Winter Guide: How to Care for Your Dog in Winter
Snow and frost dress our beautiful landscape every year. The hours of sunlight become fewer, and the cold opens up the expanses. But that's no reason to go into hibernation. Your dog certainly won’t. The need for exercise and activation, changes of environment, and mental stimulation are just as important year-round. There are a few things to consider, so you and your dog can enjoy the winter to the fullest:
1. Keep your dog warm outdoors
Do you keep your dog in a kennel? It can mean some periods of inactivity outside. When the dog is in minimal motion, it won't stay warm in the same way as during a walk. Consider this and raise the temperature in the doghouse, or insulate it with straw and extra bedding material this time of year. Be sure the house isn’t sitting directly on the ground, but is elevated. Styrofoam can be used as insulation underneath the house.
2. Ensure access to water at freezing temperatures
If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, ensure water is available even when it’s below freezing. A bowl covered with ice is not acceptable according to animal welfare regulations.
3. Always have lukewarm water available
Water is just as important in winter as in summer. Bring lukewarm water for your dog if you’re out for a long time. Some dogs eat snow or drink from icy puddles when thirsty, often leading to vomiting soon after as the cold causes the stomach to expel the contents.
4. Does your dog need a blanket?
To coat or not to coat? There is a wide variation in fur types among our dogs. Everything from a winter-ready Malamute to a Chinese Crested Dog. Is your dog naturally ready for winter? Does he have undercoat that insulates well, or does he perhaps need a sweater or coat? Choose one that provides high comfort and ergonomics so the dog's movements aren’t restricted. Breathability is not as important as in our clothes since dogs don't sweat through their skin. However, adjust the tightness depending on the weather and the dog's activity. Too warm is not comfortable either. Stick your hand in now and then to check.
5. Keep your coat in winter
Don’t trim dogs for aesthetic reasons in the winter. Dogs need their fur, it beats all sweaters and coats in terms of heat retention.
6. Adapting your diet for winter
Winter diet? You might need to adjust your dog’s food intake during the winter months. Some dogs burn more calories as they become more active to keep warm. Other dogs get a bit slower in winter, and in such cases, increasing their food intake is not a good idea. Fat doesn't serve as insulation. An overweight dog becomes less active and thus has more difficulty staying warm. Keep an eye on your dog’s condition more often in winter, and adjust as needed.
7. only dry dogs outdoors
Only dry dogs should go outside. Keep baths to a minimum during the cold months. Never take a wet/damp dog outside in sub-zero temperatures; they should be completely dry before going out.
8. Avoid slippery play areas
Play and enjoy the winter, but be aware that slipping can seriously injure your dog. Don’t throw balls or encourage play on slippery surfaces, like a frozen lake, icy puddles, or frosty paving stones. Leashes may snap if the dog slips like Bambi on ice.
9. Preventing snowballs in the fur
Snowballs in the fur can cause problems. Curly-coated and short-legged dogs with long fur are at greatest risk. The fur can be trimmed to reduce matting, shortened under the belly, cleaned between the paw pads, and the fur length on the legs can be trimmed. If you don’t want to trim a hair, an alternative is to rub the fur around the legs, paws, and underbelly with paw balm, which helps prevent snow from sticking. Avoid using conditioning sprays as moisture can cause the dog’s legs/underbelly to chill when going outside.
10. Taking care of your claws in winter
Nail length. You may need to trim your dog's nails more frequently in winter, as asphalt or gravel roads do not naturally wear them down during this time of year. However, overly short nails can be detrimental to the dog in winter. Being able to brace with their toes and let the claws make contact with the ground, rather than their paw pads, helps them rest the pads from hot/cold surfaces. Claws are also useful if it’s slippery, like winter tires. Moderation is key!
11. Important coat care during winter
Coat care is extra important in cold climates. Mats don’t insulate but instead reduce the fur’s natural warmth. Undercoat also needs to be brushed out regularly to stimulate growth. Keep the fur trimmed when the frost bites the nose.
12. Avoid glycol and protect your dog
Antifreeze often appears this time of year. It contains something sweet that attracts dogs' attention and curious tongues, but also antifreeze, which is very toxic to dogs. Always go to a veterinarian if you notice signs of poisoning.
13. Protect your dog's paws from salt
Paths are salted to keep snow and ice away. Salts dry out your dog’s paw pads, which can lead to painful cracks. Make a habit of wiping your dog’s paws after walks, a damp dishcloth usually does the trick. Don’t let your dog lick salted roads. Small amounts of salt can be deadly for dogs. Symptoms to watch out for include increased thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, stiffness, and seizures. For more information on first aid, check out First Aid for Dogs: What every dog owner needs to know.
14. Shoveling without creating escape routes
Be mindful of escape risks when shoveling the driveway/yard. Make sure you don’t accidentally create a perfect escape route for your dog over the fence.
15. Puppies are not Christmas presents
A puppy is not a Christmas gift! It’s a 10-16 year commitment.
16. Be careful on frozen waterways
Waterways in forests or frozen lakes are potential traps for dogs in winter. Keep your dog under supervision in the woods and fields. Always keep your dog leashed if walking on ice. A harness and leash are preferable if the dog goes through the ice and you need to pull them out (the situation with a choke collar could be disastrous). Ice picks are a must! Also, monitor the thickness of the ice and learn to read ice conditions—changes in color, signs of flowing water beneath, especially if you plan on walking on ice.
17. Don't leave your dog alone in the car
Never leave your dog in the car if the internal temperature is expected to drop below -5°C. The car is not a storage place for dogs. The county board provides clear guidelines on this issue.
18. Managing joint pain in the cold
Arthritis and joint diseases can feel worse in cold weather, even for dogs. An additional supplement like Flexjoint may be beneficial for your dog if they have joint issues. If your dog experiences more pain in winter, contact your veterinarian for advice; you may need to increase the pain relief dosage during the winter months. For more information on back pain, read Back Pain in Dogs: Symptoms and Treatment.
19. Help your winter puppy get housebroken
Winter puppies? They tend to become house-trained later than summer puppies. Shovel a small area that you consistently return to, a designated pee and poop spot. Dress warmly, stand still and quietly hum until the dog is finished. It’s often our rush into the cabin that causes house-training problems in winter.
20. Ensure a warm and comfortable place to sleep
Ensure your dog has a warm and cozy bed to return to after outdoor activities. Preferably a slightly elevated bed to avoid drafts from the floor. An extra blanket for bedding is always a good idea during the holiday season.
Signs that your dog is cold
- The dog shivers and shakes (this stops when the body temperature drops further)
- Muscles become stiff, the dog may become immobile or have a stiff gait
- Pulse and respiratory rate decrease
- The dog feels cold, and body temperature drops below 35°C
- Lethargy
- Unconsciousness
The right measures for cooling
- Move the dog immediately to a sheltered area, or preferably inside
- Warm the dog (but not in water), wrap it in blankets. Multiple layers and folds provide good heat. Fill plastic bags/bottles with warm water and place them on the dog's chest and back
- Lie closely next to the dog, body heat helps
- Warming should proceed slowly. A good rate is 1°C per hour
- If the dog wants to drink, offer lukewarm water
- Contact a veterinarian!
Enjoy the snow-covered landscapes and the wonderful winter season. Take care of yourself and your dog!
Written by: Caroline Alupo
Caroline Alupo is Petli's co-founder. She has a master's degree in ethology and is also a trained dog trainer and dog psychologist. She has 19 years of experience as a professional dog trainer. Read more about Caroline here.
Your personal dog trainer on your mobile
Petli is the app where you can train your dog in a fun format, get personalized coaching from dog experts, meet like-minded people in a warm community and exclusive discounts on great products.
