Doggone Etiquette —

Winter Retirement

By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog:                           

How are you coping with the winter weather we’ve had so far? You golden oldies may be considering retirement down South, but more likely you are a tried and true Connecticut Yankee and ready to tackle snow drifts head-on. No, my aged athlete, you’d better watch it! When you are slipping and sliding on a very cold surface, it is not always called ice skating. Each of your four legs could go off in four different directions, causing you some very serious damage as well as embarrassment. We’ll talk to your VIPeople about winter safety for all dogs, but especially you special Senior Pooches.

A Word to the Dog’s Owner:            

Winter doesn’t officially arrive until December 22 regardless of that October preview so many of us had! There is still time for all you owners of older dogs to take precautions beyond antifreeze and rock salt that you would routinely take for younger dogs. Much depends on the breed, size, age, and even natural coat of the dog, but all canine senior citizens need a lot more care taken when winter hits us.                

Have Old Rufus checked by your vet to be sure there are no health problems such as arthritis, or failing sight, or hearing that you haven’t noticed. The dog can’t wear sunglasses, but if he is losing his vision, you’ll know that glaring snow and ice are real hazards. Aching joints are another reason not to leave Old Rufus outside in the cold.     

Only a few dogs come equipped with ready-made winter fur coats! Man-made coats, on the other hand, are available in just about every color, size, and fabric for every dog in need of a bit of protection – or just to look fashionable. Here are a couple of tips before you make the purchase. Be sure the coat will go on easily, or you may get involved in a daily argument about it. Also, be sure it is the correct size so that it provides adequate cover and will stay in place when Rufus, Sr. is out walking with you, or just trotting around the yard. Choice of fabric and color are strictly up to you!         

Feet are another concern. Nails need to be just long enough for the dog to grasp the ground, be it snow, ice, or cold mud. Nails that are too long can cause the feet to hit the ground in a way that causes severe pain. Old Rufus may need (or enjoy) the addition of doggie boots to protect against cold surfaces – again such as ice, snow, or simply the cold ground. It’s important for the elderly dog to get enough exercise, but short walks, at a slow pace, and on lead for safety, will do it. No need for anything more vigorous if Rufus is not up to it.                

Since an older dog generally prefers to stay indoors and sleep most of the day, there are safety hazards which apply to all dogs, regardless of age. Most dog owners today are aware of the dangers of antifreeze. (It’s sweet and therefore tempting, but it is also lethal!) One that is often overlooked is to keep all dogs from getting close to any source of heat – hot-air ducts, baseboard heating, heaters, and of course fireplaces. A warm dog bed (or a blanket on “his end” of the couch) is fine, but NOT near the heat outlet.        

Another caution, especially for those “seniors” is overeating. A very active dog will eat as much, or possibly even a bit more in cold weather than in the hot summer months. But an inactive dog in the winter can become obese very quickly. No limit on the fresh water, however.

Lots of older dogs perk up in true winter weather, and thoroughly enjoy the snow and the cold. But hitting real canine retirement age doesn’t mean the old guy or gal can head for Palm Beach. In winter, be cautious with your oldie.

Until next time – BE GOOD!

- Bardi

Bardi McLennan bred, trained and showed Welsh Terriers for 30 years, during which time she wrote a monthly column on canine behavior in Dog Fancy Magazine. In addition to contributing to numerous dog publications, she has written 15 books on dogs, the latest being Rescue Me!, which received the ASPCA Humane Issues Award in 2008.