70% of U.S. Households, or about 90.5 million families, own a pet, according to the 2021-22 National Pet Owners Survey. For those who are new to dog ownership, winter weather might not sound like much of a threat, though in reality there are a variety of serious risks and precautions to be aware of. From the new habits worth adopting for your dog’s safety to knowing the signs of frostbite and hypothermia, here are just a few tips to help navigate the winter months.
The importance of adopting new habits
As the weather gets colder, adopting habits that pertain to winter weather safety is essential in protecting your dog. Bringing your dog indoors and limiting their time spent outside is just one major change that you should make — a good rule of thumb to go by is that if it’s too cold for you, then it’s too cold for your pup, too. In addition to keeping your dog indoors, taking them on shorter walks throughout the day will help limit their exposure to the elements. When you do take Fido out, however, sweaters and coats can help your dog keep warm, while booties can further help protect the paws, especially when it comes to the salt/chemicals that are used to keep ice at bay on sidewalks.
Protecting your pup’s paws
Wiping down or even washing your pup’s paws, legs, and stomach after a walk is another valuable habit to pick up, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). This is particularly important during winter months, as deicers and antifreeze are poisonous to dogs, and can be picked up on their feet/fur during a walk. While non-toxic deicers exist, this doesn’t guarantee that a neighbor uses them. Checking your dog’s paws frequently for injury or damage is another necessity, as winter weather conditions can cause cracked/bleeding paws. If your dog isn’t a fan of wearing protective booties during the winter months, American Kennel Club (AKC) notes that applying a paw balm before walking on snow or ice can work to minimize the damage and dry skin that salt can cause (though it’s important to remember to reapply the balm once you’ve returned from the walk).
The gravity of frostbite and hypothermia
Like humans, dogs can also get frostbite. According to the American Kennel Club, frostbite isn’t usually a life-threatening condition, though it’s often followed by hypothermia — which can be fatal. With that in mind, knowing the signs of each is essential in order to prevent and catch the conditions in time. AKC notes that signs of frostbite in dogs include pain/tenderness when touched, swelling in the affected area, and discoloration in the affected area. Other symptoms include skin that is cold to the touch, stiffness/clumsiness, blisters or skin ulcers, and even areas of blackened/dead skin. Upon noticing any of these, AKC stresses the importance of moving your pet to a warm place as soon as possible, and calling your vet right away.
Daily Paws defines hypothermia as a condition caused when a dog’s temperature drops “well below normal,” noting that if Fido’s body temperature drops below 102.5 degrees, it can be a cause for concern. Symptoms of hypothermia in dogs include shivering, whining, and curling up, with Daily Paws noting that as the internal temperature of your dog drops, signs become less obvious. Pale gums, cold feet, tails, and ears are all additional signs of hypothermia, though in severe hypothermia, your dog may be fairly unresponsive along with exhibiting signs like dilated pupils (or even collapsing), illustrating the importance of immediate medical care. It’s important to note that some dogs have a higher risk for hypothermia — including puppies, elderly dogs, and those with short hair, to name just a few.
Understanding the risks of winter weather and how you can best care for your dog is essential as a new pet owner. From keeping your pup warm via sweaters and booties to recognizing the signs of frostbite and hypothermia, you can ensure that you’re well prepared for what winter may bring.