Pooch snow play
Help your dog enjoy winter
SAFETY TIPS
wHen TemPeraTureS are chilly and the ground is damp,
your pet needs a little extra care from you. Here are some
points to remember to keep your dog healthy and protected
from harsh weather conditions:
Dogs need protection from wet and cold both inside
and outside your home. The best way to protect your dog
from the harsh elements is to keep him inside, except for
short sessions of supervised physical activity like walking or
playtime with you.
If you need to bundle up, so does your pet! Smaller dogs
have less body mass so they have less protection against
harsh winter weather. They are also closer to the cold ground
than we are. more than decoration, dog boots, dog sweaters
and dog coats are important protection for dogs. a raincoat
in particular, helps protect your dog’s skin and coat from
pelting rain and snow. a cozy dog sweater raises your pet’s
body temperature. Small dogs aren’t the only ones in need thin coat of petroleum jelly. you can also purchase commercial boots to TIOP
S
of this extra warmth. Shorthaired breeds, puppies, dogs who protect his paws from the elements.
are sick, or older dogs may also need a warm dog sweater.
LEXEY
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Remember, if it’s too cold for you to go outside, then it’s too
.
C
OM
Long-haired dogs should not be outside for more than 20 cold for your pet!
T
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minutes in very cold weather. They are just as susceptible
Sources: The Toronto Humane Society; Halifax Dog Insurance, and Dog-Play
to sudden temperature changes as you are.
T
OCKPHO
IS

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Y


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Animals can suffer from frostbite and hypothermia even Physical activity is not only » If you have a large dog, he might
P
HO
in early winter. Frostbite is most common on your pet’s good for you; it’s good for enjoy pulling you on a sled
paws. Symptoms of frostbite may not appear until a couple animals too! a dog that exercises » Play hide and seek around trees
of days after exposure. Signs to watch for are swollen paws with its human is less likely to have or snow banks in the backyard
and your pet fussing over the area. If this happens, take your behaviour problems and physical » Go for a hike along your
pet to your veterinarian immediately. on the way, wrap your activities can be as much of a favourite trail
pet in dry warm blankets and apply a warm (not hot) water mental health boost as a physical » Contact your veterinarian or
bottle to the affected area. one for humans and dogs alike! local community centre to learn
If you don’t have your own dog, where you can sign up for dog
If your dog is outside with you a lot in the winter, he will you might be able to borrow a agility, obedience and fly ball
need more calories to produce body heat, so increase the pooch from a friend or a neighbour courses
amount you feed him. who will probably appreciate » See if you can outrun your dog
you giving them some additional in a sprint to the nearest tree or
Antifreeze tastes good to pets, but it is a deadly poison. exercise. landmark
Keep an eye out for antifreeze puddles. If you suspect your Here are some activities you can » Play ‘chase your tail’ and run
pet has ingested antifreeze, rush him to your veterinarian try with your favourite healthy dog around in circles; see who gets
immediately. The most likely source of the poison is a radiator this winter: dizziest first
drainage spot in a garage or parking area, which should be » Take turns chasing each other » Teach your dog how to catch a
flushed with water immediately. – some dogs love to chase you, Frisbee mid-air
while others will want you to » Build ‘snow nets’ and try to
When you are outside with your pet, watch out for chase them dribble a soccer ball past your
chemicals used to melt snow on sidewalks, as they irritate » Play fetch with a ball, a stuffed dog without letting his nose
your pet’s paws. always remember to wipe his paws with toy or a stick touch it
a wet cloth after an outing and remove the ice between his » Teach your dog how to skijor
paw pads. If your dog’s paws look sore or irritated, apply a
6 OTTAWA >> WINTER 2008/2009 www.OttawaOutdoors.ca
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