One of my dogs loves winter. She cannot wait to get out and play in fresh snow. New Year’s day was perfect for her and her friends to get out of the house and play for a while. Overnight had brought a few inches of snow, the sun was shining and it was 28 degrees, a perfect morning for a walk.
So, we put on our coats and spent about 30 minutes romping with our dog friends. It was a great way to start off the new year.
But colder weather is on the way and that will limit their ability to stay out for more than a few minutes. The difference between 25 degrees and 15 degrees for dogs is huge. But they can’t stay inside all winter. Mine would literally go crazy and would certainly find something to get into that she shouldn’t. So how can you prepare for winter to help your dogs get in a little winter activity?
And please keep in mind, dog breeds vary drastically in how they can cope with cold temperatures. My nephew has a Newfoundland, bred to be a cold water rescuer, and he loves to be out in the snow. If it’s warmer than 60 degrees, he’s hot! My short hair dogs though, they need outdoor wear and some prep to make sure they are comfortable playing in the snow.
Tip One: Dress them for the weather
If you’re dog has a short coat, a good waterproof jacket is a must. Pay attention to wind chill and remember, their ears and noses are still exposed, so don’t push it. And then there are the paws. I’ve tried boots before with no luck. Some dogs will adjust, others will never walk like they do not have cement blocks taped to their feet. But if your dog will wear them, by all means, go for it. If not, pay special attention to their paws and do not let their feet get too cold.
Tip Two: Wipe their feet when they come inside When walking where there is sand and salt, their paws can become irritated and cracked easily. So make sure you clean their feet when coming in from a walk.
Tip Three: Be careful leaving them in a car We all know that leaving dogs in the car in warm weather can be deadly. But you’d be surprised how fast your car cools down in the winter.
Tip Four: Watch for other animals Most small creatures burrow in for the winter. But not all. In just the past couple of weeks, I know two people who found out porcupines and skunks are still out. The little critters are looking for food and with the deep snow, it’s hard for them to get away. So be extra aware so you don’t find yourself deskunking your dog in the winter.
Dogs to get hypothermia. Be on the lookout for symptoms and know when to call your vet.
Get your pet inside right away if they whines or acts anxious, cannot stop shivering, seem weak, have ice on their body or feet, stops moving or slows down and if they are trying to burrow to find a warm spot.
If you suspect your dog is suffering from hypothermia, get them inside, warm them in blankets and call the vet asap.
By planning for the outdoors, there is no reason why you and your dog can’t enjoy our Northern Michigan winters. And let’s face it, we all need a reason to get off the sofa right now!
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