How to Keep Your Dog Safe Outdoors in Winter

It's easy to keep your dog safe outdoors in winter months. Unfortunately, it's also easy to make a mistake that can cost your dog's life or limbs. Learn how to protect your dog from the real and serious danger of winter cold and freezing winds.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. SHELTER. If your dog will be spending more than a few minutes outdoors alone in the winter cold, adequate shelter is essential to his or her survival. Traditional dog houses do not provide enough protection from rain, snow, sleet, or windchill to keep your dog from quickly freezing to death in extreme temperatures. In order for to survive the great outdoors in winter, your dog's house or shelter should effectively block all wind and moisture from entering. A good winter doghouse or shelter will block the entrance when your dog isn't using it. The doghouse or shelter structure should also be insulated. You should be able to see your dog while he or she is inside the shelter to be sure they are safe. Know that even with adequate shelter, most dogs should not be exposed to extreme winter weather conditions for long. Ask your vet how long is recommended for your dog's breed.

2. 
    
   Dogs Need Lots of Food in Winter

   FOOD AND WATER. Dogs who spend time outdoors in winter require extra calories to generate the heat they need to survive for even short excursions. Make sure your dog has enough food to keep up with his physical demands. Also, your dog's outdoor water bowl will likely freeze in extreme conditions, making it difficult and dangerous to use. Check your dog's water dish frequently. If ice has formed, remove it and refill your dog's water supply. Never provide metal or ceramic food or water dishes to your dog outside as serious injury or death could result.

3. 
    
   Check Your Dog Often

   CHECK UP. If your dog will be unsupervised while outdoors in extreme winter conditions, be sure to check frequently and monitor his or her condition. It doesn't take long for a dog to suddenly and unexpectedly succumb to cold.

4. 
    
   Limit Exposure to the Winter Elements

   LIMIT TIME OUTDOORS. Your dog will need exercise all year long, but in wintertime outdoor safety should be your first priority. No matter why your dog is outdoors, you should not expose them to the elements for long periods of time without first talking to your vet. Keep walks short and to the point. It is better to walk half a mile four times a day than walk two miles once.

5. ORANGE. Drivers and hunters both experience decreased visibility in winter months-- even when the weather is calm. Make sure your dog wears bright orange to make him or her more visible to unintended threats.

6. PAW PROTECTION. Whether on a walk or in the back yard, make sure your dog's paws are protected from the cold and sharp ice. Dogs can experience frostbite even when there is no snow or ice on the ground. When snow or ice are present, your dog is at risk of serious laceration if bare paws are exposed. Dog boots are available at most pet stores, but most dogs hate them. Another option is to cover your dog's feet with a protective wax, also available at most pet stores.

7. NO CHOKE CHAINS!!! If your dog normally wears a choke chain, remove it when outdoors in winter months. Choke chains always pose a strangulation risk to dogs, but in winter months that risk is much higher. As your dog's choke chain gets cold, even icy, the links move less easily. The choke chain could constrict around your dog's throat and stick in that position. Also, choke chains conduct cold, putting those freezing conditions against the skin of your dog's neck.

8. 
    
   Keep Your Dog Away from Water in Winter

   BODIES OF WATER. Keep dogs leashed and away from bodies of water. It only takes a second for your dog to dart for the ice or even into an open section of lake. Your dog likely cannot comprehend the extreme temperature difference between summer water and winter water. An impulsive decision on your dog's part could easily result in death.

9. KEEP CLEAN. Antifreeze and other chemicals commonly slopped around in winter can be hazardous to your dog's health. After walking on or near a road, be sure to clean your dog's paws and fur. These chemicals will be ingested by your dog when they clean themselves. Be sure to clean the poison off before they do it themselves.

10. BEWARE OF DOG. Your dog is easy to overlook in winter months. His or her coat is likely an earth tone and blends in well with dirty snow. Posting a sign at the entrance of your driveway will make unfamiliar visitors aware that there is a dog present and they should drive with extra caution.

11. NO SPACE HEATERS. Every year there are more reports of tragic and preventable fires caused by individuals who were trying to car for their dog. Space heaters are dangerous even with adult supervision. Left alone with a space heater accident, your dog has no capacity to handle the emergency. Don't let a good, but misguided gesture put your dog, your home, and your family at risk. Never leave a dog alone with a space heater... NEVER.

Tips & Warnings

• For information on how to best keep YOUR dog safe in winter months, speak to your veterinarian.

[Limowreck]

on 12/19/2008 Winter weather conditions can pose a life threatening risk to our beloved pets. Thanks for the comment, Smith.

[02SmithA]

on 12/11/2008 Can't forget about those lovable dogs in the harsh winter!