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.