caring for your house cat

Winter weather can be pretty rough on your furry family member, especially if he has a shorter coat. You should watch your dog extra carefully during the winter months and not keep him outside for too long. Freezing temperatures can result in frostbite, dehydration and hypothermia in your dog. Here are five helpful tips for keeping your dog safe in the winter:

Dress Your Dog in Protective Clothing

Taking your dog for walks in the winter can be beneficial for his health, but the harsh temperatures can still be rough on his body. If your pooch does not have a lot of fur, consider putting a sweater on him before heading out the door. It is also a good idea to protect his paws with paw pads.

Make Sure Your Dog Has Plenty of Water

If your dog likes to play outdoors a lot in the winter, it is even more important to keep his dish full with water. Keeping warm in freezing temperatures takes a lot of energy, which can result in dehydration. If your pooch drinks plenty of water throughout the day, he will stay healthy and hydrated.

Be Careful With Salt

When your dog walks around during the winter, he can get salt on his paws, resulting in irritation. Remember to wipe your dog's paws down with a damp towel when he comes back inside.

Watch Out for Antifreeze

Antifreeze is a deadly poison to dogs, but many canines are attracted to its sweet smell. That is why it is very important to look for spills in your driveway and garage and clean them up as soon as possible.

Pay Attention to Signs of Exposure

Whether your dog is playing in the backyard or walking with you to the park, you need to look out for signs of exposure. If your pooch shivers, whines, stops moving or looks nervous, the cold temperatures are bothering him. It is definitely time to take your dog inside to warm up. Keeping your dog out in the cold too long can lead to hypothermia and other dangerous issues.

While you do not have to keep your dog inside the entire winter, you do have to watch him a lot more carefully. If your dog does experience frostbite or hypothermia, do not wait to take him to an animal hospital. Waiting too long can make things a lot worse for your pooch.