Paws And Snowflakes: Winter Care For Dogs

Snowflakes fall, the world is still,
A winter’s magic, soft and chill.
Paws print patterns in the white,
As dogs chase snowflakes in the light.

Here comes winter! The season is full of fun and joy. A season to rejoice and a season to unwind. Winters feel like the weekend. Everyone’s home for winter vacations and festivities. And who is the happiest of them all? Dogs in the winter! The smell of yummy snacks flows through the corridor, and there’s so much more to explore during this beautiful season. It’s a time for cozy moments by the fire, warm cups of cocoa, and the joy of seeing the world transformed into a winter wonderland. While we appreciate the season’s beauty, it’s crucial to remember that our animal friends have particular difficulties during the colder months. Do dogs feel the cold? Dogs are also affected by the cold, with their coats occasionally less able to withstand the chilly winds and their paws feeling cold against the icy ground.

Winter can be a beautiful season for you and your dog, but it also requires extra attention to ensure your pet’s health and safety. Here are key things to remember when caring for your dog during the colder months. Here’s how to take care of dogs in winter:

Health is wealth

Seasonal changes make it common to fall sick due to the ever-changing atmosphere. Pets also feel the chill of the season, which is why we must take care of their health. Winter care for dogs is extremely important. Here’s how to take care of your pet’s ultimate wealth- their health:

1. Avoid Bathing and water activities

Do dogs feel cold? They do. Even though they have thick fur and warm coats, they feel the chill. Unless extremely important, ensure that your pets are away from water sources. No frolicking by the beaches or playing in the water bucket. While it’s important to bathe your pets every 10 days, make sure the water is warm enough for your pets. Post bathing activities, pat your dog dry thoroughly, and maybe take them outdoors in the sun. This way, your pet will enjoy the sun’s warmth after the cool of water. If your dog gets wet from snow or rain, dry them off immediately. Damp fur can lead to discomfort, chills, or even hypothermia.

2. The Fashionistas

Bundle them up! Making your pets wear warm sweaters or shirts is a lovely idea. While your pet looks adorable in shirts and sweaters, sweaters will keep them warm and fuzzy through winter. Who doesn’t like a well-dressed, dapper doggo?

3. Paws Care

The ground is chilly, which may cause your pets’ paws to crack or chap. Road salt, antifreeze, and other chemicals used to de-ice sidewalks and roads can also irritate your dog’s paws. Always wipe your dog’s paws after walks and check for cracks or signs of injury. Small boots or dog shoes can help protect paws from the chilly floor and keep them well-insulated and warm.

4. Less outdoorsy- more indoorsy

Outdoor activities should be limited to a great extent and avoided whenever necessary. The cold winter breeze and unfavorable temperatures can affect your pet’s health. Since pets do love the outdoors and the fun it brings, here is what you can do:

Create a warm space at home for your pets to rest.
Some fun games and indoor fun activities can be arranged.
Talk and engage with them so they don’t feel left out or lonely.
Games such as hide-and-seek can stimulate their minds and provide physical activity. Fetch using a soft toy or ball in a hallway or large living room. Tug-of-war is a great way to engage in a fun and active game with your dog. Use a sturdy rope or a tug toy to ensure you get a good workout.

Food Habits

Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean your dog doesn’t need water. Ensure they have access to fresh water at all times. Always ensure that pets have access to lukewarm to normal temperature drinking water since water bowls may get cold and not be drinkable. Certain festive foods are not meant for pets!! Here is a list of a few food items that may be potentially toxic to your pets and are best avoided at all costs:

Chocolate

Toxic Ingredient: Theobromine and caffeine
Why It’s Toxic: Chocolate, especially dark chocolate and cocoa, contains theobromine, which dogs cannot metabolize effectively. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death in severe cases.

Christmas Threat: Desserts, such as chocolate logs, chocolate-covered nuts, hot chocolate, and chocolate candy, are dangerous.

Grapes and Raisins

Toxic Ingredient: Unknown toxin (possibly a naturally occurring substance)
Why It’s Toxic: Even small amounts of grapes or raisins can cause acute kidney failure in dogs. Symptoms may include vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and diarrhea.
Christmas Threat: Fruitcakes, mince pies, and some holiday cookies often contain raisins or dried fruit.

Onions and Garlic

Toxic Ingredient: Thiosulfates
Why It’s Toxic: Both onions and garlic (in any form, including powdered) can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells, leading to anemia. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and, in extreme cases, organ damage.
Christmas Threat: Stuffing, gravy, roasted vegetables, or any dishes with these ingredients can be harmful.

Alcohol

Toxic Ingredient: Ethanol
Why It’s Toxic: Alcohol can quickly depress a dog’s central nervous system, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lack of coordination, respiratory failure, and even death.
Christmas Threat: Cocktails, wine, eggnog, and any leftover alcohol are highly dangerous.

Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener)

Toxic Ingredient: Xylitol
Why It’s Toxic: Xylitol, often found in sugar-free gum, candy, and some baked goods, causes a rapid release of insulin in dogs, which can lead to severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, liver failure, and even death.
Christmas Threat: Sugar-free Christmas candy, gum, and some baked goods may contain xylitol.

Mouldy or Spoiled Food

Toxic Ingredient: Mycotoxins (fungal toxins)
Why It’s Toxic: Mouldy or spoiled food, especially if it contains nuts, cheese, or other perishable items, can contain mycotoxins that cause tremors, seizures, and digestive upset.
Christmas Threat: Leftovers, discarded food, or anything left out for a prolonged period can become moldy and pose a danger.

Fatty Foods and Grease

Toxic Ingredient: High-fat content
Why It’s Toxic: Fatty foods can cause pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, which is potentially life-threatening. Symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain, and lethargy.
Christmas Threat: Roast meats (especially turkey skin or ham), gravy, and fatty leftovers can trigger this condition.

Cinnamon and Nutmeg

Toxic Ingredient: Myristicin (in nutmeg)
Why It’s Toxic: Nutmeg contains myristicin, a compound that can cause hallucinations, seizures, and digestive distress in dogs. Cinnamon, in large amounts, can irritate the mouth and digestive tract.
Christmas Threat: Many Christmas desserts and drinks (like cinnamon rolls, eggnog, and pumpkin pie) contain these spices.

Caffeine

Toxic Ingredient: Caffeine
Why It’s Toxic: Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, causing symptoms like restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and, in severe cases, seizures or death.
Christmas Threat: Coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate-covered espresso beans are common during the holiday season.

Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog has consumed any of the above toxic foods. In some cases, quick intervention can prevent severe health issues. Always keep the phone number of your local emergency vet clinic handy. Keep harmful foods out of reach: Store food securely, and never feed your dog scraps or leftovers from the holiday table. Alternatively, you can always provide safe treats. Make sure your dog has its own special, dog-friendly treats to enjoy during the festivities.

Stay Alert for Winter Allergies

Finally, ensure your pets are not exposed to allergens or allergy-triggering agents this season. Just as people can suffer from allergies in winter, dogs can be affected, too. Indoor allergens like mold, dust mites, and seasonal plants can trigger symptoms. Watch for signs of itching, sneezing, or watery eyes, and take your pets to the vet for advice on managing allergies.

And lastly, do not forget to enjoy this season with your pets! Have fun, sing, dance along, and eat tons of food. Just take extra precautionary steps while celebrating. Give dog-friendly treats and goodies, keep them warm and bundled up, and laugh, talk, and love openly! Here’s to the fun season!

Each bark a laugh, each tail a song,
They carry winter’s magic along.
In snowy fields, they run and play,
While winter’s wonders lead the way.