Dog Care During The Winter Season
It is wintertime and its time to start thinking about what that means for your Dog.
Older and younger Dogs are more sensitive to the cold than middle-aged dogs.
Cold weather can aggravate conditions in older dogs like arthritis.
Being familiar with the change of weather and how it affects your Dog will keep them healthy and safe.
One of the easiest conditions to combat during the winter season is hypothermia.
Hypothermia is the result of extended exposure to cold.
It is the condition of the body losing heat at a faster rate than it can produce it.
For humans, that means having a body temperature of lower than 95° F (35° C).
For dogs, the temperature is a little higher, more like 98° F (37.
8° C).
Being mindful of how long your pet stays in the cold and use dog clothes i.
e.
sweaters, jackets and booties to protect them.
These items can effectively prevent them from experiencing hypothermia.
If your dog is an outdoor pet, be mindful that they will burn more calories (approximately 25-30% more) and may need extra food.
Feed your outside dogs more rations during the cold temperatures and frequently check them for frostbite.
Your examinations should concentrate on the ears, their tails, scrotum (males) and their feet.
Look for discolored skin (pale, red, or greyish).
Blisters or swelling may be present under the fur.
If any of these symptoms are present, contact your vet.
Winter is a time where we use more chemicals in our environment, specifically salt, ice melting chemicals and antifreeze.
Washing the feet of your dog with temperate water after they come inside can reduce the possibility of skin irritation.
Antifreeze should be kept in an approved container and never reused for any other substance.
If you happen to spill some on the floor or ground, cleaning it up quickly is best.
Your pet needs only to ingest a little amount for it to be fatal.
Finally, be mindful of your pet's grooming.
Keep your dog's nails properly groomed and insure they wear booties in deep snow or on salted sidewalks.
Dogs with short hair should have a doggy coat or sweater and for goodness sake, do not let them eat the yellow snow! Wintertime can be a fun time for you and your pet.
Giving them a little extra love and attention will keep them warm and winter safe.
Older and younger Dogs are more sensitive to the cold than middle-aged dogs.
Cold weather can aggravate conditions in older dogs like arthritis.
Being familiar with the change of weather and how it affects your Dog will keep them healthy and safe.
One of the easiest conditions to combat during the winter season is hypothermia.
Hypothermia is the result of extended exposure to cold.
It is the condition of the body losing heat at a faster rate than it can produce it.
For humans, that means having a body temperature of lower than 95° F (35° C).
For dogs, the temperature is a little higher, more like 98° F (37.
8° C).
Being mindful of how long your pet stays in the cold and use dog clothes i.
e.
sweaters, jackets and booties to protect them.
These items can effectively prevent them from experiencing hypothermia.
If your dog is an outdoor pet, be mindful that they will burn more calories (approximately 25-30% more) and may need extra food.
Feed your outside dogs more rations during the cold temperatures and frequently check them for frostbite.
Your examinations should concentrate on the ears, their tails, scrotum (males) and their feet.
Look for discolored skin (pale, red, or greyish).
Blisters or swelling may be present under the fur.
If any of these symptoms are present, contact your vet.
Winter is a time where we use more chemicals in our environment, specifically salt, ice melting chemicals and antifreeze.
Washing the feet of your dog with temperate water after they come inside can reduce the possibility of skin irritation.
Antifreeze should be kept in an approved container and never reused for any other substance.
If you happen to spill some on the floor or ground, cleaning it up quickly is best.
Your pet needs only to ingest a little amount for it to be fatal.
Finally, be mindful of your pet's grooming.
Keep your dog's nails properly groomed and insure they wear booties in deep snow or on salted sidewalks.
Dogs with short hair should have a doggy coat or sweater and for goodness sake, do not let them eat the yellow snow! Wintertime can be a fun time for you and your pet.
Giving them a little extra love and attention will keep them warm and winter safe.
Source...