Juno came and went without much of a snow accumulation as was predicted in the 5 boroughs. However, precautions still need to be taken to make sure Fido is receiving proper winter care. The following are some winter safety tips.
Paws
-Salt and ice melting chemicals can create both physical harm to the dog’s paws and/or poison the dog if ingested.
Special care should be given to dogs who go outdoors. Fill the bathtub with lukewarm water to a 3-4″ depth. Dilute some soap in the water. Place your dog in the tub to allow the salt and chemicals to be gently soaked off paws. Towel dry paws after. This will prevent the dog’s paws from cracking and becoming irritated. It will also prevent the dog from chewing/licking at their paws, which may cause poisoning.
An alternative to the tub soaking, using a warm, wet towel to brush off each paw and make sure no salt is stuck between the toes and in the fur on the dog’s underbelly.
Equipping the dog with outdoor snow booties or dog booties of any kind can be the best preventative of issues resulting from salt and snow melting chemicals.
Rub some petroleum jelly on the bottom of the paws before going outdoors to keep in moisture and to act as a barrier for chemicals from penetrating.
Cold Temperature
-If you are cold outside, and the wind is picking up, you can bet your dog is cold, as well. As I took Prince out for a walk today, even with his wool lined interior/waterproof, windproof coat on he was cold. His hind legs were chilly and shaking, while he kept picking his front paw off the ground frequently when standing in place. Be aware of your dog’s actions.
Make sure to always cover your pet when outdoors on a walk. Whether it is a weather proofed winter coat or a pet hoody. Something is better than nothing.
Dogs that need grooming should be left uncut during winter months to create additional insulation against the cold.
Outdoor dogs should be brought indoors or be supplied with a heated, weather-proofed dog shelter.
Make sure to always dry off Fido after playing in the snow. Do not leave them wet and do not give Fido a bath in the winter.
Be mindful of the cold, if you don’t want to be outside, then do you think your dog wants to be outside?
Leash Fido
-In winter months, more dogs get lost due to the cold and snow they are more likely to lose track of a scent. Snow can build up around fences and create hills for dogs to easily climb over.
Have your dog’s ID tag information up to date, same for their microchip.
Shovel snow piles away from fences.
Keep Fido on a leash, as they may walk over thin ice and fall in resulting in hyperthermia.
Paw Prints On My Soul 