Dangers for a dog in winter: list, reasons, what to do

Frostbite

If it is cold outside, most likely your dog will not be happy with a long walk. Of course, certain breeds, such as Husky, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs and the Moscow Watchdog are able to tolerate a drop in temperature to -40 ° C and sincerely enjoy the frost, but even these breeds are not always ready to stay outside in snowstorms.

In winter, we can have rather unpleasant weather when frost reaches -20⁰С. Air temperature can drop far below zero, and winds can penetrate warm clothes through. Do not forget that representatives of the same breed also tolerate the weather in different ways. If a dog is used to living in an apartment, it will surely freeze faster. Each dog is different, and the breed of pocket dogs is not at all adapted to the cold.

Your dog’s paws, ears and nose are exposed to the same air temperature as your exposed body parts. It is the nose, ears, mammary glands of bitches and scrotum cables that can get frostbite. If you freeze or notice that your dog begins to raise its paws more often than usual, then it’s time to go inside. Do not forget to buy dogs overalls and other clothes that will warm them during winter walks in the fresh air.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia or hypothermia can occur in your dog if it is outdoors for a long period of time. Even if your dog lives outside, please consider moving your dog inside the house during extremely cold weather.

If the dog is not at all accustomed to living in the house, provide her with high-quality heating of the booth, which she needs in severe frost. After hypothermia, serious problems with the dog’s health can occur, such as disturbances in blood circulation and the collection of the immune and respiratory systems.

Paws crack

Damage to paws in the winter in dogs is one of the most common problems. Roads covered with ice and snow crust can very injure the paw pads. As soon as you notice the appearance of cracks, try to limit the activity of the dog for the period of healing of the cracks. For the winter period, check the pet’s paws daily, if necessary, wipe with hydrogen peroxide, but not too often so as not to cause the skin to dry out.

Ice

It is in winter that there is a high risk of ice. During walks, stretching of the ligaments and tendons of the animal is possible. Although the dog’s body is designed for active movement, ice can even lead to dislocations and fractures. In winter, reduce excessive activity on the pavement and avoid places where ice fragments may be present.

Holiday food

New Year’s holidays are a great time to get together with friends and family and enjoy a meal. However, this food can be dangerous for your dog. During a walk on Christmas holidays, you can enjoy mulled wine and delicious dishes right on the street. However, anything high in salt can cause your dog to drink too much water and suffer from bloating.

Raisins and grapes can cause kidney failure. Bakery products, sweets, and peanut butter may contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Chocolate and alcohol are also potentially deadly to dogs.

Antifreeze

Winter is the time when drivers begin to use antifreeze in cars. You can spill it carelessly or leave it open in the place where the dog gets to it. Antifreeze can also leak from automobile radiators to the ground. This liquid has a sweet taste, so dogs will often lick it.

Antifreeze tends to remain on its paws, which the dog will lick when it is at home. That is why it is always important to wipe the puppy’s legs when you return home from a walk in the winter. Antifreeze contains a substance called ethylene glycol, which is extremely toxic to animals. Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning range from drunken behavior to coma and death.