FOUR PAWS gives tips for the winter
Hamburg. Cold weather, snow, icy sidewalks and grit can be challenging for dogs. The global animal welfare foundation FOUR PAWS gives tips on how to protect your four-legged friend.
How to protect dog paws
Sharp ice edges, clumps of snow and grit affect dogs' paws and can cause painful cracks in the pads' calluses or chafing between the toes. Dr. Sabrina Karl, qualified biologist and pet expert at FOUR PAWS, recommends: “With high-fat paw care you can counteract injuries and keep paw pads supple and support their regeneration. If the dog has longer fur on its paws, it is advisable to carefully trim it between the toes, especially in winter. This reduces the risk of lumps of snow or ice forming there, which can lead to painful friction or It also makes sense to wash and dry your paws thoroughly after every winter walk.”
Special dog shoes protect against slipping, painful lumps of snow or injuries, especially on very long walks or in very cold regions, and keep the paws warm. “When it comes to dog shoes, make sure they fit well to allow for proper heat regulation and to avoid bruising or rubbing,” says Dr. Sabrina Karl. “For most dogs, it takes some getting used to walking in dog shoes. Give your four-legged friend time to get used to it and practice putting them on well in advance of their first use.”
Be careful around rivers and lakes
Caution is particularly advised around rivers and lakes. “If the surface is not yet frozen solid enough, the dog can quickly break through the thin ice. If you want to be on the safe side, it is better not to let your dog walk near water without a leash, even if it is allowed in the relevant area,” says the FOUR PAWS expert.
Can my dog eat snow?
Many dogs enjoy playing in or eating snow. “In principle, dogs are allowed to eat snow in small quantities, as long as it is fresh and clean. However, the cold can irritate the stomach lining of large quantities or animals with sensitive stomachs. Possible symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, increased salivation or fever. Snow can be dangerous for the dog if it has been contaminated with road salt or highly toxic antifreeze – as can be the case near sidewalks. Large amounts of cold snow also remove heat from the body, which leads to hypothermia can lead,” says Dr. Sabrina Karl. “If the dog shows noticeably changed behavior or symptoms of illness after a walk, you should go to a veterinary practice as quickly as possible.”
How do I see if my dog is cold?
Dogs should always be kept in view when walking in cold weather conditions. “If the dog is shaking, has a hunched posture or is whining, then he is freezing. Now it's time to get warm as quickly as possible – also because dogs can catch a cold or get a bladder infection. To do this, you can increase the running speed in the short term, because more exercise also leads to more heat production in the body of dogs,” says Dr. Sabrina Karl. “In winter, it may make sense to shorten the dog's walks. It is better to take several short walks throughout the day rather than one long one if the cold is affecting the dog.”
Does my dog need a coat?
Cold tolerance varies greatly from animal to animal. Depending on their age, state of health, coat density, size, activity level and nutritional status, some dogs freeze more quickly than others – a dog coat can then make sense. “In wet and cold weather, a warm coat makes sense for short-haired or short-legged breeds such as Dobermans, greyhounds or Chihuahuas,” says the pet expert. For dogs that already have thicker fur and therefore natural thermal protection, frequent brushing can help remove dead skin cells and optimally distribute the natural fat in the fur.