9 Tips to Keep Your Dog Healthy & Safe During the Winter

As the cold weather starts settling down, your pet dog may also be feeling the chill. Here are 9 tips to keep them safe, snug and warm until summertime:

1. Be on the lookout for any antifreeze or engine coolant spills. Coolant and antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean any spills that may be on your garage floor, and if possible switch to products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. This will ensure safety of your dog from these dangerous chemicals.

2. Even if your dogs are kept outdoors, make sure their outdoor areas are sheltered from the rain, sleet, snow and wind. If possible, keep your dogs close to enclosed shelters such as insulated doghouses or covered kennels during cold spells.

3. As you well know, winter air can be extremely drying, leaving pets dehydrated, just as they are during the hot summer months. Take care that your pet has plenty of water at regular intervals.

4. More dogs are lost during the winter months of November, December and January than during any other season, so make sure your dogs always wears identification that is difficult to remove. Some options are tattooing and microchipping.

5. The ice, sleet and snow that can cover your dog's legs, stomach and paws can contain salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals that your dog may ingest when licking his legs and paws. Always wipe or rinse off your dogs paws, legs and underside when you return from a walk. If you have a dog who has fur that acts like an ice magnet, I will share a secret with you. Before you go on a walk with your dog, spray his fur with Pam. This non-stick cooking spray will coat your dog's hair so that ice and snow will slide right off, and it prevents ice crystals from tangling up a long coat.

6. Even though it is a temptation to shave down your dog to reduce the mess that you have to clean up when you return from a winter walk, please don't. If you shave your dog down to the skin in winter it dramatically reduces his ability to maintain his core temperature when outside, even if he has a coat to cover him. Get your dog a winter coat to protect him from the freezing temperatures.

7. Never leave your dog alone in a car or outside in the yard for long periods of time during cold weather.

8. Puppies, small dogs and old dogs cannot tolerate the cold as well as healthy adult dogs. Puppies may be difficult to housebreak during the winter due to their dislike of the foul weather. If your dog is reluctant to venture outside due to age, infirmity or breed type, just go with the flow and reduce the length of the walks.

9. Make sure that your dog has a warm place to sleep that is off the floor and away from all drafts. Dogs that are thin, sick or old may need extra padding or blankets during the winter to be comfortable.

Follow these 9 simple steps and your dog will be safe and healthy in the winter.