Protect your dog against the cold
When frost and snow arrive, the vast majority of roads in Denmark are salted to prevent icy conditions on sidewalks and roads. But what does this mean for our dogs' paws? And how do I know if my dog needs a jacket to protect itself from the cold?
When we salt our roads in Denmark
When walking our dogs in winter, it is difficult to avoid salted sidewalks and roads. Unfortunately, the salt causes pain in our beloved dogs' paws for the following two reasons:
- The salt stings in the paw's cracks and crevices
- The freezing point drops when we sprinkle salt on ice. This temperature is "dog-cold" for paws and also causes pain for the dog.
Onlinehund.dk/en/ recommends using paw wax before going for a walk with your dog in the winter. Paw wax creates a protective film around the paws, creating a good barrier against snow, slush, and salt. This also prevents the dog's paws from drying out. Paw wax generally contains salicylic acid, which opens the blood vessels in the paw, allowing heat to be transferred from the blood to the paws. If the dog has long hair between its paws, it is a good idea to trim it, as snow can easily gather and form hard ice clumps that are uncomfortable to walk on. Also, be aware of frozen puddles, as every year we see many cut paw pads resulting from sharp ice.
Keep your dog warm
We live in a world with many different breeds of dogs, and just like human skin is different, so is a dog's coat. Some dogs have no undercoat, some have a lot, and others simply get cold easily. So protect your dog from the cold, use paw wax, and give them a jacket if necessary.
If you are unsure if your dog needs a jacket to protect them from the cold, you can observe the following:
Cramped posture 👉 the dog hunches and tucks its tail under itself
Trembling 👉 the dog's coat bristles and it begins to shake Restlessness 👉 the dog shows clear signs of discomfort, whimpers, or shows signs of wanting to go home Lethargy 👉 the dog moves slower, seems generally dull, and unwilling
In addition, you should avoid letting your dog eat snow. When the dog eats snow, the bacteria from excrement can flourish in the dog's intestinal system and cause a bad stomach. Road salt and sand in snow can also irritate the intestinal mucosa and cause tears, and the dog will bleed from the anus.
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