PAWSH MAGAZINE | A New Breed of Dog Magazine

Welcome to winter everyone! Although it has been a mild couple of days here in Toronto, the cold will inevitably be returning once again, so to prepare our pets and make sure we keep them as safe and as snugly as possible, here are five winter dog safety tips.

DOG WINTER SAFETY TIP #1: IF YOU’RE COLD, THEY’RE COLD
It really irks me when I hear people (usually non dog-owners) say, “The dog has a fur coat. He’ll be fine outside.” This is simply not true. Dogs feel the cold just like we do. If you have a short-haired pupster, invest in a proper winter jacket for him. If your dog is starting to shake and tremble while out for their walk, call it early and take them back inside. Avoid the risk of frostbite by playing it safe rather than sorry and realizing that dogs are not invincible.

DOG WINTER SAFETY TIP #2: PUMP UP THE PROTEIN
Not by too much and of course always consult with your vet before altering your pet’s diet, but often times increasing your pet’s protein intake will help them to grow thicker, warmer coats to ward off chilly winter breezes.

DOG WINTER SAFETY TIP #3: AVOID SIDEWALK SALTS
Little paws are extremely sensitive to sidewalk salts and can easily crack, bleed and cause considerable pain. Avoid areas that are covered in horrid little salt crystals whenever possible. Sometimes of course that is impossible, so consider buying some little boots for your dog. Yes, they will look ridiculous. Yes they will have an exceptional ‘funny walk’ happening, but the boots will protect their paws from harm.

If your dog absolutely will not wear a pair of boots, consider a pet paw balm instead available at most pet supply stores. And be sure to gently towel dry their paws after a walk so that pieces of salt don’t linger and further irritate their sensitive tootsies!

DOG WINTER SAFETY TIP #4: USE PLASTIC OR CERAMIC
Did you know that vets see a lot of injured pet tongues during the winter? Know why? It is because some furry friends try to drink out of metal dishes in the cold and their tongues get stuck. Help them stay hydrated and unstuck by opting for plastic or ceramic bowls.

DOG WINTER SAFETY TIP #5: KEEP THEM WARM
You many think that your furry friend is snug as a bug whenever indoors, but in reality a lot of homes temperatures drop significantly during the evenings and early morning. Be sure your pet has a lovely place to sleep, somewhere raised up from the ground and covered in blankets so they can burrow and have some extra warmth if need be.

Another thing to keep in mind is that if you bath your dog during the winter, keep them warm immediately after getting out of the tub and do not take them outdoors until they are completely dry. Otherwise they might catch a nasty chill.

{Photography by Pawsh Studio}

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