Brrr! It’s Cold Outside For you and for your dog.

by Casey Hampf
By: Judy Hamontre, AVHS Vice Chair
We all know our mountain valley gets cold in the winter, but it seems like it is even colder this year with temperatures dipping down into the single digits and lately, even below zero. That is without the wind chill factored in.
We humans take precautions when we venture outdoors, adding more layers of clothing, limiting our time outside, and only going out if necessary.
Hopefully we are being just as careful with our furry friends, protecting them from winter’s bitter elements.
The American Veterinary Association offers valuable guidelines for canine safety in cold weather.
Limit outdoor time and keep dogs moving without over-exerting them. Shorten walks. If it is extra windy, avoid dirt roads and paths that might blast your dogs with blowing dirt, rocks and tumbleweed, which can cause eye irritation and inflammation.
Bundle pooches up in dry, clean sweaters or coats that adequately cover their bodies without restricting movement.
If they will allow it, put on boots. If not, when you come in, clean their paws thoroughly, especially between the pads. Keeping hair clipped between pads may cut down on the accumulation of snow and ice. Remember salt and other deicer compounds can harm a dog’s paws, and if they lick their paws, there is a chance they could be poisoned.
If your furry pals get wet, dry and warm them immediately by rubbing them down with warm towels from the dryer. Add extra blankets to their beds, keep them clean and in a warm spot in the house but not near a space heater that could burn pets or get knocked over causing a fire.
Check dogs’ eyes and ears. Cold, dry weather can dry out eyes and in some breeds predisposed to eye irritation, cause cornea scarring. Low temperatures and high moisture can increase the incidence of ear infections. Keep ears clean and see a veterinarian if problems develop.
It is not recommended to leave dogs unattended outside. Observe them! Whining, shivering, anxious behavior, slowing down, stopping activity or looking for a place to burrow may be signs of hypothermia.
Frostbite is harder to detect and needs a veterinarian’s attention. Limping and licking paws may be signs.
It is not recommended to leave pets in a cold car. A hot car is an oven. A cold car is a refrigerator.
Finally, remember that some dogs are more susceptible to winter conditions than others depending on their breed, size, color, coat, body fat stores, age, health, and activity level. Know what your dog can tolerate. Your veterinarian can advise you if you have questions.
Winter is well under way with many more weeks to come. Keep your furry friends warm and safe. Play and exercise with them indoors. Limit outdoor time and use caution. Let them romp and play in the snow if they like to do so and it is not too cold. Keep them away from frozen lakes and ponds.
Once inside, dry, clean and warm them. Cuddle lots and love often, casting away the cold outside.
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