Time outside with your dog in the spring, summer and fall can be wonderful. Visiting your favorite cafe downtown on a cool spring morning, going to a favorite dog park on a balmy summer night or walking by the river when the leaves are changing colors are all is wonderful when the weather is favorable. But in much of the country, when winter comes, once hospitable conditions can quickly turn cold and dangerous for people and pups.
Winter brings some unique challenges for dog owners, as dogs still need activity and socialization in the colder weather. Studies have shown that dog owners are almost 50% more likely to walk their dogs when the weather turns cold. Knowing the basics of winter safety is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle for your dog.
I am an assistant professor at the University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine who experienced polar vortexes with my dog while living in Michigan early in my career. As I moved to sunny California, I saw how quickly freezing temperatures can become dangerous for pets.
Race and age differences
Not all dogs have the same ability to deal with cold weather. A short-coated dog like a Chihuahua is more susceptible to the dangers of cold weather than a thick-coated husky. When the weather drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius), the well-acclimated husky can be comfortable, while the Chihuahua shivers and is at risk of hypothermia.
In addition, if your dog is used to warm weather, but you decide to move to a colder region, the dog will need time to get used to the colder weather, even if they have a thick coat.
Age also affects cold weather stability. Puppies and older dogs can’t handle the cold as well as other dogs, but every dog is unique – each may have individual health conditions or physical characteristics that make them more or less resilient to cold weather.
When is my dog too cold?
AP Photo/David J. Phillip
Pet owners should recognize the symptoms of a dog that has a cold. Dogs will tremble, and some may vocalize or growl. Dogs may resist putting their paws on the cold ground, or digging, or try to find warmth in their surroundings when they are uncomfortable.
Just like people, dogs can get frostbite. And like people, the signs can take days to appear, making it difficult to assess them in the moment. The most common sites for frostbite in dogs are their ears and the tips of their tails. Some of the first signs of frostbite are discoloration of the skin, becoming paler than normal, or purple, gray or even black; red, blistered skin; inflammation; site pain; or ulceration.
Other serious signs of hypothermia include lethargy or lethargy, and if you notice these, please visit your vet immediately. A good rule of thumb to follow is if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your dog.
Getting your dog a sweater or jacket and paw covers can give them protection from the elements and keep them comfortable. Vets also recommend keeping a close watch on your dog and limiting their time outside when the temperature is near the freezing point or drops below it.
Road salt hazards
Road salt that treats ice on streets and sidewalks can also harm dogs. When dogs walk on salt, the sharp, rough edges of the salt crystals can irritate the sensitive skin on their paws.
AP Photo/Jim Cole
Dogs often lick their paws when they are dirty, wet or irritated, and if they ingest any salt in the process, they can face GI upset, dehydration, kidney failure, seizures or even death. Even small amounts of pure salt can disrupt critical body functions in dogs.
Some companies make pet-safe salt, but in public it can be hard to tell what kind of salt is in the soil. After walking your dog, wash their feet or boots. You can also keep their paw fur trimmed to prevent snowballing or salt build-up in the fur. Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly or paw pad balm to the skin of the paw pads can also help protect your pet’s paws from irritation.
Stolbovsky/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA
Antifreeze hazards
Antifreeze, or ethylene glycol, is in most cars to prevent fluids from freezing when it gets cold. Some people pour antifreeze into their toilets when away from home to prevent the toilet water from freezing.
Antifreeze is an exceptionally dangerous chemical to dogs and cats, because it tastes sweet but can be fatal if ingested. If a pet ingests even a small amount of antifreeze, the substance causes a chemical cascade in their body that results in severe kidney damage. If left untreated, the pet can develop permanent kidney damage or die.
There are safer antifreeze options on the market that use ingredients other than ethylene glycol. If your dog gets antifreeze, please see your veterinarian immediately for treatment.
When the temperature drops below freezing, the best thing pet owners can do is keep the time spent outdoors to a minimum. Try some indoor activities, like a low-calorie food hideout, fetch or even an interactive obstacle course. Food puzzles can also keep your dog occupied during indoor time.
While winter presents some unique challenges, it can still be an enjoyable and healthy time for you and your canine companion.
