Puppies and Cold Winter Weather
Protecting Young Dogs From Frostbite, Snow, Bitter Cold Temperatures
Dec 24, 2008 Victoria Anisman-Reiner
Winter is here, and for dog owners that means walks through both crisp, beautiful snow and dirty, salty slush. Your dog needs to be walked even in bad weather – and that's doubly true for a puppy, whose energy levels continue undaunted by the chilly temperatures outside.
Virtually every dog loves the snow, but they are anything but sensible about how long it's safe for them to stay out in it. The following tips are a guideline for keeping your puppy safe and happy while giving him or her enough exercise throughout the winter.
Err on the Side of Caution
How long your dog can spend outside will depend on the dog's breed, age and haircut – as well as the temperature on any given day.
Young puppies of some breeds (chihuahuas and other small types, especially those bred for warmer climates) can get too cold in minutes, while older puppies of breeds like the St. Bernard or Alaskan Malamute, which were bred to survive snowstorms, can safely handle over an hour outdoors in sub-zero temperatures.
There really is no firm equation for figuring out how long your individual puppy is safe to stay outside, but if there's any doubt it's usually a good idea to cut walks and romps in the snow short rather than risking frostbite or a chill. This is especially true if the temperature is more than a few degrees below zero.
Keep Walks Short and Frequent
One of the best ways to cut down on your pup's exposure to the cold, while still ensuring enough exercise, is to take it out often for short walks. If your schedule allows it, four or five brief walks (no more than 10 to 15 minutes) staggered through the day is ideal. This gives most pups enough activity to keep them from destroying things inside the house, but also protects them from the cold.
If your work schedule makes it impossible for you to walk the dog that often, see if a neighbor or relative might be willing to drop by during the day and run the pup outside for a few minutes. But even if your dog is only getting one or two walks, it's best to keep them short and sweet.
For some families, it's inevitable that puppy will be inside more often in the winter than during the warm summer months. Additional toys, especially hard chew toys, can occupy most dogs for hours and help take the edge off that insatiable puppy energy.
Bundle Up, Pup!
If you're going out on a longer excursion, or if the weather turns particularly grim, it's always a good idea to be prepared with some additional warmth for the puppy. Most pet stores stock a wide range of doggie boots, sweaters, and even waterproof coats to protect pups from the elements.
Boots are a good idea for any city dog, since the salt and other chemicals used on city roads and sidewalks can be harmful to dogs' feet – and toxic if ingested (many dogs will lick and clean their feet after a walk). Boots keep salt from harming the pads of the feet, and they also keep snow from collecting in the sensitive places between your dog's toes where it can cause problems.
If your dog is of a breed whose coat grows out and needs to be trimmed, keeping his or her fur long throughout the winter helps protect your pup from the elements and means you won't necessarily have to worry about a sweater or coat so your puppy can enjoy the snow and winter weather.
This St. Bernard Pup is Equipped for Cold Weather
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