Winter Health Concerns For Pups

dynamic, cold, seasonal, winter weather - By Staff Writer on Tuesday, November 30, 2010 - 11:58

 Hypothermia – Each breed weathers the temperature differently and many dogs are now acclimatized to the temperature you are used to inside so you need to be vigilant and cautious with your pup.  Hypothermia can pose a serious problem for your pet, so put a sweater or coat on your dog to keep his body warm. Short haired dogs, small thin dogs, dogs who are not in good health, older dogs and puppies will need more protection in extremely cold weather.  If you’re not sure what to do, confer with your vet or friends that have similar dogs or dogs with similar conditions.  Most pet stores and many department stores now sell outerwear for dogs, so you have lots of choices at various prices to choose from.  Remember the colder the weather, the more coverage your dog will need.

Paw Irritation – Salt, ice, and snow can all irritate a pups paws.  Her are a few ways to protect them: Paw wax helps prevent paw damage from ice, snow and salt-treated roads. It also provides grip on slippery surfaces.  Paw booties protect paws from ice melt, crusted ice or ice balls that collect in the hair between the paw pads and toes.  It’s a good idea to trim the hair around your dog’s toes to avoid build-up of ice, slush, dirt and road salt which can get packed in between the fur and toes and harden.  This can cause him to lick the area excessively causing additional problems.  When you get  home after an outing, be sure to dry your dog’s paws completely and if you believe your dog’s paws might be frozen, do not rub them, but wash them in warm water or wrap them in a blanket and then contact your vet.  (Photo By: jkbrooks85)

Frost Bite - Check your dog’s ears, tail and feet for frostbite if you are out for extended periods of time. Frostbitten skin can appear red or gray. If you suspect frostbite, wrap your dog’s feet or frostbitten area in a blanket or towel to gradually warm it and then contact your vet.

Electrified Sidewalk Grates and Manhole Covers - Incidents caused by electrified sidewalk plates and manhole covers  are more common in the winter, when salt makes water on the ground conduct more electricity. You can help protect your dog from any incidences by putting rubber-soled boots on his paws.

Watch for signs that your dog may have been shocked.  He may bolt for no reason, yelp, start shaking, or suddenly have the inability to move.  He may also want to avoid a specific area.  Should your dog display any of this kind of behavior, be very careful, trying to rescue your dog should he get shocked or collapse can prove fatal to you also.   

Frozen Ponds and Lakes – The weather may be cold and they may look frozen but it is not safe for you or your dog to walk onto frozen ponds or lakes.  Each year there are stories of people falling into lakes and ponds and the last thing you want is to have to go rescue your dog and end up dying in the process.  To help you remember memorize this little rhyme:

“Thick and blue tried and true
Thin and crispy way too risky!”

There must be at least 3 inches of thick blue ice for it to be safe.  What is thick at the shore is not always the case in the center of the pond.  So if there is any question as to the depth, be smart and keep your dog off!  (Photo By: Chris Denbow)

Watch What They Get Into -  There are all sorts of things lying about that can cause harm to your dog.  Keep an eye on what they get into.  

• Antifreeze can taste sweet to dogs and just a little can be fatal.
• Ice-melting chemicals and salt can cause digestive upsets if swallowed.
• Rat and mouse poison and traps - this is the time of year for mice and rats to move indoors looking for food – if you use poison or traps be very careful where you place them since either option may be very harmful to your dog.