The New Year is approaching and those of us in Ann Arbor, Chelsea, and the rest of southeast Michigan have well and truly entered into the Michigan Gray Days™. Compounded by the annual loss to Ohio State this past weekend, things can be looking pretty bleak for some.
Nonetheless, the snows and rains will fall regardless, so it’s a choice to not let it affect you too much this winter! Take joy in the fact that your pups probably love it anyway and see if you can’t capture some of their infectious and loving positivity.
Having said all of that, we’ve got some winter safety tips for dogs and dog owners. As temperatures drop and snows thicken, take heed of some of these warnings and we’ll continue to be a resource for you as much as we can at Wags to Wiskers Pet Supplies, your favorite pet supplies shop in the Ann Arbor area and Chelsea area.
Winter Safety Tips for Dogs
Protect Those Pupper Paws!
Have you ever watched the Iditarod? The sled dog teams have booties for their paws. Now, we know that most of our dogs aren’t going to be sprinting thousands of miles across the Alaskan tundra this winter, but the ice and snow and salt can still cause abrasions, injuries, and cuts to your dog’s paws.
Stop by your local Wags to Wiskers Pet Supplies stores in the Ann Arbor, MI area (2270 W. Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103) or the Chelsea, MI area (1192 S. Main St, Chelsea, MI, 48118) for some ways to protect your dog’s paws. We’ve got booties, paw protection balms, dog-friendly salt that still melts ice, and some other ways to improve your dog’s winter experience.
Avoid Ice, Especially the Thin Kind!
As tempting as it is to walk around on the Huron River at Gallup Park this winter, please please please be careful! We would HATE to hear of one of our WagsFam injuring or losing their fur family due to thin ice and cold waters.
Thick ice can be tough for dogs too. Slipping and sliding can cause muscular injuries or bruising due to how hard ice is. If you’re going to ignore our warnings, at least make 150% certain that the ice can withhold your combined weight and exercise as much caution as possible. We don’t recommend playing fetch on frozen ponds.
Get a Winter Trim!
Another winter safety tip for dogs is to get a winter haircut from your local groomer. Specifically, the hair on the feet of long-haired dogs can collect salt, ice balls, and other winter materials between pads and toes. You can cut these at home if you’re careful, but it’s best to ensure that as a whole, your dog’s fur is well trimmed going into the winter season. If you get them groomed soon, they’ll have some time to grow a thicker mane as winter comes on.
Keep the Paws Clean
If you’re not going to invest in booties or paw balm or dog-friendly deicer, then our next recommendation would be ensuring that your dog’s paws and feet are staying dry and clean. A towel by the backdoor should suffice - we also have some mats and towels specifically for these conditions so come to your local Wags to Wiskers Pet Supplies stores in the Ann Arbor, MI area (2270 W. Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103) or the Chelsea, MI area (1192 S. Main St, Chelsea, MI, 48118) and speak with an associate about them.
With neighborhood and city streets coated with deicing substances, it’s important to wash off your dog’s feet. Small cuts can become bigger problems due to these substances. Some people keep a bucket next to the door to rinse their dog’s feet as soon as they come in from the cold. Use warm water and make sure to reach spots between the toes and pads.
Stay on the Clock
Last winter we had some extremely cold days here in southeast Michigan. Temperatures in single digits with windchill well below zero. Dogs can suffer from frostbite, especially in their extremities: ears, tails, paws. In extreme cold, it’s a good idea to keep dogs inside or limit their time spent outside. Northern breeds that love low temperatures (such as huskies and malamutes) and have thick fur coats would be an exception to this rule - good luck getting them in from the snow! Be aware of the major signs of frostbite, which include skin that appears white or blue.
Canine enrichment with Kong
Make the Indoors Fun
Even the pups that love romping around in the snow will be spending some extra time indoors this winter. It’s natural that pet parents will be a little less motivated to get their daily walk in or to go the distance to get your dog the exercise they need.
Stop by your local Wags to Wiskers Pet Supplies stores in the Ann Arbor, MI area (2270 W. Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103) or the Chelsea, MI area (1192 S. Main St, Chelsea, MI, 48118) for some ideas on making the indoors extra fun: we’ll show you some engagement and enrichment activities, a new line of exciting and semi-indestructible toys, and share a few of our best ideas to help winter pass positively.
Bundle Up
This is especially important for smaller dogs or dogs with thin fur coats. The same principles apply to YOU: you wouldn’t go out in a blizzard with one layer separating the snow from your skin, would you?
We’ve got some sweaters, jackets, mitts, even hats that dogs can wear to stay warm this winter! Bonus: it’s fun to dress them up and they look extra cute.
Keep your Dog’s Age in Mind
Similar to humans, very young and very old dogs have a more difficult time regulating their body temperatures. Because of this, changes in weather and atmosphere can cause more extreme reactions to their normal body functions. Very young puppies and senior dogs shouldn’t spend a ton of time outdoors, in general as it can be a risk with their weakened immune systems.
Antifreeze can be Deadly
Some signs that your dog (or cat) has ingested antifreeze:
Drooling
Vomiting
Seizures
Excessive thirst or panting
Lethargy or a drunken appearance.
If you think your dog has ingested antifreeze, it’s important to get to a vet as soon as possible! Even if you keep your antifreeze safely tucked away, there is still a danger from residue in the streets. Most antifreeze is green ethylene glycol, but it comes in several different colors so keep an eye out on where your dog is sniffing or licking.
Winter Safety Tips for Dogs
Conclusion
Hopefully these winter safety tips for dogs can help you keep your pups happy and healthy this winter! We’ll be with you every step of the way and we hope to see you and your fur family in-store soon. Let us know what winter strategies and tips have worked for you either on social media or in the comments below!