6 Ways to Keep your Dog Safe this Winter

6. WAYS TO KEEP YOUR DOG SAFE THIS WINTER Besides keeping your dog inside where it's warm - remember these tips for keeping your furriest family member healthy and happy through these frigid winter months: Nutrition: Dogs that spend a good amount of time outdoors may need additional calories to maintain energy and body weight. Increasing food intake during the winter may be necessary for those snow-loving dogs! (Alternatively, those dogs that avoid the cold and spend more time lounging indoors may require fewer calories this time of years!) Talk to your veterinarian about properly adjusting your dog's diet for Winter. Hydration: As always, it's important that your dog have access to clean, fresh water at all times, even outside. Using a plastic bowl (not metal!) keep a supply of fresh water outdoors for your dog. Prevent your pup from eating any ice or snow that may have been contaminated by antifreeze and/or salt. Protection: Despite their fur coats, dogs CAN get frostbite, particularly on their paws. Ice, snow, even frozen driveways and sidewalks can lead to frostbite on unprotected paws. A pair of booties, a smear of paw-protectant, and as a last resort, a spray of non-stick cooking spray can protect your pup's paws while they're outdoors. In addition to frostbite, paws are at risk for injury due to sharp ice, road salts, antifreeze, and hazards hidden under the snow. Identification: Make sure your dog is wearing a collar and ID tags whenever he's outside, especially in the Winter. Snow and ice on the ground can mask smells, making it difficult for him to find his way back home if lost. Better yet, microchip your pets! In the event that their collars are lost or removed, a microchip will always make it possible for your dog to be identified if found. Thoroughly check your dog's paws each time she comes indoors, looking closely for redness, irritation, or tiny cuts. Be sure to remove any snow or ice that has built up between her toes. Grooming: Consult your favorite groomer or vet before grooming your dog in the Winter. Many dogs' natural coats are designed to insulate them from the Safety Indoors: In the Winter, we use a variety of methods to keep our homes cozy and warm. If you're using a fireplace, make sure it's adequately screened to prohibit your pets from getting too close. Keep space heaters, heating pads, and electric blankets out of reach of cold, particularly those breeds with double-coats. Closely trimming your dog's coat could be destroying his natural insulation. Some other breeds, however, are better suited for Winter with a hair trim, especially removing excess fur from around paw pads that act as a trap for ice and snow. Dogs with short or coarse single-coats may need a sweater or jacket to stay your pet and never leave them unattended. SHARE YOUR LOVE OF DOGS AT www.DogingtonPost.com warm.