JUST because dogs are covered in fur, doesn't mean that they don't feel cold.
This is how to make sure that your dog stays warm this winter and when it is safe enough to take it out for a walk.
When is it too cold to walk your dog?
Even though dogs have a natural fur coat to protect them from snow and cold temperatures it doesn't mean they're immune to significant drops in temperature.
According to FetchPet, it's the size of your pup and the thickness of their coat that will help determine when it’s safe for them to go outside in winter.
Small or medium-sized dogs with thin coats could be at risk of serious conditions if they go outside when the temperature is 7C or lower.
Some bigger dogs with thicker coats, such as Siberian huskies, are more suited to colder climates and should be fine for long, winter walks.
Fetch Pet veterinarian Dr Aliya McCullough warns that all dogs, regardless of size, face higher chances of frostbite and hypothermia if they’re out at temperatures below -6C.
Veterinary nurse Sarah James told Tyla: “Temperatures tend to be much warmer during the day, so its best to avoid early morning or late evening walks.
“It’s best to go on shorter walks but more frequently - the longer your dog is outside, the lower their body temperature will drop.
“It’s also important to keep your dog on a lead.
"As the seasons change and the ground gets covered in frost/snow, dogs might not see deep patches or unsafe areas.”
Sarah added that it’s equally important to keep an eye on our pet’s paws, as wintertime is particularly tough when out for walks.
She said: “With the dampness from rain and snow, toxic chemicals, and salt left on the road, it is important to take good care of your dog’s paws by using a damp washcloth or paper towel to avoid any skin irritation."
Other things to keep an eye out for include anti-freeze, which is highly poisonous but irritatingly appealing to pets.
Pet owners also have to ensure their pet doesn’t overcompensate for the cold weather by burning themselves.
Sarah explains: “Dogs are just like us, on a cold morning all they want is to cosy up near a heat source.
“So make sure to block off any heat source (open fires etc) around your house to prevent your pets from getting burned.”
How do I know if my dog is warm enough?
Dogs have several ways of showing us that they're feeling too cold.
Some of the signs include:
- Shivering or trembling
- Slow walking
- Stops walking or refuses to walk
- Tucking their tail between their legs
- Holding their paws up
- Their ears and nose are really cold
If none of these signs are present, then most probably your dog is warm enough.
To help keep your dog warm during winter, get it some clothing such as coats and booties that you can dress it in.
If out on a walk, try to keep the bathroom breaks short and make sure that they don't jump in any puddles as the water can make them cold.
You can also invest in a pet heating pad.
Another good idea is to put a towel in your dryer on a low setting and then wrap it around your dog as soon as you arrive from the walk.
Should I walk my dog in the snow?
As we said before, all dogs are different and it depends on the type of breed you own.
A husky is born to be in the snow while if you have a small poodle it might really struggle to stay outside for long.
Also keep in mind, that if it is too cold to go outside for you, then it is probably the same case for your dog.
