Dogs are not fair weather friends – they stand beside us in every type of weather.
This applies not only to the highs and lows of life, but to the various weather conditions that affect us all when we spend time outdoors.
Are you doing some winter camping or winter activities and have a dog along?
Then you probably already have a pretty good idea of what you need to know about keeping your dog safe and warm; however, it doesn’t hurt to brush up on how to care for dogs when the weather turns cold. Even spring and fall have their share of finger numbing days.
Even though dogs are covered with hair, they still get cold.
This is obvious for smaller dogs or dogs with short coats, but it holds true even for breeds built to withstand cold weather well, such as the double coated Labrador retriever. Dogs can get hypothermia and frostbite just like people if left outside too long and in low temperatures. So the first rule of thumb: Limit exposure to the elements, just as you would with yourself.
If your dog is healthy and young and enjoys spending an hour or two with you snowshoeing or hiking through the woods, but has a short coat, add another layer to offer extra warmth, such as a jacket or insulated vest. Dogs with known chronic health issues such as diabetes, arthritis, or a heart condition are more susceptible to feeling the effects of the cold because of increased difficulty in regulating their body temperature. That being said, it may be more prudent to leave a dog with these conditions, or an older dog, back at home.
And it’s not just getting cold outside that you need to concern yourself with. A vehicle can turn into an ice box – fast! – if the temperature is decently low and the car is left in an exposed area. Some states and some local ordinances prohibit leaving a dog unattended in a vehicle as well. This is something that should be checked prior to departing for your destination.
A dog’s pads and paws should be checked after every outing.
Dog pads provide a lot of protection from the elements, but they can be affected by cuts and frostbite. Avoiding sharp pieces of ice, removing snow balls that form between the toes, and checking for cracks or bleeding (and treating any affected paws as quickly as possible) will ensure your dog’s paws remain in good shape. You can consider strapping on some booties on your dog as well. They not only help against injury, they protect your dog’s pads and paws from chemicals and salt that may be on any paths or roadways. (That being said, you should also wipe down your dog’s feet and belly every time you come back inside as your dog could ingest these chemicals by licking these areas.) It takes some time for a dog to get used to this new wardrobe, but most learn to associate them with an outdoor adventure – which a dog is always up to having!
Make sure your dog drinks lots of water.
Think about how chapped and dry your hands, lips, and skin get during the winter. There isn’t a lot of moisture in the air. Drinking water can help. This may seem counter-intuitive since a nice cool glass of water sounds like the perfect solution for hot, sunny days.
But dogs can get dehydrated in the winter as well as summer. Make sure to offer plenty of chances for your dog to have a drink before and after an outdoor activity. Carry water for yourself and for your dog during your time outdoors if you’re going to be gone for a while.
Keep your dog on a leash.
The exception would be a dog that has had solid obedience training and is reliable when off leash. However, check the park or area rules about letting your dog off leash, even if he is a good citizen. You don’t want to lose your dog in the winter because of the risks from exposure and the potential difficulty in conducting a search. That being said, make sure your dog is visible, both for yourself and to others. This could be a colorful bandana, a bright collar, or a vibrant coat. Before you go camping, make sure your dog’s tags are up to date with a phone number that will definitely reach you in the event that it does happen.
Your dog relies on you to make the right choices for his welfare. Keep him safe, healthy, and warm and still enjoy the outdoors… together.