I read some really good points about taking care of our dogs in the winter time by Mike Clark on Dogtime.
Mike shares that not all dogs’ fur is enough to protect them from the cold. Maybe a Siberian Husky is, but probably not a Chihuahua. He suggests getting coats that is the appropriate size for them when you take them out for a walk in the snow.
Mike also shares that it’s not safe for dogs to eat snow. It may seem harmless enough with freshly fallen snow, but there may be salt and chemical and other things we can’t see that could get your dog sick.
Here’s an excerpt from the article
Not all dogs are created equal when it comes to cold weather tolerance. Obviously, a Siberian Husky is more prepared for the snow than a Chihuahua, but a thick coat doesn’t mean a dog can’t get frostbite or hypothermia in extreme weather. You can purchase coats for dogs that are designed to fit your pup’s exact size and breed, so why risk it? Layer up. Dog jackets are fairly easy to get on and off, and your dog will be safer for the extra effort.
Dog boots and paw wax are such a pain to get on. Surely if you’re only going to be out for a few minutes, you can skip it, right? While dog paw pads are more resilient than human feet, they are not immune to frostbite. But perhaps even more harmful is the salt used to melt ice, as it creates a reaction that burns paws. Yes, even in the cold, your pup’s paws might get burned. Dogs also absorb antifreeze and chemicals through the pads. So use paw protection. Every time.
You can read the entire article here.
Article source: Dogtime
Image source: patchattack on Flickr.com
