Winter is a season for cozy nights in, walks in the beautiful snow, and spending time with your loved ones, whether they have two legs or four! To have a safe, enjoyable winter with your dog, it’s essential for pet owners to understand the unique, often hidden hazards posed by the season.
By educating yourself, you can protect your pup from these risks, ensuring a great winter and beyond. In this guide, we cover 10 winter hazards that might not be immediately obvious, and how to keep your dog safe and sound.
1. Reduced Exercise
Between the cold weather and the near-constant snow or rain, it can be challenging to stay consistent about taking your dog for walks or to make sure each walk is long enough. Reduced exercise can lead to a few challenges with your dog, including excess energy (which might result in hyperactivity, excessive barking, chewing, or other unwanted behaviours) and of course, weight gain. While it’s normal to be slightly more lax about exercising your dog in the winter, do your best to keep up with your usual routine, and pay attention to any weight changes in your dog.
2. Antifreeze
It’s not uncommon for antifreeze to spill from cars in parking lots and driveways. Unfortunately, this poisonous chemical contains substances that make it smell appetizing to cats and dogs alike.
When walking your dog, make sure to keep an eye on them and prevent them from licking the ground or drinking out of puddles. If you spill antifreeze in your driveway, make sure to clean it up right away. Also, wipe your dog’s feet off after walks to make sure there’s no antifreeze on their paws—otherwise your pup will lick it off. Signs of antifreeze consumption include lethargy, vomiting, and clumsiness, and time is of the essence when it comes to treatment. Contact a vet immediately if you suspect your dog has ingested antifreeze.
3. Road Salt and Grit
Like antifreeze, road salt and grit are often found on the ground in the winter. Dogs will often try to lick these off the ground or their paws if given the chance. However, road salt often contains other ice-melting chemicals and compounds that can be extremely harmful if ingested. Also, the sheer quantity of sodium (and the irritating gravel particles used in conjunction with road salt) can be very hazardous to your dog. Furthermore, the salt and grit particles can stick to your dog’s paws and cause injuries.
Make sure to keep an eye on your dog during walks to ensure they aren’t licking anything off the ground, and wipe off their paws as soon as you get home. You can also get a pair of special dog booties to protect your dog’s paws.
4. Ice
Ice is a common winter hazard for us people, but dogs are just as susceptible. While dogs have better balance than us thanks to their four legs, it’s still entirely possible for them to slip on ice and get injured, especially if your dog is older. Thin ice over creeks, streams, and ponds also poses a threat—your dog might walk onto it thinking that it’s solid ground, only to fall through and into freezing water. Keep a close eye on the terrain during walks, move a little slower than normal, and keep your dog on a shorter leash when walking near frozen water sources.
5. Cold Weather
Dogs have an advantage in cold weather thanks to their fur, but that doesn’t mean they’re protected from the risk of hypothermia. If you’re starting to get cold on a walk, your dog will probably be cold soon after, especially if they’re a smaller breed, have a thinner coat, or if they’re a senior dog.
Counteract this by taking multiple short walks instead of a single long one, or by investing in special dog jackets to help keep them warm. Also, make sure there’s a cozy spot in the house for your dog to relax and warm up during the colder days.
6. Cars
Most people know that leaving your dog in a hot car is extremely dangerous. However, did you know that cold cars are almost equally as hazardous? In freezing conditions, a parked car essentially becomes a refrigerator. If your dog is left in there for too long, they’ll start to develop hypothermia, which can be a serious concern if left untreated for too long. In general, you should never leave your dog locked in a car in hot or cold weather.
7. Pest Traps
It’s common to see more rats and mice in the house during the winter season, prompting many homeowners to set up mechanical or poison traps. If you have a dog in the house, take great care with setting these traps, as they can be hazards to your pet as well as pests.
Traditional snap traps can injure the snout of a curious dog, particularly if certain bait is used such as peanut butter—this is something both dogs and rodents enjoy. Certain poisons may also entice your pup enough to have a taste, potentially leading to serious health issues. Poisons also pose another risk if your dog hunts pests—a poisoned rat or mouse can harm your dog if ingested. We recommend avoiding poison traps altogether, and only placing mechanical traps if you’re absolutely certain that they’re inaccessible to your dog at all times.
8. Holiday Hazards
If your family celebrates the winter holidays, it’s vital that you take precautions to protect them from the many holiday hazards that dogs face. Holiday decorations, string lights, and lit candles can all potentially harm a dog, while the dinner-table staples of the season, such as the bones in your cooked turkey or the chocolate in your holiday baking, can be hazardous if your dog manages to sneak a bite.
For an in-depth guide to taking care of your pup over the winter holidays, read our Ultimate Holiday Care Guide for Dogs.
9. Exposed Heaters
If you supplement your home’s heating with additional space heaters or even a fireplace, make sure to keep a close eye on your dog. Your dog will likely gravitate towards these sources of warmth, but they risk burns or even starting a fire if they get too close. Don’t leave your dog unattended around heaters, and make sure the heater is securely standing so that you don’t risk it getting knocked over and starting a fire.
10. Fireworks
Fireworks displays are a common part of certain holiday celebrations. Many dogs find these explosions extremely distressing, causing anxiety, fear, or even aggressive behaviour in some cases. If you expect fireworks to go off, we recommend being proactive and setting up a quiet, calming space for your dog beforehand. Equip it with a bed, favourite blankets, treats, toys, and anything else that will help your dog stay comfortable. Stay with them to help them remain calm and at ease until the fireworks are over. Your veterinarian can help your pet with calming medications when such an event is foreseeable.
These tips are a great place to start for keeping your dog safe, healthy, and happy through the winter season. If you’re looking for more specific advice or guidance on treating a particular concern, there’s no replacement for maintaining a relationship with a trusted veterinarian. They’re your go-to resource for tips on reducing these winter hazards, answering questions about dog care during winter, and of course, diagnosis and treatment in the event care for your dog is needed.
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