frozen lakes and ponds are quite a big danger in the water, as it is very easy for your dog to get confused and start walking on the pond, fall through, and drown.
If you are unfortunate and your dog does fall into the frozen pond, please do not jump in to rescue it. You could end up getting in trouble as well and be of no use. Call their name to encourage them to swim towards you while using a stick to clear any ice.
Road grit and salt
Wintertime brings the possibility of black ice and slippery roads and pavements, especially if it rains after the snow has fallen and then freezes.
Most local councils do their best to help make the roads and pavements less slippery by putting down rock salt
It is essential to remember that rock salt sticks to the paws of the dog and so can be digested when they lick their re paws
This is another good reason to wasj]h paws after every walk
brings ice, snow and rain and can cause surfaces to become slippery for both you and your dog, so
If your dog does ingest some rock salt, then contact your vet immediately
Dangers of the dark
With winter comes darker nights and darker mornings and the winter solstice. Remember when you were a child and were told to be seen at night and wear something bright? Well, this is just as important for both you and your dog
It .is worth investing in a hi-vis vest to wear whilst out walking the dog either in the darker mornings or darker nights or both, a decent headtorch so you can see to pick up poo etc. and a reflective lead and LED collar for your dog
When walking on roads, always walk facing the traffic so the cars can see you
Win. ter is also an excellent time to check that your microchip and ID tags are up to date in case the worst should happen.
Rat and mouse poison
Whilst rats and mice are an all-year problem, they become more of a problem in the winter as they seek warm, dry places
As a result, more people will be putting down poisons to reduce the amount of Vernon. These positions are designed to smell attractive to rodents. Alas, it means they also smell good to your dog
Please take extra care in the winter and be on the lookout for poison. If you think your dog has managed to get hold of any, then seek medical help immediately
Arthritis
If your dog suffers from arthritis or stiff joints, you will probably notice that joint pains will increase as the weather gets colder and wetter. This is especially the case first thing when they get out of bed and before the weather warms up
Discussing a pain management plan with your vet or trying someone like Dorwest Herbs for natural supplements is worth discussing.
Winter weight gain
Dogs put on weight in winter the same because it is cold and dark outside, and so we are all less active (plus overeating at Christmas
It is, therefore, essential you keep an eye on your dog’s weight, especially with older dogs, and if need be, reduce the portion sizes they have to prevent putting on the excess pounds
Bel0ow are some other posts you may be interested in