10 Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe in the Cold

Winter can be a ton of fun for our canine companions. Snow specifically is a favorite for many dogs, mine included! But despite being covered in a layer of fur, the cold still poses as a threat for dogs. There are multiple risks that our furry friends face in the colder months, some of which are even life threatening. Today, I’m sharing 10 tips to keep your dog safe in the cold this winter.

What are the Major Health Risks Dogs Face in the Cold?

Just like humans, dogs can experience life threatening conditions caused by extreme cold. 

Frostbite

Frostbite is caused when the body gets so cold that it begins to pull blood into the center, causing outer body parts such as fingers and toes (and ears and tails in the case of our furry friends) to freeze, or become frostbitten. Frostbite causes severe tissue damage. Frostbitten body parts will eventually turn grey or black and can even fall off. The skin may also turn hard and cold. 

Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when the body becomes extremely cold to the point of shutting down. It begins with shivering but will eventually turn into lethargy, a decreased heart rate, and weakness. If left untreated, hypothermia can be fatal. 

It’s important to follow these tips to keep your dog safe in the cold to protect them from either of these major life threatening conditions. 

How Do You Know When Your Dog is Too Cold?

If it’s too cold for you to go outside without outer layers, it’s probably too cold for your dog. There are exceptions to this rule, as some dogs, such as Siberian Huskies and Akitas, were bred to withstand extreme cold. It’s important that you know your dog so that you will recognize when they’re too cold and need to come inside. Common signs that your dog is too cold include: 

• Shivering
• Whimpering
• Lethargy
• Curling up
• Limping

10 Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe in the Cold

Now that you know the risks of extreme cold, and how to recognize them, follow these tips to prevent a frozen pup this winter. 

1. Purchase Outer Wear

Thick coated dogs such as Siberian Huskies, Newfoundlands, and Akitas will be able to brave below freezing temperatures and icy conditions with zero complaints. However, smaller dogs and dogs with thin coats, may require outer wear such as a coat and boots to be outside in the cold comfortably. If your dog doesn’t have a natural thick coat to protect them from extreme temperatures, buy them one! Amazon has plenty of cute ones for a reasonable price. 

Boots are also a good idea to protect your pets paws. Anti-freeze, salt melt, and ice are all harmful to dogs, and would be picked up right on their paw pads. 

2. Limit Outdoor Time

Your dog may enjoy an hour long hike in the spring and summer, but outdoor time should be limited in the winter. Monitor your pups time outside when it’s cold, and keep a close eye on them for signs of hypothermia or frostbite. 

3. Go Out When the Suns Out

It’s hard to get outside in the winter since the days are so short, but try to limit your walks to when the sun is shining. Not only will the sun help to warm up the temperature, it’ll also keep your furry friend safe from getting lost or injured in the dark.

4. Watch for Anti-Freeze

Many people put anti-freeze or salt on their sidewalks and driveways to prevent ice from forming in the winter. Unfortunately, these products are toxic to dogs if ingested. Avoid walking your dog on treated areas and always clean their paws thoroughly once back home. For your own property, purchase dog safe melting salt to keep everyone safe. 

5. Stay Away from Fireplaces

Fireplaces and space heaters offer a great source of warmth when it’s cold outside, but they can be safety hazards for dogs. If you have a fireplace or space heater in your home, ensure that it is enclosed properly so that your pup can’t get too close. Getting too close to these heat sources can cause somebody to get burned or even catch on fire. 

6. Moisturize

Do you experience dry and chapped hands and lips during the colder months? Did you know your dog likely does too? Keep your pup moisturized during the winter to prevent cracking paws and flaky skin. Coconut oil works great as a natural moisturizer and can be added right into their food. You can also purchase paw and nose balms for extra dry days. 

7. Don’t Leave Your Dog in the Car

In the summer you car gets too hot and in the winter it can get too cold. Don’t bring Fido along on your weekend errands this winter. Freezing temperatures are just as dangerous as extremely hot temperatures. 

8. Don’t Walk on Frozen Ponds

Just because a body of water looks completely frozen, doesn’t mean it is. Don’t let your dog walk on any frozen body of water. More than likely, their body weight will be enough to cause a crack in the ice and they could fall in. Extremely cold water will shock their system, causing enough panic that they won’t be able to swim their way out and could drown. 

Also be sure not to let your dog wander in unfamiliar areas, as they could come across a frozen body of water on their own and you may not notice until it’s too late. 

9. Give Them a Warm, Cozy Spot Indoors

Nothings better than spending a cold winter day curled up with some hot chocolate. Treat your dog to that same luxury by giving them their own cozy spot inside. Make sure they have a warm bed and blanket to lay in and warm up after playing outside in the cold snow. 

10. Know Your Dog

My number one tip to keep your dog safe in the cold is to simply know your dog. Every dog is different and can tolerate different weather conditions at different levels. Monitor your dog closely when they’re outside and adjust as needed. If your dog is happy to play in the snow for an hour then that’s great! But if they’re shivering after 5 minutes, be sure to bring them inside. 

Is your dog a huge fan of the snow and cold?

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.