Winter weather is in full swing, so it’s time to start contemplating how to keep your four-legged friends warm and safe during the cold months. Although your dog may enjoy the snowy weather, it is crucial to take precautions to ensure its safety during the frigid winter months. With help from the good people at Puppy Wire, we’ve put together a few handy tips that will help keep your dog warm this winter.
Paws For The Cause
To prevent your dog from experiencing paw irritation, you may want to see if they will tolerate wearing booties or having Vaseline rubbed on their footpads before going out into the snow. Be sure to remove it with a dry towel when they enter the house to prevent them from slipping.
Care For The Coat
If your dog will wear one, get them a weatherproof dog sweater or jacket before they go out, otherwise, the cold wind and the slush can cause frostbite.
Frostbite
After your dog’s body temperature falls, their blood circulation to extremities slows down. Frozen ears, feet, and tails can cause frostbite. If your dog begins showing signs of frostbite, such as shivering, discolored skin, hard skin, or pain, get your dog inside immediately.
Block Escape Routes
Even though your dog loves playing in the snow, a snow pile or hole in a fence could provide an easy way out and should be blocked.
Keep Your Pup Indoors
If it’s too cold for you to stay outside for long periods, most likely it’s too cold for your dog. If your dog can’t handle the cold, never leave them outside as they can become disoriented.
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Keep Fido From Direct Heat
You want to be sure to block off any direct access to direct heat sources since your dog may start to seek out warm places to sleep and unknowingly burn themselves in the process. Stoves, fireplaces, vents, or radiators should have a gate or portable fencing put up around them to stop Fido from getting too close.
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