Dogs can really enjoy the snow and winter weather, whether in the home country or during winter sports. Yet the cold also poses dangers. Hypothermia can be a serious threat and some diseases are more dangerous in winter than in summer. That is why it is important to adjust the food of the dog and to keep the animal dry. Keeping the toes ice-free is also important. If the dog likes to play on the ice, it can also pose dangers.
Hypothermia
Like many people do
Some dogs are naturally resistant to the cold / Source: John Emms (1844 ?? 1912), Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
suspected hypothermia is a great danger to the dog in winter. Ultimately, any dog can become hypothermic in certain circumstances, but some dogs are more sensitive to it than others. Especially small and slender dogs can quickly suffer from it. To prevent the dog from becoming hypothermic, it is advisable to adjust the duration of the walks. A large dog, or a cold-tolerant breed, can easily run outside for hours. Small and short-haired dogs are better off walking a bit shorter more often.
Keep dry
To prevent the dog from becoming hypothermic or contracting an illness, it is recommended to keep the dog dry as much as possible. Snow on the dog quickly thaws. Because the dog is wet, it cools down much faster. This can entail many dangers. Furthermore, the snow can freeze back under certain circumstances, which can be dangerous for the health of the dog. Keeping the dog dry is the wisest thing to do, but this is not always possible. If the dog gets wet, it is best to rub it dry with a towel after the walk.
Eating more and more often
The colder it is, the more energy dogs have? and other animals ?? have to put in keeping their bodies warm. Furthermore, many dogs love the snow and play in it for hours. This also takes a lot of energy. Therefore remember to give the dog a little more to eat. It may also be wise to feed the dog more often. For example, a dog that gets one meal a day can also get some kibble at a different time.
Sometimes it can be wise to give the dog an ‘extra coat’ / Source: SlimVirgin, Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Dress up?
Some people swear by dog dressing, but this is often more for fashion reasons than the dog itself. In cold winters, certain dogs may benefit from a little extra insulation. This is especially necessary if, for example, they have undergone surgery and have been shaved for this, but for certain breeds this is always advisable at sub-zero temperatures. Make sure that these dogs have something on the legs, through the legs they lose a lot of heat.
Toes free of ice
Ice easily forms between the dog’s toes. This can cause a lot of pain for the animal. To prevent this from happening, the hairs can be cut at the sole of the foot. This up to about ten centimeters above the sole of the foot. Pay particular attention to the hairs between the toes. Another option is to smear the legs with petroleum jelly. This should be repeated on longer walks as the petroleum jelly wears away. There is also a special means to lubricate the legs, ?? potevoks til hunde ?? from Diafarm. This further protects against the sprinkled brine as well.
On the ice
As with human money, many dogs love to play on the ice. However, this can entail dangers. A dog can also slip. This way he can easily break a leg. If your dog likes to play on the ice, keep a close eye on him. If he walks a bit insecure and slides a lot, keep him off the ice. If he knows how to keep his balance well, there is nothing wrong with a little ice fun.
Eating snow
Many dogs love to chase balls. Tennis balls are often a favorite, but these are often exchanged for snowballs in winter. Some dogs see playing with snow as a good reason to eat it. In principle, this is not toxic, but it can be harmful. Especially the intestines can be damaged by eating too much snow. In small quantities this is not a problem, but if the dog is going to eat a lot of snow this can cause problems. Should this happen, stop throwing snowballs in front of the dog. Get angry with him if he eats snow again, and above all, make sure the dog has plenty to drink. Too little water can be a reason for the dog to eat snow.
Join us on winter sports
Most dogs like to play in the snow. They really enjoy going on winter sports with the boss. If the dog goes on winter sports, there are a number of things to pay attention to, namely:
- Is the dog allowed in the hotel / apartment?
- What are the regulations regarding dogs in the country? Think of leash duty, duty to clean up, but also vaccinations and possibly prohibited dogs.
- The things of the dog (basket, tray, extra leash and collar)
- Safety in the car, when you go on holiday by car
- A dog passport
- The vaccinations, these must be given on time
- Can the dog loose? It is advisable to check in advance where the dog can be released in the vicinity of the area where you are staying.
