Cold Weather Precautions for Dogs

Contributed by a CP Volunteer

Marena in her sweater in the snow

One of the TV stations put this on their website after doing a 'blurb' about our upcoming cold weather... Yes, we're expecting snow tonight. It's been a miserable cold rain all day so it's appropos for everywhere right now....hey, even HOUSTON has had snow.

Some areas of the country have already had snow and freezing temperatures. But even if temperatures in your neck of the woods haven't dipped that low yet, you need to be prepared. The Big Chill could arrive any day now.


Winter is one of the most dangerous times of the year for dogs. Are you prepared for your dog's cold weather care?


Just because our furry friends have natural "coats" to keep them warm, that doesn't mean they don't feel the chill. Falling temperatures can be just as brutal on your dog as they are on you. So today, I'm going to tell you how you can help keep your dog warm, safe and healthy.

During cold weather, take special precautions to keep your dog comfortable, both indoors and out. A nice warm sweater, a comfy heated bed ... these things can make a real difference. When harsh weather comes, it is much more uncomfortable for your dog to go outdoors. But regardless of the weather, he must still go out several times a day. So, how much outside time is too much for your dog? Here's a good rule of thumb. When you're out with your dog and you start to feel cold and uncomfortable, it's a pretty safe bet that your dog will be feeling it, too.

During the cold snowy months ahead, your dog will run the risk of picking up rock salt, ice and chemicals on his paws each time he uses the sidewalks, driveway and streets. There is a tendency for dogs to lick the salt off their paws, which can cause inflammation in the digestive tract. That's why it's so important to wipe your dog's paws thoroughly every time he comes inside, and make sure there are no ice balls between his toes or on the soles of his feet.
Whether you have a dog that loves to play in the snow or a timid pup that just dashes out quickly to do his "business" and runs back in, your dog can get mighty dirty every time he goes out that door. It's up to you to clean him up ... but you will need to take special precautions.It's risky to bathe your dog in cold weather because he could easily catch a cold. Keep baths short, dry him quickly and keep him as warm as possible to prevent chills and illness.Here are some good cold weather rules to follow:


1. Never bathe your dog outdoors in cold weather.


2. Never let a wet dog outside in the winter.


3. Wash your dog indoors in a warm place.


4. Make it quick. Bathe and dry your dog as quickly as possible.


5. Turn up the heat in your home before giving your dog a bath.


6. After his bath, "towel dry" your dog. Or, use a hair dryer set to "low to dry him even faster.


7. During cold weather, exercise is a good way to help stimulate circulation and warm your dog up after a bath

We all want to keep our dogs warm and safe during the cold weather.