Cold Weather Hazards

Winter's cold air brings lots of concerns for responsible dog owners.

Don't leave your dog outside in the cold for long periods of time. Windchill makes days colder than actual temperature readings. Be attentive to your dog's body temperature and limit time outdoors. If your dog is sensitive to cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only long enough to relieve himself.

Adequate shelter is a necessity. Keep your dog warm, dry and away from drafts. Tiles and uncarpeted areas may become extremely cold, so make sure to place blankets and pads on floors in these areas -- preferably in a nice sunny corner. Keep your humidifier humming to prevent static electricity and dry skin (25-30% humidity is a good goal for most homes).

Be extra careful when walking or playing with your dog near frozen lakes, rivers or ponds. Your dog could slip or jump in and get seriously injured.

Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm. Dogs frequently lose their scent in the snow and ice and easily become lost.

Your dog needs a well-groomed coat to keep him properly insulated. Brush your dog regularly. (The contrast between the bitter outdoors temperature and the dry heat of indoors can cause your dog to develop dry skin, so don't bathe him as often as you do in the summer.) Long-haired dogs like Goldens should have their paw hair clipped to ease snow removal and the cleaning of their feet. 

Apply a thin layer of aloe, petroleum jelly or Pam (the sprayable cooking oil) on your dog's footpads before he heads outside. The oil will help minimize the buildup of ice and snow between toes and if the dog licks his toes, these products are safe.

Thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when he comes in out of the rain, snow or ice. Check the sensitive paw pads which may bleed from snow or ice encrusted in them. Salt, antifreeze or other chemicals could harm your dog if he ingests them while licking his paws. Drying and cleaning his paws also helps avoid tiny cuts and cracked pads. (A little petroleum jelly may soften the pads and prevent further cracking.)

Towel or blow dry your dog (only on the very low setting and hold the dryer at least eight inches away from him) if he gets wet from rain or snow.

Feed your dog more if he spends a lot of time outdoors. It takes more energy in the winter to keep body temperature regulated, so additional calories are necessary.

If your dog is not active in the winter (because you don't exercise him as much as in other seasons), beware that he doesn't gain weight.

Don't leave your dog alone in a car. It gets too cold and carbon monoxide from an engine left running is dangerous.

Outdoor cats sometimes seek warmth under the hood of cars. Bang loudly on the hood of your car and wait a few seconds before starting the engine -- to give the cat a chance to escape.

Keep a supply of canned/dry pet food with other emergency provisions, as well as plenty of water. In case of inclement weather, power outages or natural disasters, your pet will always have enough food.

Health Tips

Dogs cannot talk to us when they are sick, so as a responsible dog owner, it is important to pay special attention to your dog's well being during the winter season.

Antifreeze, which often collects on driveways and roadways, is highly poisonous. Although it smells and tastes good to your dog, it can be lethal.

Provide plenty of fresh water. Your dog is just as likely to get dehydrated in the winter as in the summer. Snow is not a satisfactory substitute for water.

Frostbite is a winter hazard. To prevent frostbite on ears, tail and feet, don't leave your dog outdoors for too long. 

Be very careful of supplemental heat sources. Fireplaces and portable heaters can severely burn your dog. Make sure all fireplaces and wood stoves have screens and keep portable heaters out of reach. 

Like people, dogs seem to be more susceptible to illnesses in the winter. Make sure to take your dog to a veterinarian if you see any suspicious symptoms.

Chocolate is NOT for dogs. Be extra careful on Valentine's Day!

Return to Dog Safety Main Page

This information is made available to you by the efforts of YGRR volunteers. To join them in helping our homeless Goldens, please consider becoming a member or making a donation.

Thank you.

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