How to Keep Your Dog Safe in The Winter: 7 Tips

Temperatures are dropping, which means it’s time to think about the best ways to keep your pooch happy and healthy in the colder weather. Here are 7 tips to keep your dog safe in the winter.

Is it summer yet?!

1. Keep Them Warm on Walks

Some breeds feel the cold more than others and may need a little help staying warm. A coat can help them to maintain a good temperature, but if you’re worried, it may be best to limit the time they spend outdoors. Puppies and senior dogs will need to be particularly careful in cold temperatures.

2. Reduce Their Portion Size if Needed

If your dog is less active during the winter, they may require smaller portion sizes at mealtimes. Ensuring your dog stays a healthy weight is very important for their overall health and wellbeing.

3. Check Their Paws

After they’ve been outside, make sure their paws are clean. The salt used to keep sidewalks safe can damage paw pads, so rinsing them with warm water is a good idea. The paws of long-haired dogs can be prone to ice balls, due to the snow compacting – trimming the hair on their feet can help to prevent this.

@lyra_edel - Wash Your Paws Collection

4. Stay Visible During Walks

If you tend to walk your dog when it’s dark, ensure both of you can easily be seen by vehicles. Wearing something reflective will help you to be visible. Perhaps choose a reflective lead, collar, or dog coat so your pooch can easily be seen too.

5. Avoid Areas of Frozen Water

Walking across frozen water is very dangerous, as the ice may crack, and you run the risk of your dog and/or you falling into the water. Falling into freezing cold water can be deadly, so it’s best to avoid the risk altogether by keeping your dog away.

6. Be Mindful of the Dangers of Antifreeze

Antifreeze is extremely poisonous to dogs, so it’s very important that it's stored safely away from dogs, other pets, and children. If you fear your pet may have swallowed antifreeze, it’s best to take them straight to a vet to be checked.  

7. Don’t Leave Them Unattended in Cars

Just as it’s dangerous to leave dogs unattended in cars when there are hot temperatures, it’s also a very bad idea to leave them unattended in cold cars, where temperatures can drop very quickly. Always take your dog with you when you leave the car.

Now that we've discussed how to keep your dog safe in the winter, why not accessorize your winter walks with our waggish apparel! Choose your breed to find designs featuring your pooch, or perhaps opt for a fun dog slogan. Browse all our collections to find your new favorites.