Cold weather and your dog
Dogs and the cold weather, what not to do. Just as in the hot summer months, there are certain things you must do for your dog in the cold winter months. Dogs such as the Husky or Malamute are well suited for the cold of winter; however, they too must have a warm, dry place to get out of the elements. Make sure they have unfrozen water at all times.
Small dogs, like Chihuahuas and Yorkies are not outside dogs and should be kept inside unless they need to go potty. They don’t have the double coat like in their Husky or Malamute cousins and they are not suited for over exposure to the cold elements. When you take your small dog outside in the cold of winter, make sure you put a specially made doggie coat on them. (Made for both males and females) Booties can be put on them as well to protect their feet. Also keep in mind that allowing your little breed to run around (like they do when they are cooped up for too long) in the cold air can cause damage to their lungs and they can become susceptible to pneumonia or other lung infections.
HYPOTHERMIA Hypothermia is when your dogs’ body temperature drops below normal. When this occurs, damage to tissue can result as there is lack of oxygenated blood flow.
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What are the Symptoms of Hypothermia?
Violent Shivering
Shallow and slow breathing
Shallow and slow breathing
Pale blue gums
Listlessness
Unresponsiveness
If you notice the above symptoms, take your dog to the veterinarian immediately. Dogs that have hypothermia should be warmed slowly.
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Wrap them in warmed blankets and
Fill plastic water bottles with warm water and put the maround your dogs armpits, belly. (where there is less hair) -
Get out your hairdryer and start drying their hair. Don’t place the hair dryer directly on your dog as they can cause burns to their skin and hair.
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Warm water bath. This can be done only if your dog doesn’t have to go to the vet and has mild hypothermia.
- Take your dog to the veterinarian immediately.
- Causes of Hypothermia:
Over exposure to cold
Falling in ice covered pond or lake.
FROSTBITE Frostbite is when your dog gets too cold and the blood from his feet or extremities get pulled into the core of his body to try to keep him warm. The lack of blood to the feet causes them to freeze. If frostbite is bad enough to the feet, your dog may loose one or two of his toes or even an entire foot.
What to do if you suspect frostbite:
- Warm your dogs feet up slowly: (See Hypothermia above)
- Immediately take your dog to the veterinarian
OTHER WINTER DANGERS
Ice: Your dog may pick up a scent on the ice and start tracking. However, scents on the ice dissipate quickly and your dog may get lost trying to find his way back home.
Antifreeze: This has a sweet taste to dogs and they like it. However, it is nothing but pure poison. Make sure you don’t allow your dog anywhere near where antifreeze has been dropped or leaked out of a vehicle. It can be readily seen as it has a blue or greenish blue color to it.
Rock Salt: This is used on driveways, walkways and just about anywhere people walk. Rock Salt is bad for your dogs feet pads. If they won’t tolerate wearing booties, wipe off their feet with a warm wet cloth when you bring them inside. This will help prevent them from licking their feet once they come in from a winter walk.