Snow Days for Dog Lovers

Its official – winter is truly here in Weare! Last week’s snowfall had many people out with snow shovels and de-icing salt for the first time since Halloween weekend. With the snow and the cold weather come some important tips for dog-lovers:

Keeping Dogs Warm in Winter

Despite their furry coats, dogs do experience cold just as we do.

• Short-haired dogs that spend a great deal of time outdoors can get very chilly so consider doggie coats or sweaters that cover from the base of the tail to the neck if you’re going for an extended romp.
• If your long-haired dog has a regular trim, consider allowing his fur to grow a little longer in the winter for warmth.
• Wet fur loses almost all its insulation properties, so if bathing your dog in the winter, be sure that his fur is completely dry before going outside.
• A reminder not to leave your dog in an unheated car in the winter any longer than you yourself would stay; cars can trap cold air like a thermos and have temperatures below the outside air.

Avoiding Winter Irritants and Poisons

Unfortunately, a lot of the materials that humans use to combat winter weather are harmful or even poisonous for our dogs.

• De-icing salt or “rock salt” is corrosive to the skin, and can cause cracking or bleeding paws. Be sure to wipe your dog's feet down after a walk on salty sidewalks and look for signs of skin irritation such as prolonged chewing or licking of paws.
• Antifreeze is particularly toxic for dogs and can be lethal in just small amounts. Be sure to store antifreeze in a pet-free area and wipe up any spills immediately.
• If you suspect your pet has consumed antifreeze, even from self-grooming after a walk, contact your vet immediately.

Snow Safety

There’s nothing active dogs like more than bounding through snow drifts (especially chasing a toy!) but snow can dull a dog sense of smell and make it more likely that he can’t find his way home.

• Keep your dog on a leash in any unfenced areas, and keep a close eye on him in leash free parks.

Have fun and keep safe in the snow!