Keeping your Dog Safe and Warm this Winter

Where cold weather is concerned, age is more than a number. Like humans, very young and very old dogs have a harder time regulating body temperature, so they have more extreme reactions to changes in weather. Even when it is cold, Exercise is still important.

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Keeping your Dog Safe and Warm this Winter
     For those of your who live in Oklahoma, you know how it can be 66 one day and then 12 the next! Here are some tips and tricks to help keep your dogs healthy and safe as the weather continues to be all over the place.

     1. Where cold weather is concerned, age is more than a number. Like humans, very young and very old dogs have a harder time regulating body temperature, so they have more extreme reactions to changes in weather. Even when it is cold, Exercise is still important. If your able to safely allow them out, It is a good idea to have a couple sweaters/coats on hand for them to wear. When it is not, set up easy obstacle courses, walk them around the house or play fetch inside!

     2. Check your dog's paws frequently for signs of cold-weather injury or damage, such as cracked paw pads or bleeding. During a walk, a sudden lameness may be due to an injury or may be due to ice accumulation between his/her toes. Dogs with injuries or who are older in age are also more likely to slip so be weary of ice.

     3. When your dog comes back in from the cold or snow, wipe down (or even wash) your dogs paws and belly to
help remove the risk of poisoning from chemicals like ice melt or antifreeze. 

      4. Just like hot cars can be life-threatening, so can cold cars. They can become like refrigerators very quickly which also rapidly cools down your dogs temperature. When it can be avoided, either bring your dog with you into the store/location you are visiting or leave them at home where they can stay warm.

   5. With Winter also come risk for severe weather and power outages. It is important to be prepared for these things. When creating your emergency kit keep your pet in mind as well. Make sure they have enough food, water and medicine for a week.

Any other tips you keep in mind when its chilly outside? We'd love to hear!