The winter months in the Berkshires can be a tough time for our four-legged friends. They have to deal with cold temperatures, snow, ice, and more. If your dog is still on the smaller side or has short hair, he may need extra protection from the weather. In this blog post, we will give you some tips that will help keep your pup safe during these chilly months!
Keep Your Dog Warm
One of the most important things you can do to keep your dog safe during the winter is to make sure they stay warm. If your dog spends a lot of time outside, be sure to provide them with a warm shelter and plenty of blankets when they come back in.
If your dog spends a lot of time outside during the winter, be sure to keep them safe by dressing them appropriately for their size. If they are small enough, you may even want to consider getting one or two jackets so that they can have an extra layer of warmth!
Keep Your Dog Dry
Dogs can get cold just like people do, and they can also catch a cold. A wet dog is more likely to get sick, so always make sure your pup stays dry during winter weather before letting them go outside.
Keep Them Away From Road Salt
Salt can be dangerous during the winter. It can be difficult for dogs to avoid stepping on salt, so it’s important that you try to keep them away from areas where people might use a lot of this product on their sidewalks or roads. Salt can irritate your dog’s paws and make them very sick if ingested. You may even want to consider getting them a pair of boots to wear on walks.
Be Mindful of Winter Chemicals
If your pup does spend a lot of time outdoors, be sure to watch out for chemicals that might have been put down on the sidewalks and roads. If they happen to step in something like antifreeze or another type of chemical designed to melt ice, this could lead to serious problems such as organ failure if not addressed immediately.
Frequently Check Paws for Scratches, Scrapes, and Ice Buildup
It’s important to check your dog’s paws often during the winter months. If they have been out in the snow and ice a lot, there is a chance their paw pads could become scratched or scraped. In addition, you should also be sure to clean off any buildup of ice that may happen between their toes while they are walking around outside.
If possible, try to get your pup booties that will help protect their paws from getting cut up by rough surfaces like asphalt or concrete sidewalks if they spend a lot of time outdoors. Booties can also act as an extra layer of protection against salt soaks.
Winter Car Safety
Dogs can be just as affected by winter weather conditions while in a car as humans. Make sure to never leave your dog alone in a car during the winter, even if it’s for just a few minutes. The cold temperatures inside a vehicle can quickly cause hypothermia for your dog.
Take Them for a Walk
Even if it’s cold outside, be sure to take your pup for a walk on a regular basis. This will help keep them active and healthy during the winter months. Just be sure to dress them appropriately for the weather!
Bring Your Dog to Doggy Daycare
A great way to keep your dog active during the winter months is to take them to a dog daycare. Facilities, like Berkshire Dogs Unleashed, provide plenty of opportunities for your dog to get the socialization and exercise they need during the winter. Give us a call today at (413) 464-6384 if you have any questions or would like to bring your dog in for an appointment.