It’s A Dog’s Life—

Winterizing Tips For Your Dog

By Mary Jane Anderson

Now is the time of the year for you to think about the winter months that lay ahead for your dog. With the winter season upon us, we have winterized our cars and homes, but did you ever think about winterizing your dog?

For dogs that enjoy the snow and live outdoors during the winter, they need a doghouse that is wind tight, watertight, and adequately insulated. The house should face the south. A curtain should be nailed over the opening to keep out rain or snow. A good bedding of shredded newspaper or cedar shavings provides warmth. The newspaper or shavings are cleaner than blankets since blankets retain moisture and invite fleas, ticks, and other parasites. The doghouse should be cleaned frequently to prevent infections from unsanitary living quarters. Dogs living outdoors should be given warm water rather than cold water because the cold will chill his stomach and upset the bowels.

Dogs living in the house should keep their beds away from heat. Heat dries out the dog’s coat and causes skin problems. Dogs that live in a house do not develop a thick coat for the winter and, therefore, if they are outdoors for long periods of time, they should be protected from the cold by wearing a coat or sweater.

During the winter months, your dog should be given an increase of fats or oils for protection against dry skin. This also provides more heat and energy against the cold. According to the size of the dog, a teaspoon or tablespoon of vegetable oil should be used. Water in the house should be room temperature and should be fresh.

Even though it is cold and snowy, all dogs need daily exercise throughout the winter months. Small dogs need a brisk walk three times a day, while larger dogs require frequent runs. An underexercised dog can easily become overweight, especially in the winter. Overfeeding and insufficient exercise are the main cause for fat, lazy puppies and adult dogs. Lack of exercise brings digestive disorders and physical and mental sluggishness. Long walks are beneficial to both the owner and the dog. Walk briskly in the beginning and then slowly increase into longer walks. This is the beginning of training your dog to walk on a leash. Outdoor pens or fenced-in areas are desirable so that your dog can have some freedom of his own.

If you walk your dog on the road during periods of ice and snow, you should pay special attention to your dog’s feet. Snow and ice collect in the webs between their toes. Sand and salt on the roads irritate their sensitive pads. These agents can be harmful to your dog as he licks his feet to clean them. Always rinse their feet immediately after walking in ice and snow.

Finally, outside dogs should not be given a bath except in an emergency. Indoor dogs should be given a bath less frequently. If they are given a bath, they should remain indoors three or four hours after the bath so that they are thoroughly dry before they go out into the cold. Brushing can be sufficient during the winter months for most dogs.

Winter can be a fun time for your dog as he runs around in the snow with you and the children.

Have a happy and safe time this winter.