Winter is not coming; it’s here.
Snow-covered football fields in Philadelphia and Buffalo last weekend were the result of a month full of winter storms across the country, and more of the same could be coming this week, particularly across the South.
Snow, from multiple wintry blasts, remains on the ground in Charlottesville and now the city is dealing with temperatures dipping into single digits.
Bundled-up humans – especially if they own a sled and are within walking distance of a good hill – can find plenty of fun in these conditions. But what about dogs?
Not all of our loyal, furry companions are made to withstand the cold and snow. UVA Today reached out to University of Virginia alumna and veterinarian Dr. Jessie Miller of Autumn Trails Veterinarian Center in Charlottesville for tips on keeping your dog safe in the frosty air.
“Overall,” Miller said, “snow can be an awesome experience for your pup, as long as you pay attention to how they are doing and take appropriate precautions.”
Q. Playing with dogs in the snow can be fun, but is there a limit to how long they should be out in cold weather?
A. Just like humans, dogs can get cold in the cold weather. The duration that they can be outside varies depending upon several factors.
Coat length, body fat, their activity level while outside and their general health are some of the things to consider when playing outside. Short-coated dogs, dogs that are on the thinner side or dogs with underlying medical issues that make it harder for them to thermoregulate should probably spend less time outside when it’s cold.
There is, of course, individual variation, and, typically, if you pay attention to how your pup is behaving, you’ll often have a pretty good idea if they are comfortable temperature-wise outside. Always check with your vet if you’re on the fence about whether your dog should have limitations to their activity during weather extremes.
Q. Should you let your dog eat snow?
A. While eating snow in and of itself isn’t too harmful, it can be hard to determine if the snow is just snow. Chemicals put down to prevent icing can be in snow as well as parasites and other pathogens.
A bite of snow here and there is unlikely to cause significant health problems for most pups, but we have certainly had patients this winter who have presented with severe gastrointestinal upset after eating large quantities of snow.
If it’s in a trusted area and your pup takes the occasional bite of snow, it’s unlikely to be an issue, but it’s best to avoid allowing them to ingest too much.
Q. Should dog owners be concerned about walking their dogs on salted sidewalks or roads?
A. Unfortunately, significant amounts of salt/deicer can indeed cause irritation to your furry friend’s feet. Chemicals, like antifreeze, can get on their paws when they walk outside and are toxic in small doses if ingested/licked. Dog booties can be a great solution to this issue – they come in lots of sizes and styles and will do a great job protecting your pup’s feet.
Q. What if your dog refuses to wear booties?
A. Plan to wipe off or wash their paws when they come in from outside. Keeping their paw fur trimmed can help reduce ice and snow buildup as well.
For dogs with injuries or osteoarthritis, walking on the ice can be difficult and uncomfortable, not to mention increasing the chance of falls. It can be helpful to let them take their time and use booties to increase traction if they will tolerate it.
All of that said, letting your dog exercise when it’s cold outside is typically a good chance to get them moving and provide enrichment, as long as you are aware of the environment and how well they may tolerate the colder weather.
Q. Do dogs need winter jackets or sweaters in the cold?
A. Jackets and sweaters are a great plan for dogs with short coats, low body fat or if they have medical conditions that restrict their movement.
Although most dogs have fur coats, many of them benefit from some additional layers – especially in the extreme cold. Some exceptions include pets with thick coats – huskies and malamutes are some good examples – who are made for cold weather.
Regardless of breed, though, dogs should still not be left unattended for long periods of time in the cold.
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