If you think you have to leave your dog indoors while you and your family enjoy the snow, think again. Dogs can be a great source of joy and adventure in cold climates. The great variety in the canine species means that many dogs can enjoy winter activities. You, your family, and your dog can share many kinds of cold-weather fun.

SNOW PROOF YOUR DOG
In northern climates throughout the world, dogs live and play outdoors quite comfortably in extreme temperatures. In many parts of the United States, however, dogs are used to living in climate-controlled homes. These dogs lack conditioning to cold weather, and need to be protected and acclimated to the lower temperatures. A good rule of thumb, then, is to be safe: slowly introduce your dog to the cold weather. Then, enjoy!

We humans put on warm clothes to venture into the snow, but most dogs can dispense with added layers. Large breeds and heavily coated dogs usually do just fine in the cold. It is extremely unlikely that these dogs will suffer frostbite or hypothermia on an outdoor jaunt, even in the coldest of weather, especially if you make sure to keep them moving. However, if your pet is a small, fragile breed with little body fat (such as Chihuahuas, Italian greyhounds, whippets, miniature pinschers, and so on), or just a small house dog that shivers in cold weather, I suggest that you purchase a warm winter coat or sweater made just for dogs.

LIVING OUTDOORS:

If you intend to house your dog in an outdoor enclosure in a cold winter area, take some common-sense precautions. If your dog will live outdoors for a period of time, make sure he has access to a shelter that is wind-free and dry. Use wood chips or straw for insulation in the enclosure. They’ll keep your dog much warmer and dryer than rugs or mats.

FROSTBITE: Some people worry that their dogs will get frostbite from running around in bare feet in the snow. Fortunately, dogs have remarkable collateral circulation in their legs and toes, which makes frostbite of these body parts rare. However, dogs can suffer from frostbite elsewhere, especially in the genital areas. If these areas are reddened, thickened, and not pliable to the touch, this is an emergency. Call a veterinarian immediately.

HYPOTHERMIA: Most dogs are quite resistant to hypothermia except under extreme cold conditions seen in the very northern United States, and in Canada and Alaska. Certain breeds of dogs, however, have coat textures that tend to cause snow to stick to their coat. These “snow balls” can melt next to their skin and significantly lower their body temperature. Inspect your dog’s coat from time to time to make sure this isn’t a problem.

SALT: Many people wonder if the salt dumped on urban streets to melt snow is a problem for dogs. In theory, high salt concentrations can cause irritation between a dog’s toes, and licking and swallowing a lot of salt can promote some gastrointestinal distress. Washing your dog’s feet after a walk should take care of most of the problem. If you have a lot of salt in your area, you may want to consider purchasing “booties.” However, it has been my observation that the salt is far more damaging to the vegetation than to the dogs!