After two dogs died, we want to talk about how to keep your furry companions safe outside in the winter.
In the last few weeks, two tragic deaths of beloved pets have occurred after the dogs fell through the ice at local area lakes.
One incident occurred at Hidden Lake where a small dog became trapped on the ice the morning of December 12. Firefighters responded and sent divers and rescuers into the water, however, the dog slipped under and was unable to be revived.
The other incident occurred in Douglas County, and a dog became stuck on ice on a pond after chasing a goose and getting away from its owner. The dog struggled and fell through the ice and was unable to be rescued.
Rescue teams were called and gave a valiant effort in both cases and none were injured; the pet owners did not follow their dogs onto the ice, which is, while sometimes a hard choice, the safest course of action.
Very cold temperatures this November and December have led to some earlier-than-normal formation of ice on local bodies of water, and dogs can unknowingly find themselves in a very dangerous situation. Pet owners need to be aware of changing conditions, we all know Colorado winters can be very unpredictable.
There are several ways pet owners can keep their pets safe in cold weather and wintry conditions.
Avoid Ice at All Costs
The American Kennel Club lists this as their No. 1 safety tip for dogs in winter. Ice is often thin and can crack easily and suddenly. Dogs, owners, and those who try to help them can all be subject to injury or worse when the ice cracks. Slipping on the ice is also very dangerous and can result in a range of injuries to pets and humans, some quite severe. Ice is bad news and it's always best to avoid it and save your dog the risk of anything happening. Planning your dog’s outside time away from potential ice hazards such as lakes, rivers, and ponds is advisable in winter months. An emergency on the ice can happen very quickly, and in a split second, can turn into a very scary and potentially fatal situation.
Limit Outside Time
Freezing and below-freezing temperatures can cause frostbite on dogs, so it's wise to limit outside time during very cold temperatures. A lack of blood flow due to frostbite will start to turn a dog’s skin very pale, often with a white to a bluish hue. The skin will feel brittle, and the dog is at risk for skin ulcers and blisters and can even cause death in the tissue surrounding the affected skin.
Avoid leaving dogs outside for long periods of time to prevent frostbite. Short bursts of time outside to let out energy and take care of other business is a good idea, as is playing with dogs a little more inside when the temperatures drop.
Bundle Fido Up!
When we go outside in frigid and cold winter weather we layer on coats, hats gloves, and the like. Dogs need this same protection, too—especially very small dogs and those with thin hair, as well as aging dogs. While some dogs are well-equipped with thick fur to keep them warm all winter, not every dog has this, so if needed, making that purchase of a coat for your pup is a well-spent investment.
Take Care of Those Paws!
Winter is hard on those little pooch paws and keeping them clean and protected from the elements is going to keep your dog healthy through many winters. Cleaning your dog’s feet after a walk outside in the snow will greatly benefit your dog, and you. Think about all the things that dogs walk over on the ground: other dog’s poo, chemicals from deicers, ice, debris, and mud are all examples of things our dogs can step in and through outside in the snow. Not only can these cause damage to the footpads, but it can also be tracked in and then licked off their paws by dogs who can inject harmful chemicals and substances.
There are special booties for dogs that will protect their feet in colder months. Though to some this may seem silly, it really is logical, humans don’t walk around in the snow and cold barefoot, why would we expect our dogs to do it? Rubbing petroleum jelly on a dog’s feet prior to going outside will also offer a layer of protection against the elements and protect from salt and more.
Antifreeze Is LETHAL!
Antifreeze is lethal to dogs and a very serious issue if ingested. In winter, this becomes a big issue when antifreeze starts to leak and leave residue and drips in the street. A single teaspoon can cause severe sickness and vomiting in dogs, as well as seizures and can lead to death.
We all love our furry family members and want to keep them safe in winter and hazardous weather. Keeping these simple tips in mind can save your dog’s life. It's always wise to be prepared, as well as to be willing to play with and tire your dog out inside if it's too cold or dangerous to go out. Always be prepared for sudden weather changes, as well as unexpected ice and other hazards popping up as we move into winter and want to keep our pets active, healthy, and happy.
How do you keep your dog safe in winter? Give us the scoop in the details, be careful out there, and keep those four-legged family members safe.