This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice.*

Winter Dog Care

Your Dog Outside in Winter

Winter dogs. We all think it will never happen to us, yet, every year thousands of accidents occur when a dog is let out to go potty in winter and forgotten for a few minutes too long. We all say it could never happen to us, but the truth is that when we get busy cooking or some other activity, get into a conversation, or the phone rings, before you know it, a beloved pet can freeze or get serious frost bite. If you let your dog out alone in winter, consider getting a timer to wear on your belt or shirt to remind you to let your dog back in after a few minutes. They cost only a few dollars, are easy to use and will help you be sure you never forget your dog outside in dangerous cold!

Your dog and toxin exposure

In winter antifreeze is more readily found than other times of the year. Antifreeze is toxic and very dangerous for dogs because it is sweet in taste and dogs quickly lick or drink it. Just a small amount of antifreeze can be fatal for your dog! Keep your dog out of the garage and off the driveway where they may encounter antifreeze or other harmful chemicals. Your yourself, consider using some of the pet-safe anti-freeze products that are available.

Winter Dog Joint Pain and Arthritis

Winter weather will often aggravate existing medical conditions in dogs, especially arthritis, which can be increasingly painful in dreary, cold winter weather. To keep limber, maintain an exercise regimen with your arthritic dog. It's good for both of you! Be mindful of slippery surfaces and make sure your dog has a warm soft resting area to recuperate after activity. Try the addition of a natural hip and joint supplement to lubricate the joints and ease the discomfort of arthritis. Just like people, dogs are more susceptible to other illnesses during the winter weather. There are many dog pain and arthritis supplements you can consider to help your dog feel much more comfortable in winter.

Glucosamine Dog Treats

Glucosamine Dog Treats can help support both your dog's joints and spirit during winter. Delicious "Sea Mobility" dog treats by Ark Naturals are delicious dog treats that taste like beef jerky and contain valuable glucosamine and other nutrients to support your dog's joint health and prevent or reduce pain.

Dog Coats

If it's below freezing outside it may be too cold for your dog to be out without a coat. Some dogs, such as Chow Chows and Huskies, are well-equipped to deal with cold temperatures, but many other dogs should have a coat to help them deal with colder temperatures. If getting your dog a coat makes you think of fussy poodles with painted nails and fluffy pink fur coats, don't distress! Coats are not just about fashion; there are many functional, non-couture coats available! Coats will not prevent frostbite on the ears, feet or tail, so don't keep your dog out too long in freezing temperatures. Provide extra bedding and warmth for your dog.

In addition to limiting your dog's time outdoors on cold days, you must also provide warm indoor shelter. Place your dog's bed in a warm spot; away from drafts, cold tile or uncarpeted floors. Protect your dog from burns. Dogs will often seek heat during the cold winter weather by snuggling too close to heating sources. Avoid space heaters and lamps and place baseboard radiator covers to avoid unnecessary burns. Fireplaces also pose a major threat and a pet-proof system should be used to keep your heat-seeking pal out of harms way!

Your Dog and Windy Conditions

Bitterly cold wind can be especially dangerous for both you and your dog. Even a coat won't help your dog be protected from cold wind on his ears and other exposed areas. Limit your time outside in windy conditions and be sure never to leave your pet outside alone.

Dog's Winter Eating Needs

Although dogs are in need of an extra layer to keep warm in winter, they don't extra layers of fat. If your dog is an indoor dog, like you, he probably does not need additional calories over winter. In fact, she gets less exercise, she may need a little less food, not more. Adjust your dog's calories based on his activity level. Neither of you want to put on extra pounds over winter. Always feed your dog the highest quality natural dog food available to insure a healthy coat and good energy for the cold winter months.

Keep your dog hydrated

Dogs can dehydrate just as quickly in the winter as summer. Although many dogs eat snow, it is not an adequate substitute for fresh water. If your dog has a water bowl outdoors, check it often and break ice that may form on top. Groom your dog.

Dog Grooming for Winter

Any dog who spends a lot of time outdoors in winter will need a healthy, well-groomed coat. If your dog gets his hair cut, don't cut it just before winter. After bathing don't let your dog back outdoors until he is completely dry, all the way through, and warm.

Protect your dog's feet

If you walk on city sidewalks or public roads or other surfaces that you yourself may have treated for snow and ice, understand that those surfaces can harm your dog's feet. Dogs who walk through snow, slush, salt and chemicals and are very likely to sustain an injury to their foot pads unless protected. Dog booties may seem silly, but hey can prevent painful injuries. If your pet will be walking with you outside on treated surfaces, get dog booties that were made with Velcro so they stay on. In the absence of dog booties you can use regular tube sock, one for each paw, and connect the top of each sock with a mitten keeper over the dogs shoulder and hips to help keep the socks on. If you have no booties or your dog won't walk with something on his paws, at the minimum, be sure to clean your dog's feet every time he comes into the house. Use warm water and clean between the toes really well to remove debris and salt. Apply a small amount of a natural Herbal Healing Salve every day to keep the pads from cracking. Avoid using any chemical ice-melting compounds or rock salt on your sidewalks or driveways that your dog may contact. Don't let your dog outside again until his feet are completely dry.

Clear the winter snow

Winter snow can be a lot of fun and many dogs like to play in snow as much as kids do. But winter snow that becomes piled up can be dangerous for your dog. Snow stacked against a fence can result in a runaway dog. Even a well-trained dog could run up the snow bank, over the fence, and run away or into deadly traffic. Don't let your dog sit along the side of a house under roof overhangs; in winter, snow and icicles can fall from rooftops and seriously injure or even kill your dog.

Play with your dog

If you play with your dog outdoors, have a great time. Just like you would if you were playing with young children, take frequent indoor breaks to warm up and drink water, covered exposed areas, don't get wet, and don't ever stay out too long. Remember also that puddles, filled ditches, ponds and lakes can be hidden by snow and ice; don't let your dog stray and fall through dangerous ice.

Don't leave your dog alone in the car in the garage

Dogs should never be left in cars unattended, no matter what the season, but winter carries the added danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. If your dog is left in the car and the car is left running during the winter (especially in the garage), carbon monoxide can harm or kill your dog.

Contact your veterinarian if you detect any unusual symptoms in your dog. Remember, never use over the counter medication without the advice of your veterinarian. Paying special attention to your dog's well-being during the winter season will insure that you both enjoy the Winter Wonderland to its fullest.