Some breeds, like German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers, enjoy colder temperatures when they can run around without getting too hot in their thick coats. Even though some dogs, like Dachshunds and Beagles, tend to avoid the cold, they can be convinced to go for a brief outdoor romp with the right protection. Purchasing a pair of dog boots or a few dog sweaters can be all that is necessary.
Continue reading for helpful advice on how to enjoy the cold weather with your dog safely.
Breed, age, size, and health are just a few factors that can affect your dog’s tolerance to the cold. For example, larger breeds with more substantial coats and protective undercoats, like Akitas and Huskies, are inherently better suited to withstand cold temperatures. At the first sign of a chill, smaller, shorthaired breeds like Boston Terriers and Chihuahuas are more likely to tremble and shake.
Young puppies and older dogs may be more sensitive to the cold. When is it safe to let your dog outside in the winter? Consult your veterinarian if your dog is older or has any health issues. If it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your dog, is a wise maxim.
Even though your dog enjoys running around in the cold, you shouldn’t allow your dog to spend a lot of time outside when it’s cold outside. Dogs can develop frostbite, which can be a serious health problem and may not become apparent until it has already taken hold, just like people. Signs of frostbite in dogs can include:
The paws, ears, and tail of your dog are particularly susceptible to frostbite. The reason for this is that the body narrows the blood vessels in those areas to direct blood and heat toward the center, where internal organ protection is possible. This is why it’s crucial to give your dog those shoes even if there isn’t any snow on the ground.
Move your dog to a warm location and call your veterinarian right away if you suspect frostbite. Don’t try to rub or massage the frostbitten area. To add more warmth, you can wrap your dog in a towel or blanket that has been quickly warmed in the dryer. A dog insurance plan from ASPCA Pet Health Insurance (learn about dog insurance) can provide coverage for injuries caused by frostbite.
Absolutely! Smaller dogs and breeds with short hair, in particular, may require a coat or sweater to keep them warm. Even larger dogs with thicker coats can benefit from a dog vest or other additional layer, especially in extremely cold or windy conditions.
Speaking of coats, you should refrain from shaving off all of your dog’s winter coat. Longer fur can keep your dog warm and protected in the winter while a shorter hairstyle is typically fine in the summer.
It might take some time for your dog to feel at ease wearing these layers. It is best to begin training your dogs to wear clothes as soon as possible if you have a new puppy and know a cold winter is on the horizon. If your dog is older, it might take more time and rewards to get them in the right mood for clothing. There will be some pushback if you first exert too much pressure on your dog. Take a step back and praise a nervous dog for approaching the dog clothes and giving them a quick sniff. This fundamental step will assist you in getting your dog comfortable and will act as a foundation for eventually dressing their body.
A wholesome diet can assist in maintaining the condition of your dog’s natural coat. Additionally, since your dog might be burning more calories to stay warm, you might want to feed him or her a little bit more than usual. Inquire with your vet about whether you need to alter your dog’s diet for the winter.
Along with a balanced diet, you must ensure your dog is properly hydrated. This could lessen the likelihood of your dog’s skin becoming dry, itchy, or irritated. If you go for a walk or a hike, make sure your dog always has access to fresh water by keeping a bowl of it nearby. Although there may be a lot of snow on the ground, it is not safe for dogs to quench their thirst by eating snow (even if it is not yellow!). Perhaps even think about purchasing a dog hydration pack.
What’s the difference between boots for the summer vs. winter?
Unfortunately, you want very different things from winter and summer boots for dogs (just like in the case of human boots), so it’s difficult to find a solution that is ideal in every use case. For summer hikes, you’ll likely want a boot with a thicker sole due to the rocky terrain and heat, but you’ll also want to make sure the shoes are breathable so the dog won’t overheat. Dogs perspire on their paws, and if their feet are kept in contact with that moisture for an extended period of time, it will chafe, which is another reason for breathability.
For the winter, you probably want waterproof boots to keep your paws dry in the snow and protect them from salt. Overheating and excessive perspiration on the feet are probably not major issues unless you have sleddogs. Your main concern should be having some traction so your dog is not sliding by like a car with summer tires on the first snow of the season, even though packed down snow and ice can still be rough on the boots’ soles. In comparison to your dog slipping and falling off a cliff, sliding into a tree and hitting themselves, or slipping on the ice while running and hurting their shoulders/muscles, snowballs between the toes or ice cuts can be uncomfortable. This is the primary reason soft boots, despite not being as durable as those with solid bottoms, are great for winter weather. These boots are loose-fitting and thin enough for the dogs to be somewhat able to use their nails to grip the ground on a slippery surface.
Use a leash in the snow
Dogs can become lost or injured in the snow, especially during a storm. Although it’s best to keep your dog on a leash, you should still carry one with you if you let him roam freely in a secure area. You never know when snow might start falling unexpectedly. Make sure your dog has an updated ID tag and collar in case you become separated.
You may also want to consider microchipping your dog. When a dog goes missing, a microchip can be an invaluable tool for ensuring a safe return home. Double check that the registry has your current contact details if your dog already has a microchip.
Put on dog boots for winter
Dog boots, which have more traction to help prevent falls and slips, can help shield your dog from harm. They also prevent the accumulation of snow, ice, melting salt, and other debris between your dog’s paw pads, which can result in uncomfortable cuts and sores.
Not all dogs like wearing dog boots for winter. First, make sure the boots are the right size if your dog doesn’t like wearing them. They might be uncomfortable to wear and could come off while your dog is outside if they are too tight or too loose.
If your dog adamantly refuses to put on those dog boots, you can try applying petroleum jelly or specialized paw wax to his or her paws. These materials act as a barrier between soft paws and abrasive winter surfaces.
Use an old towel to brush off any snow, ice, melting salt, or dirt that may be clinging to your dog’s coat before allowing him or her back inside the house. This will prevent your dog from licking it off and possibly ingesting something harmful. Not everyone uses pet-safe ice melt!.
FAQ
Can dogs go barefoot in snow?
A large cold-weather breed will typically appreciate a 30-minute snow hike, possibly longer. However, smaller, shorter-haired breeds shouldn’t spend more than 15-20 minutes outside barefoot.
What temp do dogs need boots?
In conclusion, dogs’ feet may be fine in temperatures as low as 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit, and possibly even lower. But when it gets close to zero degrees, you should keep an eye out for indications that your dog is feeling too cold. What is this?.
What Should dogs wear in the snow?
It is preferable to outfit your dog in a waterproof coat if you are taking them outside in snowy conditions, wind, precipitation, or extremely low temperatures (below 0 F or below -15 C). It’s best to wear a waterproof jacket outside if it’s even slightly rainy or snowy.
Are boots for dogs necessary?
While dog boots aren’t always necessary to keep paws safe, there are some instances, locations, and circumstances in which dog shoes are required to safeguard Fido’s paws, including in extremely hot or snowy weather, when traveling over rough terrain, to protect your dog from allergies, or when they have a cut paw, among others.