We all have that one friend that just wants to be outside no matter what the temperature. It’s hard to explain to your dog why they cannot be out there when its freezing. And freezing moisture like rain, snow, sleet is especially dangerous as it sticks to their fur. We all have heard the phrase if you are cold, they are cold, and some of us have chased dogs around trying to rescue them from the cold. Some dogs are built for the cold, and some dogs just aren’t. We can’t lump them all in to one category.
We do live in Oklahoma, and we have learned to be prepared for all kinds of weather. Boy do we get the extremes. I compiled a list of knowledge bombs regarding cold temperatures with dogs.
1. If temperatures are below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, then dogs will feel uncomfortable, but according to PetMD once the outside temp drops below 20 degrees F then dogs can experience frost bite and hypothermia. We should be paying particular attention to paws that can be damaged if they are cold. Additionally, if they are wet or have ice stuck between their toes that should be cleared when they come back inside to warm up.
2. Cold weather gear for the dog that isn’t bred for cold weather, or isn’t properly acclimated. If your dog is conditioned to run in the snow and pull a sled, then this may not apply to you. But if your dog lives in a climate-controlled abode on the regular you might consider getting them a coat and boots.
3. Nose Balm is a must for the dry cracked noses. Just like humans, the dry air wreaks havoc on sensitive areas. The nose gets moist and then dries out over and over again wicking all the oils off. The nose balm can also be used on paws to keep them supple.
4. Dogs that are super young or super old are more effected by the cold. Smaller dogs and those with thin coats are more susceptible to problems in cold temperatures.
5. If your dog is shivering its cold (or sometimes excited, but let’s assume cold if its cold outside), if they are holding a paw up or whining. Signs of hypothermia include lethargy, muscle stiffness, weakness, decreased mental alertness, and loss of consciousness.
Ways to help your dog expend energy when they are cooped up indoors.
1. Brain puzzles. Play hide and seek with the treat, or hide treats in a scrunched-up towel/blanket. Or put treats in an old plastic water bottle with the lid removed so the treats fall out. Or buy a ready-made puzzle where your dog must work the puzzle to get the treat. This helps to mentally stimulate the dog when they can’t be outside checking their pee mail.
2. Work on training. Example of an easy to train command:
Leave it. Put a treat in your hand and show it to the dog, when they act interested close your hand and say “leave it”. Do this over and over again watching for your dog to check your eyes for a command. When the dog successfully ‘leaves it’ then let them have the treat. Do it again, and each time make them wait longer to get the treat. As you indicate the dog can get the treat use a marker like “ok” to indicate its ok to get the treat.
3. Take them to doggy daycare. Always a great way to expend energy. Make sure your doggy daycare has plenty of play space, and has a plan for cold days.
4. Bundle up and go play in the snow. Always fun but be sure to have some towels in the dryer when you get home. Pull a fresh warm towel out when you get home and let your dog snuggle up.
5. Make a tiktok and become internet famous. Create a facebook page to show off your good boi/girl. Do a photo shoot with fun hats. OF course this is all way more fun for the humans than it is for the dog, but they love that you are including them in your life.
Stay warm today friends. Snuggle up with your dog. Don’t leave them outside by themselves in inclement weather.
