Dogs Need Protection from Cold Weather too!

A common question many veterinarians hear from dog owners is “how long can my dog be out in the cold for?”. The answer depends on your dog! Some breeds, like the Husky, were built for the cold. They could spend all day outdoors and be totally content. Other breeds, however, like the Italian Greyhound, can’t stay outside for more then a couple of minutes when the temperatures are below freezing. Your dog will usually let you know if they are getting too cold. If he is standing and shivering, picking up a foot, or asking to be picked up, it is time to come inside. If he is running and rolling in the snow, and appears to be having fun, then his fur coat is keeping him warm and he can stay outside. Owners also ask whether or not their dog should wear a coat and booties. For dogs with a short, thin hair coat (like a Vizla), a coat can allow him to stay outside longer. Booties can help protect your dog’s feet from the cold, sand and salt that is on the sidewalks and roads. When snow gets packed in between the toes, dogs may get cold sooner and want to come inside. Also, the sand and salt can sometimes irritate the feet. Dogs often need to get acclimated to wearing booties. If you put them on and your dog dislikes them, try giving yummy treats whenever you put the booties on so she associates the booties with a reward. If your dog doesn’t tolerate booties, another option is a product called “Musher’s Secret”. This is a wax that you put on the bottom of your pet’s feet and it helps protect his paws. This product is sold at Westgate Pet Clinic in Minneapolis. Not all dogs need to wear booties. Most veterinarians recommend them if your dog gets cold quickly when outside, or if her feet get irritated when being out in the cold.