Winter Tips for Dog Owners

by Kailee Capela

When the weather gets colder and the snow piles up, we adjust our routines. We might wear boots, add a sweater or make a cup of hot chocolate after coming home. During winter, you’ll need to adjust your dog’s daily routine as well. This takes some effort, but it ensures your furry friend is comfortable and can enjoy the cold months alongside you. Here are some tips to make this your dog’s best winter ever:
Protect your dog’s paws
When it comes to winter pet care, this one is important. With the build-up of snow or ice, a dog’s sensitive paws can easily get hurt. Running on such harsh surfaces can cause painful abrasions. Their paws could also be exposed to chemicals from de-icers and salts. There are many ways to protect your dog’s paws, but winter booties are the most common. They come in various styles for various lifestyles. When you first put the booties on, your dog will likely do a funny walk, lifting its legs up and to the side for the first few minutes. This is only temporary as they get used to having a piece of clothing on their feet.
Trim their paw hair
Keeping your dog’s foot hair short is crucial during winter. Long paw hair can cause balls of snow and ice to form between their paw pads, making it painful to walk.
Let’s talk temperature
How long a dog can stay outside in the cold varies by breed, so you’ll know best! If you have a small or short-haired dog who gets cold easily, keep them outside for only a short period of time to avoid frostbite. They might also need a sweater or jacket. Meanwhile, some dogs have longer hair and a double coat that keeps them warm in colder temperatures. If you have a northern breed (or a dog that just loves cold weather), make sure they can come inside whenever they please. If it’s extremely cold, take your dog for a walk while the sun is shining to add a little warmth.
Besides winter booties, some dog owners use a protective wax, which creates a barrier against the harsh conditions. Depending on your climate, dog, and lifestyle, you can decide which type of protection you prefer.
Moisturize
Colder temperatures can cause paws and noses to become dry and cracked. Pick up a pet-safe paw balm or salve. After a long walk, moisturize your dog’s paw pads—ideally right before they nap or while they’re quietly lying down. This ensures the balm has a chance to absorb before they start walking around. If you don’t have any paw balm on hand, you can also use coconut oil. Furthermore, you can buy certain lotions that are suitable for both paws and noses.

Watch where they play

Unless you’ve trained your dog and are very confident in their recall skills, you may want to keep them on a long leash—or simply avoid off-leash walks in unknown places. As ponds freeze over, the ice can be still be very thin, easily cracking underfoot. An added layer of snow could also make it difficult for both you and your dog to know which areas are safe. If you walk somewhere new, it may be best to keep your dog close.