live well.
thrive
Dashing Through
the Snow
Winter-proof your pooch
for the great outdoors.
by Dr. Marty Becker
(Well, maybe not better, but more pressing
things like gainful employment and doing
a little laundry.) That’s just fine, because
most dogs would go a little nuts if all
they did for the whole winter season was
snooze in front of the fire. They still need
to go for walks, check the local pee-mail,
and freshen up their territorial scents.
And do you have any idea how wonderful
freshly fallen snow smells to a dog?
The good news is that if your vet says
your dog is healthy, he doesn’t have to go
without a little cross-country sniffing. But
just as we can’t head into the great frozen
outdoors without a few precautions, neither can our dogs.
Dogs need to acclimate to winter
weather. Approach the first cold days with
caution and consider coats or sweaters for
short-coated dogs.
Ice is dangerous for our dogs and for us.
Although their nails give some protection
6
from slippery surfaces, they can still skid
and fall on icy ground, or pull us off our
feet more easily. Consider non-skid footwear for yourself, just to be safe.
Be vigilant in removing ice from your
dog’s coat, especially the fur on his feet,
as well as in his pads and between his
toes. These balls of ice can become
extremely painful.
If you walk your dog in areas where
de-icing chemicals are used, wash his feet
and legs after every trip outdoors. These
chemicals can cause burns on their skin,
or internally if ingested. Don’t think you
can take a quick spin around the block,
pop the dog indoors, and head for work
the way you can in warmer months.
If your dog spends time outdoors, such
as when you’re at work, he must have
shelter from the wind. A raised doghouse
filled with straw can keep your pet toasty
in most average winter weather. However,
during times of strong winds, heavy snowfall, or very low temperatures, there’s
no two ways about it: Your dog needs to
come inside where it’s warm.
Cold weather can also be dehydrating, so
keep a non-frozen source of water available
at all times.
One last cold-weather tip for dog lovers:
A dog’s body temperature runs higher than
ours, so snuggle up with your canine best
friend and watch the snow falling through
the window. It’s the best cure for the winter blues out there!
Dr. Marty Becker, “America’s Veterinarian,” has
spent his life working toward better health for
pets and the people who love them. The author
of 24 books, Dr. Becker was the resident veterinary contributor on Good Morning America
for 17 years. He is currently a member of the
board of directors of The American Humane
Association as well as its chief veterinary correspondent, a founding member of Core Team
Oz for The Dr. Oz Show, and a member of
the Dr. Oz Advisory Board. When his schedule
allows, he practices at North Idaho Animal
Hospital. Connect with him on Facebook and
on Twitter at @DrMartyBecker.
Alones/shutterstock
T
he love of a good dog can warm the coldest human heart.
Isn’t it only fair we return the favor when it comes to the
dark days of winter? You might have better things to do
than snuggle with your dog all winter long.
LuckyPuppymag.com
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9/15/16 8:20 AM