Winter tips for Fido

Winter. Most people hate it, but if you’re living here in Calgary, and most the rest of Canada, it’s one of the delightful seasons we’re treated to in the great white north. And since we’re experiencing one of the coldest winters on record in recent history, it seems like a good time to trot out some tips to keep your furry friend safe and sound this year.

1.       This goes for humans too, but avoid thin ice. Unless you know for sure the ice is safe, it’s probably best to avoid frozen ponds, lakes, and rivers completely. You might think it’s cute to watch your pooch slip and slide across the ice, but if it cracks, it’s going to be a bad time for everyone. There are too many stories of dogs drowning after falling through the ice, along with humans who try and save them.

2.       Watch your dog’s feet. Winter conditions can damage your dogs foot pads, causing cracking, bleeding, and other problems. Places that salt their roads and sidewalks pose further problems for pups adventuring in the outdoors, and you need to make sure you rinse their paws when you come inside to reduce the risk of damage. Booties are a good solution for active outdoor dogs, as well as being sure to trim long fur on their feet to avoid snow clumping. There are also a variety of paw balms you can apply to stop your dog’s paws from cracking.

3.       Try to find indoor play. When there are extreme cold temperatures, dogs run the risk of frostbite just like humans. Unless you’ve got a winter dog (Husky, Malamute, Saint Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, Tibetian Terrier, Newfoundlander, Akita, etc.), your pup is probably only going to be able to handle the cold for a brief amount of time. Puppy play dates, daycare visits (hint hint), and extra playtime with you will help expend some of that energy your dog has from being inside more.

4.       Dress up! Sure, your dog has a fur jacket on, but especially for shorthair breeds, young puppies, and older dogs, this is not going to be enough when the temperature drops. There are tons of fun ways to keep your dog warm and stylish, and keep an eye out for end of season sales to save money on your dog apparel.

5.       Just like lilies are deadly for cats, anti-freeze will take your dog down with as little as a teaspoon. Even anti-freeze that has been spilled on the street or in the snow can pose a hazard to your dog, so make sure you’re watching out for coloured snow on your walks. If you’re adding anti-freeze in your garage, make sure you clean up any spills right away, and keep your dog away from the area.