Protecting Dogs In The Winter Freeze: The Experts Speak on Bark and Swagger

Records continue to break as one of the coldest waves of winter weather sweeps across the nation. New York City, our home, was hit with the harshest temperatures in 20 years. The Polar Vortex has reared it’s ugly head. Unless your dog is trained to go on a wee wee pad, they need walks and they do need exercise. In some households, dogs are kept outside for long periods. What do we do to make sure we’re protecting the animals we love and who rely on us to take good care of them? Experts from The Humane Society of the United States, Detroit Dog Rescue and the Maryland SPCA all weighed in on protecting dogs in the winter freeze.

* Keep dogs inside as much as possible. Walks in harsh winter weather should be limited to relieving themselves and a little exercise. The rule of thumb seems to be, if you’re cold, chances are your dog is, too. And with temps in some states descending well below zero, hypothermia and frostbite are real dangers to both you and your dog.

* If your dog lives, for the most part, outdoors and you can’t bring them inside, make sure they have a secure, completely covered and insulated dog house. The dog house should be raised off the ground and have a generous bed of straw (avoid hay), for them to lay on. It’s extremely dangerous to your dog to be left tied to a porch, tree or anything outside unprotected from the elements. I can’t even recommend a good dog house because I really don’t think a dog should be living outdoors in this. FYI, the Maryland SPCA says don’t leave your dog outside for extended periods in very cold weather, period.

* Outdoor dogs may need more food in winter. Keeping warm burns a lot of energy. The recommendation is to consult with your vet about increasing your dog’s food intake under these conditions.

* Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water, preferably in a plastic bowl, as metal bowls can make the water freeze. Dogs, apparently, shouldn’t lick frozen water as it may contain bacteria that can make them sick.

Quinzee Coat

* Keep your dog warm outside. To some (not us Bark and Swagger readers, of course!), putting clothes on a dog may seem frivolous, but it can and will keep your dog warm in harsh weather. So, unless you have a big, hearty and furry dog, the experts recommend putting a coat or warm sweater on or layers, if you need to. Keep their core and their feet warm and dry.

Ruffwear is my go to for real protection for Sophie in harsh cold. Their Quinzee coat is quilted, insulated, down-filled and made for extreme weather. Price is $84.95.

* Protect your dog’s paws from the salt spread on the street that will burn their pads. Extreme cold can also give them frostbite. I’ve vowed to get Sophie used to booties this winter. Until now, I’ve carried her when I see salt and I wipe her paws down well after walks. I think booties offer far better protection, even for big dogs.

Musher’s Secret

Musher’s Secret was made to protect dogs paws from salt, sand and ice. It actually forms a waxy coat on paws so the salt can’t get through, so it’s perfect for snowy conditions. Price is $16.55.

And, I like these soft paw booties, made from hydroflex coated fabric which is all waterproof. They have a fleece lining for warmth and a non-skid surface and come in sizes that will fit a teacup, up to a 100+ lb dog. Price is $18.00.

Soft Paw Protectors

* The Maryland SPCA recommends not letting your dog off leash in the snow or ice because they can become disoriented. More dogs, apparently, are lost in the winter than any other season. Make sure you have proper ID on your dog, a microchip and a good sturdy leash. I love PetHub and wrote about them in my preventing pet theft post. They have a comprehensive system that provides four-tiered protection for your pet: QR code; online pet profile; 24/7 found pet hotline; GPS tracking. And, their tags are really cool looking.

* Make sure after walks, you wipe your dog’s legs, belly and paws down completely. Anti-freeze, which is poisonous to dogs and cats, can get on their paws during a walk, as can bacteria and snow-melting salt. All are dangerous for your dog to lick when grooming themselves.

* Have a blizzard or severe storm evacuation plan that includes your pets. In the case of a power outage, your dog or cat will not be able to survive the cold in the house by themselves. If you’re going to a hotel or motel, they need to come with.

* Offer your dog a warm place to sleep, away from drafts, preferably with a blanket. We have to put a fleece on Sophie when it gets very cold outside because it’s too cold for her in our apartment and she shivers.

* Never leave your dog in the car alone, in cold or heat. They can’t tolerate it and it can kill them.

*  Most of all, in harsh winter weather, keep your dog with you. If you have her with you, you’re there to protect her.

Let’s keep our pups safe during this crazy cold spell. It’s a perfect time to huddle, cuddle and get cozy.

Until next time…

(Disclosure:  If you choose to purchase any of the suggested items in this post, I will receive a small compensation from the company, which goes towards keeping Bark and Swagger up and running and towards the monthly donations I make to rescue and animal rights organizations.)