Animal care professionals believe that during the cold season, especially when the air temperature drops below zero, our pets need special care. It is necessary to take care of the pet‘s feet, take proper care of clothing and vigilantly monitor for possible signs of cold. In winter, special attention should be paid to young puppies and seniors, as they are more sensitive to cold.
It may not be cold for us to dress warmly outside, but we need to think about the dog and observe the signals it sends, and if we see tremors, weakness, passivity or unwillingness to walk, we should stop the walk and return to the warm room.
Outdoor walks can be a challenge during the cold season
Pets who do not tolerate cold are advised to ride outdoors for as short a time as possible. With them, more time should be spent indoors, playing, teaching new teams or other elements of training. When guiding older dogs, it is advisable to give them extra support with a scarf, towel or band. This can be done by cutting the selected material on the pet‘s belly and thus taking over part of the dog‘s weight.
Ice and slippery surfaces should be avoided when walking with dog in winter. If you are slippery, it is recommended to go slowly to avoid possible injuries to you and your pet. The owner should take care of non-slip shoes, especially if the dog tends to pull the leash. Stretching dogs are recommended to be carried with braces that are fastened at the front to reduce the tensile force.
The cold can dry out the feet and the salt spread can cause burns, so it is recommended to lubricate the feet with protective grease to protect them. We wear shoes, and the puppies skin is in no way protected from the salts and other chemicals used by road users. Shards of glass are hidden under the snow, so when the first snow falls, it is one of the most common injuries to puppies. urgent veterinary care and surgical intervention are often required. To prevent this from happening, the dog should not be allowed to run around the area where there may be shards of glass or other sharp objects.
Top 10 Tips For Protecting Our Little Friends During The Cold Season:
- Dogs can freeze, even if Australian Shepherds have dense fur, it is necessary to take care of his clothing.
- Be sure to wash and dry your pet‘s feet after each walk. This will protect them from the effects of salt and other chemicals on the feet and stomach – if the dog decide to take care of itself by licking. Don‘t forget to check your paw pads for cracks or redness.
- Before going outside, you can massage vazeline into your pet‘s paw pads, to protect them from dehydration.
- When you return from the outside, you can dry your pet‘s fur to protect it from itching.
- During the winter, don‘t shave your pet‘s fur – a longer coat that provides more warmth.
- In cold weather, try to bathe your pet as infrequently as possible, as too frequent washing in winter can dry out his skin and thus cause various skin problems. Use a moisturizing shampoo.
- In winter, feed your pets fuller because during the cold season, animals, like humans, need more energy.
- Make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep. A cozy dog bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect for this.
- Never run a dog off a leash on snow or ice. During the winter, dogs can lose their sense of smell and thus get lost.
- Make sure your pet does not catch a cold. A cold animal can cough, yell, and scream. Weaker symptoms of the disease can be successfully treated at home, but if the cough is accompanied by discharge from the nose and eyes, difficult breathing, or if you notice blood in the mucous mucus, consult a veterinarian without waiting for anything.
Myths about dogs and winter:
- It is safe for dogs to eat snow
Snow are fun – suitable for running, games, hunting and swallowing. However, there may be junk, salts or chemicals in the snow. A dog can get sick from any of these things. Maybe fresh snow seems safer, but no one knows what‘s hiding under it.
- Dogs tend to be less dehydrated in cold weather
When it comes to water, people think dogs need more water only during the heat. In winter, the weather can be dry and dogs lose a lot of moisture when they breathe. Make sure the dog gets enough water. If the animal is kept outdoors, change the water frequently during the cold so that it does not freeze (or just buy a heated bowl).
- Dog feces will be hidden by snow
With winter and snow, people are less likely to collect „gifts“ from dogs. Well, it was cold, the wind was blowing, and the „twist“ was hiding quite safely in the snow. But that doesnt mean all the junk under the snow will disappear. Cold slows down the biodegration process, so the mess will stick until the snow melts. In the spring, all the junk will pour out and the view will not be very beautiful. In addition, it not only looks disgusting, but also poses a threat to public health.
- In winter, dogs are safe from fleas and ticks
Fleas and ticks look for safe warm spots during the winter. The house is the hottest place in the area, and the parasites know how to survive. Severe itching on dry skin will be even more dangerous than during the summer.
How To Choose Dog Paw Wax?
There are special lubricants that help protect the feet from salts. It is best to choose special waxes or protective balms. It is the best to apply wax to the feet 3-5 minutes before going outside. Ordinary creams or vaseline are not suitable for this. Dog soles need to be hard, and most creams soften them, making them even more sensitive to environmental influences.
How To Take Care Of Dog‘s Feet During Winter?
It is very important to shorten your pet‘s nails properly and regularly. They should not lean on the ground when the dog is standing. Long nails are dangerous – they can get caught and twist painfully. Long nails force the dog to spread its fingers, making snow more likely to accumulate between them.
With the help of scissors, cut protruding hair from the toes. This way, less dirt will stick to the feet, and hard snowballs will not form on the feet, which can rub the feet to the wounds.
During walks, try to choose places that are further from roads, sidewalks, street edges, where there is the most salt. If the dog trembles, moves up its legs – take it home. Remember – if the weather seems too cold for you, it will most likely be too cold for your dog as well. After the walk, wash the dog‘s feet with warm water and dry with a towel. This will help to remove salts.