Brrr! It’s cold out there! Temperatures are dropping where we are and it’s getting pretty ridiculous for us at least. We live in North Carolina and and we are seeing temperatures in the teens and single digits. YIKES! Simba doesn’t have to worry too much about outside weather since he’s an inside dog, but there are still precautions that we can take as well. Take a look below at some helpful Winter dog safety tips.
- Provide your dog with WARM shelter
Just because a dog has fur doesn’t mean he doesn’t need warmth! Dogs get cold too and you really shouldn’t leave your dog outside in the cold in extremely cold temperatures. You may keep your dog outside most of the time, but you should definitely bring him inside when it’s really cold or at least provide him somewhere warmer than outdoors like inside your barn or garage. Don’t let your dog spend long periods of time outdoors when it’s freezing cold. Indoors with you is definitely the best choice of course. You will definitely know that he is warm and safe that way. - Provide your small dog with warm clothing
Some dogs absolutely HATE clothing, but others like it or will at least tolerate it. If you take your dog out for a walk, put her on a jacket or sweater. This will definitely help keep her warm. You don’t just walk out in the freezing cold without your jacket do you? I think not! Believe me, your dog will thank you for it.
- Protect your dog’s paws
Have you ever seen a dog with dog booties on? They aren’t just for dog fashion. Dog booties/shoes are actually really helpful in the Winter for dogs. The dog booties protect a dog’s paws from the snow, ice, salt, chemicals, and the cold period. It can also help prevent them from slipping on ice. Playing in the snow for a little while is fun, but keep those paws nice and warm. If you would rather your dog not wear booties make sure you keep an eye on your dog and wipe down their paws with warm water when they are done playing in the cold or snow. - Snuggle!
Snuggle up with your dog! It’s cold outside! Besides I’m sure your dog wouldn’t mind and neither would you right? Also provide your dog with a warm dog bed and a dog blanket to snuggle up with when you can’t snuggle with him.
Did You Know?
- Did you know that your dog could suffer from hypothermia and frostbite?
- Did you know that your dog’s tongue can get stuck to a metal drinking or food bowl and that a plastic dog bowl is better in the Winter?
- Did you know that most dogs don’t like protective clothing or shoes, but with a little training he would learn to be comfortable doing so for his own good?
- Did you know that your dog can lose his scent in a snowstorm and get lost?
- Did you know that just because your dog has fur doesn’t mean he stays warm?
Find out more things you may not know about Winter safety for dogs in the following articles:
Stay warm guys!
How is the Winter weather where you are? How do you protect your dog in the Winter? Any other tips?
Awesome post.