I don’t know about you, but where we live, the weather has abruptly changed over the past few days. We were wearing shorts last weekend, yet actually saw a few errant snowflakes in the air two days ago. Just like getting winter gear ready for you and your kids, your dog needs special care in the cold weather as well. Big dogs, small dogs, long-haired dogs, and short haired dogs all need some TLC when the mercury drops. Here are some tips for making sure your pets are warm and safe in the winter months:
- Use good common sense when it comes to extended outdoor time for your dog in cold temperatures. Older, frail dogs should never be left outside alone in cold weather - you should escort them outside for potty breaks and use a leash if there is a risk of falling on the ice. Puppies, smaller dogs and older dogs should not be left outside alone when it dips below 40 degrees F. Short-haired dogs will need a sweater to go outside at all.
- Watch out for poisonous chemicals. Antifreeze is especially appealing to dogs as it tastes sweet - so keep it tightly sealed and out of reach. Promptly and thoroughly clean up any spills. Always promptly rinse or wipe you dog’s paws after a winter walk to get rid of any salt or ice melt chemical from icy sidewalks. The salt
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can be toxic in addition to irritating your dog’s paws.
- Stay active. Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean your dog will need any less exercise. Keep going for walks and keep busy inside as well. If your dog is significantly less active in the winter, consult with your vet on adjusting quantity or type of food.
- If your dog absolutely must spend a lot of time outside, make sure he has a “house” or shelter to stay safe and warm. The house should be a few inches off of the ground, big enough so he can stand but small enough to retain his body heat, and have some straw that is changed at least one or two times each week and a blanket or two on the ground. There should be a “flap” so he can get in and out, but is still protected by the weather.
- Dogs need time to adapt to spending time outdoors in cold weather and for their coat to thicken. Give them time to adjust to the colder temps and slowly increase the time they spend outside - again bigger dogs only. Use caution and keep a close eye on your dog when he is outside in winter - extremely chilled dogs can develop hypothermia or frostbite - especially on ear tips.
- Keep giving your dog lots of fresh water - just because it’s cold doesn’t mean your dog doesn’t need to stay hydrated.
10.28.08 @ 10:17 pm
thanx for the dog ‘winter tips’ i love my dog jack .he is not just adog he is family.
11.04.08 @ 3:03 am
Please inform readers to beware of Christmas decorations because they can be harmful to pets. Especially if they like to chew on them. My cat became sick last year and I beleive it was from the tree trim which had silver snowflakes made from tinsel. We don’t know what types of materials are used because much of the products are made in other countries. T
11.04.08 @ 7:28 am
Rachael, Thank you for creating this Nutrish dog food and treat line. I learned about it on Howard Stern Show when Beth talked about it. My Boston Terrier has more energy and enjoys eating it so much more than the other brands, and I don’t have to feel guilty about feeding him all that “filler” stuff. You are a wonderful person! -Amy, CT
11.05.08 @ 7:46 am
Dear Rachael,
My one year old mix breed rusty has hip dysplasia and it is getting worse every day. He needs both hips replaced at a cost of 3 thousand a hip. I cant afford to have this done and im am heart broken at the thought of loosing my sweet boy. I have 3 other dogs who have health problems, but this one is so out of my financial reach. Could you please help me out some how. I never ask for help , but for him ill do anything. love you so much
diana dry in missouri
11.12.08 @ 11:46 pm
Hey Rachael,
Just wanted to tell you that I bought a bag of Isaboo’s Booscotti peanut butter treats for my dog K.D. (my rescued Shiba Inu / Chow mix) and she lllllllllooooooooovvvvvvvvveeeeeeeeesssssssss them. They are the first treat that she chooses if I place an assortment of treats on her mat. Its good to know that the proceeds of your “Nutrish” line goes back to the animals. Thank you for taking care of our four-legged friends. Keep up the good work.
P.S. K.D sends a big “WOOF” to you, John & Isaboo.
11.18.08 @ 11:41 am
Thanks for your pet segments on your show and the great dog food products. While cooking for your dog please be aware of fatty meats that can cause Pancreatitis and consult with your Vet. before feeding your dog table foods. I have first hand experiance and it is not fun.
Also as a community be aware of Pit Bull dog fighting, Punish the Deed not the Breed! I am a small dog person but check out what happened in my small town. http://www.mayfieldgravescounty.petfinder.com
11.24.08 @ 9:21 pm
This week the cold has hit and my dogs are a HOOT. They don’t want to go outside. I have to insist they go outside but they have blankets on their beds and yes, they huddle together. I am working on knitting the puppy a sweater…than the big dogs will get theirs too. Thanks for the info!!
11.27.08 @ 4:36 pm
why do not talk about cats as well they are pets too and i love them.
12.27.08 @ 9:29 am
PLEASE BE SURE NOT TO LEAVE YOUR DOG IN THE CAR WHILE YOU ARE RUNING ERRANDS IF IT IS COLD OUTSIDE.
THE CAR GETS LIKE A REFRIDGERATOR INSIDE AND IT IS VERY COLD.ALSO BE CAREFUL IF IT IS HOT OUTSIDE. I CAN’T TELL YOU HOW MANY TIMES I SEE A DOG LEFT IN A VERY HOT OR VERY COLD CAR WHILE THE OWNER IS SHOPPING. LEAVE THEM HOME WHERE IT IS SAFE.