Winter Safety for Dogs: How To Keep Your Dog Safe During Winter

Baby, it’s cold outside—not just for you, but also for your furry friend, too! All dogs are susceptible to frostbite, even Huskies, Saint Bernards, and Malamutes.

How can you keep your furry friend safe this winter? Check out these tips about winter safety for dogs to keep your canine happy, warm, and healthy.

Put on a Sweater

Stand outside your door. Is it too cold for you without a jacket? If so, it’s probably also too cold for your dog. 

Sure, dogs have a coat, but probably not enough to keep them warm enough in the winter, especially those with short hair. So try finding a winter-appropriate wardrobe for your pet as well, like a sturdy winter coat or a fitted sweater.

Groom Your Dog Regularly

One of the most looked-over safety tips for the winter season is keeping your dog groomed in the winter. You may think that your pet should have as much hair as possible, but a well-groomed coat can keep her properly insulated.

By trimming your dog’s coat, you can also avoid tangling and matting. Of course, you don’t want to shave his coat down to the skin, but make sure the long coat is well-groomed.

Dress Them in Boots

Just like human feet tend to crack in the winter, dogs can also get cracked pads on their paws. You should make sure you trim the hair that grows between your dog’s pads to help prevent ice buildup.

Winter salt on the city sidewalks is toxic to your dog’s paws and can burn their pads. If you plan to walk where there is salt, consider buying some boots to protect your dog’s paws. 

Give Your Dog Plenty of Water

Dogs can get dehydrated in the winter, just like in the summer. So even though your dog may eat snow, it’s not an ideal substitute for freshwater.

If your dog likes to spend time outside in your yard, make sure he has plenty of water. Be sure you check it often and look for ice on the top. 

Bring Them Inside

Even the furriest dogs can get cold. So one of the most important winter pet safety tips is to limit your dog’s time outside. You can still do some activities with your dog, like playing, walking, and exercising, but leave him indoors for more extended periods when the temperature drops.

If you are ready to go inside, your dog probably is too. Watch for signs that your dog is cold, like shivering, muscle stiffness, and difficulty walking. If your dog is outside alone, often check to make sure he is not showing signs of feeling cold because dogs are also susceptible to hypothermia.

Longer-haired and thick-coated dog breeds are more tolerant of cold weather. But, no pet should be left outside for long periods if temperatures get below freezing.

Don’t Forget Ear Protection

If you plan to be outside for long periods, don’t forget about your dog’s ears. They need to be warm, too! You can find doggy hats to keep those ears warm.

Cold and dry weather is hard on your dog’s skin. If your dog’s ears start to crack, you can add some coconut oil topically as a natural moisturizer.

Don’t Forget About Winter Safety for Dogs

As you get ready for winter, don’t forget your dog gets cold, too. Make sure they have plenty of water, have winter gear, stay groomed, and are inside when temperatures drop low. Remember these tips as you think about winter safety for dogs.

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