WAYS TO KEEP
YOUR DOC SAFE
TRIS WINTER
Besides keeping your dog inside where it's warm - remember these tips
for keeping your furriest family member healthy and happy through these frigid winter months:
Nutrition: Dogs that spend a good amount
of time outdoors may need additional
calories to maintain energy and body
weight. Increasing food intake during the
winter may be necessary for those
snow-loving dogs! (Alternatively, those
dogs that avoid the cold and spend more
time lounging indoors may reQ11ire fewer
calories this time of years!) Talk to your
veterinarian about properly adjusting your
dog's diet for Winter.
Identification: Make
sure your dog is
wearing a collar and
ID tags whenever he's
outside, especially in
the Winter. Snow and
ice on the ground can
mask smells, making
it difficult for him to
find his way back
home if lost. Better
yet, microchip your
pets! In the event that
their collars are lost or
removed, a microchip
will always make it
possible for your dog
to be identified if
found.
Grooming: Consult your
favorite groomer or vet
before grooming your dog
in the Winter. Many dogs'
natural coats are designed
to insulate them from the
cold, particularly those breeds
with double-coats. Closely
trimming your dog's coat
could be destroying his
natural insulation. Some other
breeds, however, are better
suited for Winter with a hair
trim, especially removing
excess fur from around paw
pads that act as a trap for ice
and snow. Dogs with short or
coarse single-coats may need
a sweater or jacket to stay
warm.
SNARE YOUR
LOVE OF DOCS AT
Hydration: As always, it's important that
your dog have access to clean, fresh
water at all times, even outside. Using a
plastic bowl (not metal!) keep a supply of
fresh water outdoors for your dog. Prevent
your pup from eating any ice or snow that
may have been contaminated by
antifreeze and/or salt.
Protection: Despite their fur
coats, dogs CAN get frostbite,
particularly on their paws. Ice,
snow, even frozen driveways
and sidewalks can lead to
frostbite on unprotected paws.
A pair of booties, a smear of
paw-protectant, and as a last
resort, a spray of non-stick
cooking spray can protect
your pup's paws while they're
outdoors. In addition to
frostbite, paws are at risk for
injury due to sharp ice, road
salts, antifreeze, and hazards
hidden under the snow.
Thoroughly check your dog's
paws each time she comes
indoors, looking closely for
redness, irritation, or tiny
cuts. Be sure to remove
any snow or ice that has
built up between her toes.
Safety Indoors: In the
Winter, we use a variety of
methods to keep our
homes cozy and warm. If
you're using a fireplace,
make sure it's adeQuately
screened to prohibit your
pets from getting too close.
Keep space heaters,
heating pads, and electric
blankets out of reach of
your pet and never leave
them unattended.
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