Your Dog and Winter Weather

It is starting to get colder and colder and the winter weather will be here before we know it. Here are a few tips to keep your dog safe this winter.

•  Antifreeze is very dangerous to all pets. It tastes sweet to them, but is very poisonous if consumed. Store your antifreeze in a place where your pet will not get into it.

• If your dog has a water bowl outside check it regularly to make sure it is not frozen.

• When it falls below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, it's best to keep your pet indoors.

• If your dog stays inside more when it is cold outside she is getting less exercise and may need less food. 

• Check paws regularly if you do a lot of walking in the cold or snow. I like to rub my dogs paws with paw cream before each walk.

• Keep your dog well groomed as matted hair will not protect your dog in the cold. 

• If you must keep your dog outside make sure he has a dog house that is large enough for him to sit and lay in. You want this house to be raised off the ground and cover the floor with straw or blankets. I would make sure the house faces away from the wind and has a heavy plastic door to keep out the rain and snow. 

Winter is a fun time of year for your dog, but we need to make sure they are protected from the cold just like we are.