Indianapolis, IN – January 26, 2007 – While it’s easy to think that dogs are immune to cold because of their fur, the fact is that more dogs perish due to stress in the winter than at any other time of the year. Frostbite, hypothermia and even death are real dangers to dogs as the snow piles up and the mercury drops. In many parts of our country, special precautions are required to protect our canine friends from the cold. The following guidelines are based on Bark Busters’ expertise in dog behavior and the experience of the company’s network of dog behavioral therapists who have successfully trained more than 350,000 dogs worldwide.
Watch for frostbite or hypothermia
Puppies, smaller dogs and older dogs should not be left outdoors below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. With proper shelter (see below), other dogs can be safe down to 20 degrees. However, be alert to signs of frostbite or hypothermia. Dogs’ ears, paws and tails are especially susceptible. If you suspect frostbite, bring your dog into a warm location and soak the affected area with warm water for about 20 minutes. In the meantime, contact your veterinarian. Always wipe your dog’s feet after a walk in the snow to remove iceballs and salt deposits from the road. Signs of hypothermia are shivering, lethargy, low heart rate and unresponsiveness. If you notice any of these signs, bring your dog into a warm area, place a light blanket over him, and call your veterinarian. Short-haired dogs, such as Chihuahuas and Greyhounds, will need a sweater. Leaving the warm temperature of a house to go outside can result in immediate chilling for these dogs.
Provide a protective shelter
If your dog stays outside much of the time in the winter, make certain that the doghouse meets certain minimum criteria. First, it needs to be raised a couple of inches off the frozen ground or concrete. The inside needs to have a blanket, cedar shavings or straw. Change the blanket frequently because the blanket will get wet from the dog and create more of a problem. Add a flap to the door, and face the doghouse away from the weather. Place the dog house under a roof or other shelter to keep snow off its roof. The size of the doghouse should be large enough so your dog can sit and stand, but small enough so his body heat will be retained in the house. Provide water frequently and in plastic dishes to ensure the dog’s tongue does not get stuck to cold metal.
Keep older, arthritic dogs inside
These dogs should not be left outside under any circumstances. Escort the older dog outside for toileting, and use a leash if the yard has ice or snow. Older dogs can easily fall and seriously injure themselves.
Provide some added nutrition
Dogs will use more calories in the winter if they remain active. This will require the amount of food to be increased by about 10%. However, many dogs become less active in the winter because their owners don’t walk them as frequently or they are not outside as often. If that is the case, do not increase the amount of food. Many dogs add extra weight in the winter, which should be avoided if the dog is less active.
Eliminate the possibility of poisoning
Many dogs become very sick or lose their life by drinking antifreeze. Dogs like the taste of antifreeze. When left in the garage, dogs will often find a plastic container that was inadvertently left on the floor and try to open it. Make certain that all antifreeze containers are well out of reach of dogs.
Further train your dog during the winter while inside
Dogs that spend less time outside during the winter can become lethargic – or, in some cases, they become hyper. The best way to keep your dog active or to use his excess energy is to cause him to think. Providing 10‑15 minutes of training daily on basics such as sit, stay, come, and walking on leash will energize the lethargic dog and cause the hyper dog to be more tired. Providing 10‑15 minutes of workout twice per day will be even better.
“Winter months can be just as hazardous as the dog days of summer,” said Liam Crowe, Master Dog Behavioral Therapist and COO of Bark Busters. By taking the right precautions and using good old common sense you can help protect your dog from the dangers of a harsh, winter climate.
About Bark Busters:Bark Busters, the world’s largest, most trusted dog training company, started in Australia in 1989 and came to the United States in 2000. Since inception, over 350,000 dogs have been trained worldwide using its dog-friendly, natural method. With 200+ franchised offices in 40 states and more than 300 offices in 8 countries, Bark Busters is continuing its mission to build a global network of dog behavioral therapists to enhance responsible dog ownership and reduce the possibility of maltreatment, abandonment, and euthanasia of companion dogs. Bark Busters is the only international dog training company that offers a written lifetime guarantee. Therapists will provide future sessions free of charge if problem behaviors recur, or if any new problems develop. For more information, call 1-877-500-BARK (2275) or visit www.barkbusters.com, where dog owners can complete a Dog Behavioral Quiz to rate their dogs’ behavior.
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