Keeping Your Dog Happy, Warm, and Safe In the Winter

With the snow and ice storm we just went through, and more wintry weather predicted to come through, I thought it would be good to discuss some winter strategies to keep your dog in good health.

Keeping Your Dog Happy

Just like humans, dogs can start feeling down in the winter. Mostly, this comes from lack of exercise or mental stimulation – getting outside to play when the temperature is in the single digits just isn’t a good idea. In fact, most dogs I know don’t even want to go outside to use the bathroom when it’s really cold, much less stay out to play. Not being able to release energy can create frustration in your dog, but there are ways around this.

Whether you have an indoor dog or outdoor dog, receiving a new toy is always a favorite time for a dog. This toy can range from a Kong to a new squeaky toy to a ball. I try to rotate out my dog’s toys so that receiving a “new” one seems special. Even if the toy is something he has played with before, a good wash and not seeing the toy for a few weeks makes it seem like new. I love giving my pup Kongs, since he has to work at getting a reward. This is a really good toy for both indoor and outdoor dogs, as your dog can stay in one place while really getting a good mental work-out. Depending on what you stuff the Kong with, it can also be a pretty physical work-out, too! My dog also is a huge fan of soft toys, especially if they squeak. If it’s a new squeaky toy, the entertainment is figuring out ways to pull out stuffing. If it’s an old squeaky toy, the entertainment is running around the house with the stuffing-less toy, flinging it around, and squeaking it like mad (if the squeaker happens to survive). When it comes to a ball, watch out. I’ve never seen a more ball-obsessed dog! Even if my dog is about to fall asleep, the slightest movement of his ball will have him wide-eyed and ready to play. We have a long hallway that goes from one end of the house to the other – this makes a really good runway for chasing a ball.

You can also use the winter months to train your dog. Whether you’re are reinforcing standard commands or teaching new tricks, your dog will get a good workout mentally and physically trying to learn. The “stay” command is one that I’m working on reinforcing at the moment. With few other distractions, Dingo Mega Meat Bone Treats are getting some great focus and concentration out of my pup. Toys are also a good incentive for learning or re-learning commands, too!

Use your imagination when it comes to keeping your pup occupied. If your dog is primarily an outside dog, a soft snuggly in the cold weather or a treat-filled Kong is much appreciated while he is out in his dog house. If you have space indoors, playing a little fetch or treating with Kongs can keep your dog busy and entertained so he doesn’t start feeling blue.

Keeping Your Dog Warm

All dogs need to stay warm, whether they live inside or out. That’s why it is never a good idea to shave your dog in the winter. Your dog’s fur is his winter coat, and keeping that coat as long and thick as possible will help keep your pup warm when he is outside. If you have a dog with short or medium length fur, you could consider purchasing a dog coat to use when temperatures are below 40 degrees. That extra bit of material can help keep your dog warm. However, remember that dogs lose most of their heat through their ears and paw pads. Since there isn’t much you can do for your dog’s ear, except pull the hood up of his coat, make sure you are watching for frost bite. Boots can help with paw pads, but keeping track of how long your dog is outside is very important.

I watch to make sure my dog is actively moving when he is outdoors. I am able to do that since his outside time drops to about 2 – 5 minutes in the winter. When he sits and looks at the house, he is ready to come in. He is also ready to come in when he starts to scratch at the back door. He can be pretty vocal when he is done with being out in the cold!

Keeping Your Dog Safe

While a snowy landscape can look like a greeting card to humans, dogs can easily get disoriented. What is usually a familiar setting can become an alien space, since your dog could lose his scent. Keeping your dog on his leash and making sure he wears his ID tags is really important.

If your dog lives outdoors, there are a few dog supplies that can help keep him safe. Access to fresh water is important, as water can easily freeze over in the winter. If you are having problems keeping your dog’s water fresh, you can try a heated dog bowl. Feeding more often, especially foods containing lots of protein, should be considered. Providing a dog house that is well insulated is also important. In addition to the insulated house, make sure you provide a warm bed inside the house. However, when the outside temperature hits single digits or below, bringing your outside dog indoors is important. No amount of insulation can protect your pup from frigid temperatures.

For dogs living indoors or out, there are some things to watch out for in dogs spending any time outside. Dogs’ pads are really sensitive to cold, and ice can cut through their feet. Checking your dog’s feet for cuts or snow is important to prevent bleeding. Wiping down your dog’s legs and stomach, in addition to paws, is really important, too, as your dog could have salt, anti-freeze, or other de-icing chemicals on his body. Getting these chemicals off your dog will prevent ingestion when he licks to groom himself. Knowing how much my pup grooms himself, I am pretty careful to wipe him off in case he has gotten into something that could be dangerous for him.

With some precaution and clever thinking, your dog can have a safe and happy winter, even if you are buried under a ton of snow and ice.

What are some tips you use to keep your dog happy when it’s cold?