02.11.10
Winter Wonderland
The recent Arctic air brings to light a very important topic — Cold Weather Care for your dog. Just like people, many dogs (including Boxers) may need to “bundle up” and take precautions against the harsh elements. The following tips are from the ASPCA.
1. Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm—dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags.
2. Thoroughly wipe off your dog’s legs and stomach when they come out of the sleet, snow or ice. They may ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking their paws, and paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.
3. Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry them before taking your dog out for a walk. Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.
4. Never leave your dog (or cat) alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.
5. Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take them outdoors only to relieve themselves.
6. Feeding — Does your dog spend a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities? Increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep him—and his fur—in tip-top shape.
7. Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. Visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center more information.
8. Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.
